This vintage Caravelle is a great example of the international manufacturing behind Bulova’s affordable mechanical watches during the late 1970s. While the design has the familiar field-watch character seen across earlier Caravelle models, this example features a French-made movement and dates specifically to 1978.
The compact 31.4mm case measures approximately 38.0mm lug-to-lug, giving it classic vintage proportions and a comfortable presence on the wrist.
The dial features a clean field-style layout with an outer minute track, bold Arabic numerals, and a striking red centre seconds hand. The “WATER RESISTANT” marking reinforces its practical character, while the small “FRANCE MVY-T” marking at the bottom indicates French dial production and the use of Tritium luminous material.
Inside is the 7-jewel Caliber 1281-50, a manually wound mechanical movement marked “CARAVELLE WATCH,” “SEVEN 7 JEWELS,” “1281-50,” “UNADJUSTED,” and “FRANCE.” The movement was sourced from France for Caravelle’s affordable mechanical range, illustrating the international production network Bulova used during this period.
The N8 date code identifies the watch as 1978, placing it firmly in the late mechanical era just as quartz technology was transforming the traditional watch industry. Caravelle continued to offer inexpensive mechanical watches during this transition, making examples like this an interesting snapshot of the period.
A compact and highly wearable vintage field-style watch with a French mechanical movement, red sweep seconds, and unmistakable late-1970s character.
This vintage Caravelle is a great example of the international manufacturing behind Bulova’s affordable mechanical watches during the late 1970s. While the design has the familiar field-watch character seen across earlier Caravelle models, this example features a French-made movement and dates specifically to 1978.
The compact 31.4mm case measures approximately 38.0mm lug-to-lug, giving it classic vintage proportions and a comfortable presence on the wrist.
The dial features a clean field-style layout with an outer minute track, bold Arabic numerals, and a striking red centre seconds hand. The “WATER RESISTANT” marking reinforces its practical character, while the small “FRANCE MVY-T” marking at the bottom indicates French dial production and the use of Tritium luminous material.
Inside is the 7-jewel Caliber 1281-50, a manually wound mechanical movement marked “CARAVELLE WATCH,” “SEVEN 7 JEWELS,” “1281-50,” “UNADJUSTED,” and “FRANCE.” The movement was sourced from France for Caravelle’s affordable mechanical range, illustrating the international production network Bulova used during this period.
The N8 date code identifies the watch as 1978, placing it firmly in the late mechanical era just as quartz technology was transforming the traditional watch industry. Caravelle continued to offer inexpensive mechanical watches during this transition, making examples like this an interesting snapshot of the period.
A compact and highly wearable vintage field-style watch with a French mechanical movement, red sweep seconds, and unmistakable late-1970s character.