Don't miss the next drop
In the grand narrative of American watchmaking, Bulova stands as a titan. They didn’t just make watches; they defined what an American watch could be—precise, attainable, and brilliantly marketed. While their military pieces and groundbreaking Accutrons get much of the attention, it’s arguably in their ladies’ “Goddess of Time” collections that the brand’s flair for glamour truly shines. These weren’t just timepieces; they were jewels that ticked, the perfect accessory for the optimism and elegance of the post-war 1950s.
The 1950s saw a return to femininity and formality in fashion. It was the era of the cocktail party, and a lady’s accessories were paramount. Bulova met the moment with exquisite watches that blurred the line between horology and haute joaillerie. Crafted from precious metals and adorned with diamonds, these pieces were aspirational symbols of style and sophistication. At their heart beat tiny, robust manual-winding mechanical movements—marvels of miniaturization that represented the pinnacle of the craft before the quartz revolution. To mistake one of these for a modern, battery-powered watch would be to miss the point entirely; this is artistry, through and through.
This particular example is a spectacular survivor, rendered in lustrous 14k solid white gold. Its design is pure mid-century elegance: a delicate, round case is encircled by a scintillating halo of brilliant-cut diamonds. The sparkle continues onto the integrated bracelet, whose articulated, geometric links are also diamond-set, creating a seamless flow of brilliance around the wrist. The silvered dial is clean and understated, with simple applied markers and a svelte handset, correctly allowing the diamond and gold work to take center stage. It is a masterclass in balance and proportion.
