Vintage Ladies Bulova Cocktail Watch with Geometric Art Deco Case
Bulova · Jewelry & Watches > Watches > Wristwatches
Era / Decade
1950s (likely late 40s to mid 50s based on the petite case size and geometric lug design)
Material
Gold-tone/Gold-filled base metal case with a stainless steel-backed expansion band; possibly 10k RGP (Rolled Gold Plate)
Condition
Fair to Good. Visible brassing and plating wear on the crown and edges; crystal appears slightly clouded. Functionality is unknown (mechanical wind-up).
Demand Level
Moderate. There is a steady niche for vintage 'cocktail mirrors', though current trends favor larger men's vintage watches.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$35 (Non-working/Parts) - $65 (Working) - $110 (Serviced/Excellent)
Estimated Retail Value
$75 - $125 (inflation-adjusted historical retail)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay 'Sold' listings for similar 1950s Bulova ladies watches range from $25 for non-runners to $85 for clean, working examples with original boxes.
Description
Elegant vintage ladies Bulova cocktail watch featuring a petite champagne dial with gold-tone Arabic numerals and indices. The watch showcases a unique geometric shield-style case with architectural lugs. It is paired with a vintage matching gold-tone expansion bracelet. Mechanical manual-wind movement.
Key Features
High brand recognition (Bulova), iconic mid-century cocktail styling, geometric Art Deco-inspired lugs, original era-appropriate expansion band.
Authenticity Indicators
Dial logo matches period-accurate Bulova typography; case back should have a date code (e.g., L4 for 1954). High confidence in authenticity.
Flaws to Note
Plating wear (pitting) on the underside of the case and crown; scratches on the acrylic crystal; unknown mechanical state—likely requires a professional cleaning or 'COA' (Clean, Oil, Adjust).
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy (best for vintage jewelry enthusiasts) or eBay (highest volume of watch collectors).
Selling Tips
Check for a date code on the case back (letter followed by number). Always state if the watch is 'keeping time' or 'untested'. Use macro photography for the dial and movement if possible. Keywords: Mid-Century Modern, Cocktail Watch, Art Deco, 10k RGP, Mechanical.