Bulova - Classics Art Deco - 7977 - 1960-1969

Bulova Art Deco Pocket Watch (Gold-Filled, Swiss Made) – Elegant Hunter Case with Date Display –

Model Overview:

This elegant Bulova hunter-case pocket watch represents the refined design language of the late 1960s to early 1970s, combining classic pocket watch aesthetics with a modern touch through its integrated date display. Manufactured in Switzerland for Bulova, it features a beautifully brushed champagne dial with stylised Arabic numerals and slim baton hands, housed in a gold-filled hunter case with a finely engine-turned exterior.

Unlike traditional railroad pocket watches, this model was designed as a sophisticated dress timepiece, reflecting Bulova's transition into modern luxury accessories during the period. Pocket watches with a date complication are considerably less common than standard two-hand examples, making this an appealing collector's piece.

Technical Specifications

Brand: Bulova
Model: Hunter Case Pocket Watch
Movement: Manual winding, Bulova Calibre N8, 17 Jewels, Swiss Made
Country of Manufacture: Switzerland
Production Era: Circa 1969–1971
Case Number: PN 79771 (inside case)

Case

Material: Gold-filled / Gold-plated case
Dimensions: Approx. 39 mm (excluding bow)
Bezel: Smooth polished bezel
Crystal: Acrylic crystal
Water Resistance: Not tested (not intended for water exposure)

Dial & Hands
Dial Colour: Champagne sunburst brushed finish
Markers: Applied stylised Arabic numerals
Date: Yes, framed aperture at 6 o'clock
Branding: Bulova logo beneath 12 o'clock, "Swiss Made" above 6 o'clock
Hands: Slim blued steel baton hands

Movement

This watch is fitted with a Swiss-made Bulova manual-winding movement featuring 17 jewels and Bulova's Uni-Adjust system, designed to improve positional accuracy. The movement is clean, correctly signed, and reflects the high manufacturing standards Bulova maintained during this period. Manual-winding Bulova pocket watches from this era are known for their reliability and ease of servicing.

Caseback

Material: Gold-filled
Attachment: Front-opening hunter case with hinged cover
Exterior: Fine engine-turned linear pattern
Interior Engravings: PN 79771, Swiss, Bulova Watch Co., N8

Notable Historical / Brand Context

During the 1960s and early 1970s, Bulova continued producing refined pocket watches for customers who appreciated traditional horology while embracing contemporary styling. Models like this bridged classic craftsmanship and modern elegance, incorporating features such as a date display into a minimalist Art Deco-inspired design. Today these later Swiss-made Bulova pocket watches are becoming increasingly sought after, especially in original condition with untouched dials and signed movements.

Collector Appeal & Value Potential

This piece will appeal to collectors of Bulova, vintage Swiss pocket watches, and Art Deco-inspired dress watches. The combination of a hunter case, elegant champagne dial, manual movement, and uncommon date complication makes it stand out from standard pocket watches of the era. As vintage Bulova timepieces continue to gain appreciation among collectors, well-preserved examples like this remain attractive additions to any collection.

Condition Report
Very attractive vintage condition.
Original signed Bulova dial with light age-related patina.
Case shows honest wear consistent with age and use.
Hunter cover opens and closes correctly.
Original signed Swiss manual movement.
Movement appears clean and well preserved.
Running at the time of cataloguing; long-term accuracy and water resistance are not guaranteed.
Please study the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.
Delivery

Packaging: Carefully packed in a protective generic watch box.

Shipping: Secure, insured, and tracked shipping from the European Union. Any customs duties or import taxes remain the responsibility of the buyer.

Collector's Note

The movement shown is Bulova Calibre N8 (17 jewels, Uni-Adjust). The "N8" visible inside the case is Bulova's date code indicating 1968, which places this watch at the very end of the 1960s. This makes it a particularly attractive transitional Bulova model, combining classic pocket watch styling with the more modern date complication that became fashionable during that period.

Carefully packaging and registered shipping from EU