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Preliminary identification

Bulova Crystal Chronograph Watch, Octagonal Bezel Series

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A high-glamour quartz chronograph from Bulova's 'Crystal' collection, featuring an octagonal bezel and a fully pavé-set dial and bracelet.

Story

Joseph Bulova opened his first jewelry store in Maiden Lane, New York, in 1875, but it was his obsession with precision that changed timekeeping forever.

Maker / Origin

Bulova is a titan of American horology, famous for creating the first standardized mass-production of watches and the revolutionary Accutron, the world's first fully electronic watch.

Condition & Value

The watch appears to be in very good cosmetic condition with no immediately visible missing crystals. The functionality of the quartz movement and chronograph pushers would need to be verified. The presence of the original box and extra links would push the value toward the higher end of the range.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
  • ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD