Vintage Bulova Ladies' Pendant Watch, 10K Gold Filled / Sterling Silver Case
Jewelry (Watch Pendant) · Bulova Watch Company. Established in 1875 by Joseph Bulova in New York. Renowned for Swiss-American precision and the first ever radio/TV advertisements.
Pattern: Art Deco / Transitional Mid-Century Ladies' Cocktail Pendant; specific model likely from the 'Goddess of Time' or 'Miss Liberty' design lineage.
Type
Jewelry (Watch Pendant)
Maker
Bulova Watch Company. Established in 1875 by Joseph Bulova in New York. Renowned for Swiss-American precision and the first ever radio/TV advertisements.
Material
Likely 10K Gold Filled or Silver Gilt (Vermeil). The case is likely a base metal or sterling silver core with a thick gold bonded finish. Includes a mechanical Swiss movement and acrylic/glass crystal.
Dimensions
Appx 25mm height excluding bail; 15mm width. Weight approximately 8-12 grams including the movement.
Description
An elegant and diminutive ladies' pendant watch featuring a rectangular dial with rounded corners, housed in a tonneau-shaped case. The scalloped, high-relief fluting at the top and bottom adds a sense of verticality and flair, typical of the mid-century's embrace of feminine glamour. The dial shows a light creamy patina, preserving the original 'Bulova' signature and 'Swiss' designation at 6 o'clock.
Key Features
Integrated shell-motif lugs; suspension bail for use as a necklace; high-grade mechanical Swiss movement; signature Bulova typography.
Material & Composition
Likely 10K Gold Filled or Silver Gilt (Vermeil). The case is likely a base metal or sterling silver core with a thick gold bonded finish. Includes a mechanical Swiss movement and acrylic/glass crystal.
Finish & Decoration
Fluted fan-like shell motifs at the lugs; sunburst or brushed textured dial with stylized Arabic numerals. The case features a polished finish with engine-turned or die-struck bezel detailing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped 'BULOVA' on the dial; the inside case back typically features 'BULOVA', '10K GOLD FILLED', or 'STERLING' and 'L0' through 'L9' for dating (1950s).
Construction Details
Two-piece snap-back case construction. The decorative lugs were produced using die-striking and then soldered to the central watch frame. Hand-assembled Swiss movement.
Functional Features
Mechanical manual-wind movement; crown at 3 o'clock for setting and winding; top suspension ring for attachment to a necklace chain.
Handle & Grip Details
Original fluted winding crown, likely gold-capped. Suspension bail is a simple oval jump ring, possibly a later replacement or reinforced for safety.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-struck case work with crisp definition on the fluting; high-quality movement assembly typical of mid-tier luxury of the mid-20th century.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the 'Bulova' text; font style consistent with 1950s production; characteristic case shape; mechanical tick of the movement.
Origin & Manufacturing
Movement manufactured in Bienne, Switzerland; Case manufactured in the USA (likely Providence, RI or Sag Harbor, NY factory).
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern with late Art Deco influences (c. 1940s-1950s); characterized by the 'cocktail' aesthetic and transition from wrist to pendant wear.
Age Estimate
Circa 1948-1955. The dial typography and lug style are textbook for Bulova's post-WWII feminine lines.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war shift where watches transitioned from purely utilitarian tools to high-fashion accessories and heirloom gifts for milestones like graduations or weddings.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The metal shows light surface scratches and minor patina (tarnish) in the crevices of the fluting. The crystal shows light scuffing. Dial shows even aging but remains legible.
Value Estimate
$75 - $225 USD. Value depends significantly on whether the movement is currently running and the exact gold content of the case.
Care & Maintenance
Do not submerge in water; clean case with a dry microfiber cloth or specialized silver/gold polishing cloth. Movement should be serviced by a watchmaker every 5 years.
Similar Pieces
Hamilton 'Lady Lancaster' pendant watches (higher jewel count), Elgin pendant watches (often more floral), or Waltham (often more conservative).
Interesting Facts
Bulova was the first company to offer a full range of ladies' watches, recognizing that women were a primary market for precision jewelry long before their competitors.