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Of all the design movements of the 20th century, none captured the spirit of glamour, optimism, and modernity quite like Art Deco. It was an era of explosive creativity, and for the world of horology, it was a time when the wristwatch truly came into its own as an essential article of personal expression. This exquisite ladies’ Bulova is a perfect, wearable artifact from that dazzling period.
During the Jazz Age and beyond, Bulova stood at the forefront of American watchmaking, mastering not only the art of precision but also the art of style. The brand understood that a watch was a statement, and they produced some of the most stunning and fashionable designs of the era. This timepiece is a clinic in Art Deco principles: the elongated tonneau case, the bold contrast of gold on black, and the stylized numerals all speak to a design language that was confident, geometric, and unapologetically elegant. Powering it is the American-made Bulova Caliber 10AK, a robust and reliable manually-wound movement that proves that even the most delicate designs of the era were built with quality engineering at their core.
This particular example is a truly stunning survivor. The centerpiece is its glossy black dial, which remains in phenomenal condition for its age. The warm, gilt Arabic numerals are rendered in a quintessential Deco font, retaining their crisp edges and metallic sheen. This beautiful contrast is carried through to the elegant handset and the intricate, geometric subsidiary seconds register at 6 o’clock. The watch’s gold-filled case and its matching integrated link bracelet are a testament to the holistic design approach of the time; this was conceived as a single, flowing piece of jewelry to adorn the wrist.
For a watch that is likely approaching its centenary, the condition is nothing short of remarkable. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, a rarity for black dials of this vintage. The case and bracelet show the gentle, honest wear one would hope for in a piece that was clearly loved and worn, telling the quiet story of its journey through time. It is, without question, a true time capsule from a bygone era.
