This vintage Caravelle is a wonderful example of the affordable mechanical watches introduced by the Bulova Watch Company during the 1960s. Caravelle was created to offer dependable mechanical watches at a more accessible price point, and this example combines a simple, highly legible design with a higher-grade 17-jewel Swiss movement.
The compact 31.4mm case measures just 38.1mm from lug to lug and 9.4mm thick, giving it the slim proportions associated with mid-century watches. It is an especially nice size for anyone who appreciates the smaller, understated dimensions of vintage timepieces.
The cream-coloured dial has a distinctly field-watch-inspired appearance, with large stylized Arabic numerals and simple markers providing excellent legibility. The dial is signed CARAVELLE below 12 o’clock and WATER RESISTANT above 6. Syringe-style hour and minute hands are paired with a contrasting red centre seconds hand, adding a subtle but striking touch of colour.
Inside is the Caliber 1281.60, a Swiss-made manual-winding movement with 17 jewels, marked “SWISS,” “UNADJUSTED,” and “1281.60.” The 17-jewel configuration provides jeweled bearings at key points throughout the movement to reduce friction and wear. The movement also features attractive perlage-style finishing, an unexpected detail for a watch designed as an affordable alternative within the Bulova family.
The watch is photographed against a vintage Bulova Christmas advertisement featuring “Distinguished Christmas Gifts by Bulova” and “America Runs on Bulova Time.” It provides a charming glimpse into the period when watches like this were marketed as attainable yet meaningful gifts.
Small, slim, and unmistakably mid-century, this Caravelle offers the charm of a vintage Swiss mechanical watch without the size or price associated with many luxury pieces. A fantastic little Caravelle with a wonderfully legible field-style dial, quality 17-jewel movement, and plenty of authentic 1960s character.
This vintage Caravelle is a wonderful example of the affordable mechanical watches introduced by the Bulova Watch Company during the 1960s. Caravelle was created to offer dependable mechanical watches at a more accessible price point, and this example combines a simple, highly legible design with a higher-grade 17-jewel Swiss movement.
The compact 31.4mm case measures just 38.1mm from lug to lug and 9.4mm thick, giving it the slim proportions associated with mid-century watches. It is an especially nice size for anyone who appreciates the smaller, understated dimensions of vintage timepieces.
The cream-coloured dial has a distinctly field-watch-inspired appearance, with large stylized Arabic numerals and simple markers providing excellent legibility. The dial is signed CARAVELLE below 12 o’clock and WATER RESISTANT above 6. Syringe-style hour and minute hands are paired with a contrasting red centre seconds hand, adding a subtle but striking touch of colour.
Inside is the Caliber 1281.60, a Swiss-made manual-winding movement with 17 jewels, marked “SWISS,” “UNADJUSTED,” and “1281.60.” The 17-jewel configuration provides jeweled bearings at key points throughout the movement to reduce friction and wear. The movement also features attractive perlage-style finishing, an unexpected detail for a watch designed as an affordable alternative within the Bulova family.
The watch is photographed against a vintage Bulova Christmas advertisement featuring “Distinguished Christmas Gifts by Bulova” and “America Runs on Bulova Time.” It provides a charming glimpse into the period when watches like this were marketed as attainable yet meaningful gifts.
Small, slim, and unmistakably mid-century, this Caravelle offers the charm of a vintage Swiss mechanical watch without the size or price associated with many luxury pieces. A fantastic little Caravelle with a wonderfully legible field-style dial, quality 17-jewel movement, and plenty of authentic 1960s character.