Overview
A quintessential Jazz Age timepiece featuring a tonneau-shaped case with architectural 'stepped' lugs and a mechanical hand-wound movement.
Preliminary identification
Bulova Art Deco Women's Watch, c.1927
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Story
In 1927, the same year Charles Lindbergh completed his solo flight across the Atlantic, this watch was likely sitting in a jeweler's velvet-lined case.
Maker / Origin
Founded by Joseph Bulova in 1875, the company transformed from a small jewelry shop in Maiden Lane, NYC, into a global horological powerhouse.
Condition & Value
The dial shows significant 'foxing' or patina consistent with its nearly 100-year age. The crystal is heavily scratched and the case shows 'brassing' (wear-through of the gold layer) on the high points of the lugs. These signs of a life well-lived are expected, though they keep the value in a conservative range.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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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 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD