Bulova Ladies Gold Tonneau | Complete Set with Fifth Avenue Box and Papers

Bulova Ladies Cocktail Watch | Gold Filled | Complete Set with Fifth Avenue Box and Papers

Description

This Bulova ladies cocktail watch comes with its original "Bulova Fifth Avenue New York" presentation box, the original Bulova warranty papers, and the ivory Bulova display stand. Finding a complete set like this from the mid-20th century is rare. Most watches of this era lost their boxes and papers decades ago.

The watch itself is a delicate gold filled tonneau case with a petite cream dial featuring understated hour markers. The distinctive feature is the bracelet: twisted X-shaped gold links create an open, filigree-like effect that gives the bracelet a jewellery-forward character. The blue satin lining inside the presentation box and the Bulova ballerina motif on the papers confirm the era.

Bulova, founded in New York in 1875, was one of America's premier watchmakers through the 20th century. Their ladies cocktail watches were designed as formal accessories, meant to be worn at evening events where discretion and elegance were valued above bold presence.

Key Features

• Brand: Bulova
• Model: Ladies Cocktail Watch
• Movement: Mechanical hand-wind
• Case Material: Gold filled
• Case Shape: Tonneau
• Dial: Cream with understated markers
• Bracelet: Twisted X-link gold filled
• Extras: Original Bulova Fifth Avenue presentation box, warranty papers, display stand
• Origin: USA / Swiss movement

Specifications

• Reference:
• Case Width:
• Lug to Lug:
• Case Thickness:

Condition Report

• Dial: Cream dial in good vintage condition, legible.
• Case: Gold filled tonneau case retains colour.
• Bracelet: Twisted X-link gold filled bracelet intact and functional.
• Crystal: Minor surface marks consistent with age.
• Movement: Mechanical, running.
• Box: Original Bulova Fifth Avenue New York presentation box with blue satin lining. Shows age marks. Gold corner hinges intact.
• Papers: Original Bulova warranty papers present with ballerina motif.
• Display Stand: Ivory-coloured Bulova branded stand present.

Historical Significance

Bulova was founded by Joseph Bulova in New York City in 1875 and became one of the most important American watch companies of the 20th century. The brand pioneered watch advertising, was the first to advertise on television in 1941, and supplied timing instruments to the US military. Their ladies cocktail watches from the 1940s and 1950s represent the height of American dress watch design, combining Swiss-quality movements with distinctly American case and bracelet styling.

A museum-quality complete set with original box, papers, and display stand. The kind of vintage Bulova package that collectors specifically seek out.