Preliminary identification

Bulova Ladies' Two-Tone Dress Watch, c. 1990s

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A classic ladies' wristwatch featuring a two-tone stainless steel and gold-plated finish with a sophisticated concentric-circle dial.

Story

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

Maker / Origin

Bulova is a titan of American horology, famous for creating the first full line of ladies' watches in 1924 and the revolutionary Accutron in 1960.

Condition & Value

There is visible surface scratching on the gold-tone bezel and some minor wear on the bracelet links consistent with regular use. The crystal appears clear, but the functionality (whether it runs with a fresh battery) is the primary value driver. Visible wear to the plating reduces value by roughly 20%.

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