Caravelle Ladies Vintage Mechanical Wind Dress Watch
Caravelle (a division of Bulova) · Jewelry & Watches > Watches > Wristwatches
Era / Decade
Early 1960s (indicated by the Caravelle script, 12-3-6-9 dial configuration, and the braided cord strap which was popular in the late 50s and early 60s)
Material
Gold-tone base metal bezel with stainless steel back. Fabric/nylon braided cord strap with metal clasp. Plastic/acrylic crystal.
Condition
Fair to Good. Visible brassing (gold plating wear) on the lugs and crown. The crystal has surface scratches. The dial appears clean, but the cord strap shows fraying and dirt accumulation typical of its age.
Demand Level
Niche. While vintage watches are popular, small ladies' cord watches are currently less in demand than larger or 'boyfriend' style watches, appealing primarily to vintage purists or jewelry collectors.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$15.00 - $35.00 (Low: non-working/repair, Mid: working but worn, High: recently serviced/excellent cosmetic condition)
Estimated Retail Value
$50.00 - $75.00 (comparable modern entry-level fashion dress watches adjusted for inflation)
Comparable Sales
Similar Caravelle cord watches consistently sell on eBay for $18-$28 plus shipping in 'untested' or 'pre-owned' condition. Mint condition or serviced examples can reach $45.
Description
Authentic vintage ladies Caravelle manual-wind dress watch. This elegant timepiece features a unique diamond/marquise shaped gold-tone case with textured floral-like engraved detailing. The dial is silver-toned with gold-applied indices and Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9. It comes on a period-correct black double cord strap with a gold-tone fold-over clasp. A classic mid-century cocktail watch aesthetic.
Key Features
Heritage association with Bulova; mid-century 'Mad Men' era styling; manual wind movement (no batteries required); highly collectible brand for entry-level vintage watch enthusiasts.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. 'Caravelle' logo typeface is consistent with 1960s production. Bulova marks should be present on the interior movement or case back. Red flags are rare for this brand as it was an affordable line and rarely replicated.
Flaws to Note
Significant plating wear on high-friction areas (lug tips and crown); frayed cord strap; unknown movement functionality; scratches on acrylic crystal. Mechanical watches of this age often need professional oiling to keep accurate time.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for vintage watches with global reach), Etsy (emphasize the 'vintage aesthetic'), or local vintage boutiques.
Selling Tips
Must specify if it is 'working' or 'not working'. Wind the crown carefully to see if the second hand moves (if applicable) or if it keeps time for 1 hour. Use the word 'Mid-Century' and 'Cocktail Watch' in the title. Clean the crystal with a tiny bit of Polywatch or toothpaste to remove light scratches and increase eye-appeal.