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Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You
Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.
Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.
Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.
Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.
Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To identify your Bulova watch, first look at the back of the case. You should find some variation of the watchmaker's name on the inside or outside. Then, find the symbol or four-digit code that represents the style. You can use an authoritative online resource to match the symbol or number to the manufacturing year and then research the model name from there. On 1stDibs, find a selection of expertly vetted Bulova watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Whether Bulova watches have diamonds in them varies. The American watchmaker produces some timepieces with diamond accents, such as the Men’s 97D108, which has eight gemstones on its face. For its timepieces that are set with gems, Bulova only uses real diamonds. Shop a variety of Bulova watches on 1stDibs.
- Are Bulova watches real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Bulova watches are made from real gold. Bulova makes gold watches that range from nine karat to 24 karat gold, with a select few watches being entirely solid gold. Always purchase Bulova watches from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Browse a large selection of authentic Bulova watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024To spot a fake Bulova watch, first examine the back of the watch.
On timepieces produced before 1950, you will find a symbol that corresponds to the year of production. All Bulova watches made from 1950 onwards should display a two-character code that consists of one letter and one number. Once you find the code, research the watches Bulova produced that year using trusted online resources. Double check that the style of timepiece was in production at that time. Also, look at the Bulova wordmark that appears on the back of the watch case. The American watchmaker has used different wordings for this mark over the years, so confirm that the details of the stamp are appropriate for the year of production.
If you need help determining whether your watch is real or fake, a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert can assist you.
On 1stDibs, explore a range of Bulova watches. - 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell how old your Bulova watch is, look on the back of the case for the date symbol or code. Beginning in 1950, Bulova began adding an alphanumeric code to its timepieces. By cross-referencing the code on your watch to information published on trusted online resources, you can quickly determine the production year of timepieces produced from 1950 onwards. For older watches, you'll need to look for a date symbol. These markings provide clues about the year of production, but Bulova repeated some shapes. For example, squares were the symbol for both 1927 and 1936. As a result of the overlap, you may also need to look at images in catalogues to determine the exact year of production for an older timepiece. Should you have any difficulty dating your watch, seek the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Bulova watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024A few things account for what makes Bulova watches so special. First, the watchmaker has a long history of innovation. One of its signature achievements is the design of its Precisionist movement, which operates at a much higher frequency than standard components, allowing for a higher degree of accuracy when keeping time. Bulova is also known for producing timepieces in a wide range of styles, from the traditional Bulova Classic to the sporty Marine Star to the ultra-modern Curv, which boasted the world's first-ever curved chronograph when it debuted. Bulova's rich heritage also sets the brand apart. The company's history can be traced back to 1875, and the company even produced watches for the Apollo 15 space mission. On 1stDibs, explore an assortment of Bulova watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Whether Bulova watches are made in Japan depends upon the timepiece in question. Historically, Bulova made all of its watches in Switzerland, but in recent years, the brand shifted some production to Japan and Hong Kong. You'll find a collection of Bulova watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Bulova watches are made from the finest materials, which includes real diamonds and gold. As a result they are considered an American luxury watch brand.
- Is Bulova a high-end watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Bulova is a high-end watch. Due to the accessible prices and fine-quality materials of their pieces, Bulova is often thought of as a step above fashion watches or an entry-level luxury brand. Find a variety of Bulova watches on 1stDibs.
- Is Bulova a luxury watch brand?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023Yes, many people consider Bulova a luxury watch brand because its pieces feature quality workmanship and materials and are available at aspirational price points. The American watchmaker was founded in 1875 in New York by Bohemian immigrant Joseph Bulova and is widely known for the tuning fork-based technology it introduced in 1960 as well as its reputable quartz movements. Shop a collection of Bulova watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024Whether your Bulova watch is worth anything depends on its age, style, materials, condition, rarity and other factors. Keeping these factors in mind, you can research how much similar watches have sold for in the past using information shared on reputable online platforms. This can give you a rough idea of how much your watch might sell for. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or experienced dealer for a more precise valuation. Find a diverse assortment of Bulova watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Because Bulova isn't a luxury brand and they made millions of watches, the watches are frequently worth the gold's value that was used to produce them. Sometimes some of the vintage watches are worth more than their original value when resold.
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