During the 1950s through the 1970s, the mechanisms created by Swiss watchmaker Bueche Girod were so admired that other jewelry houses such as Cartier — by then already quite revered for its striking timepieces — sourced cases and manual winding movements from the company. The brand also produced watches for Bulova and Universal Genève. While the fruit of these collaborations can be found on the secondhand market by enthusiasts of vintage watches, Bueche Girod-branded watches are scarce, making them highly collectible today.
In 1947, in Biel/Bienne, Vital Bueche founded Bueche Girod, combining his last name with that of his wife, Edwige Girod, for the company name. Over the years, the brand’s brilliant Swiss engineering garnered international acclaim, and its fussy detailing lured in customers, too.
Today’s collectors of shaped watches will find lots to love in vintage Bueche Girod designs and jewelry watch lovers are likely in the know about the manufacturer, which frequently adorned its bezels and dials with gemstones in an attempt to target the high-end American market. Its 18K gold, diamond-encrusted ladies watches epitomized luxury and catered to the very social cocktail party set of the mid-20th century.
Bueche Girod also has a history of being a favorite brand among the rich and famous. Comedian and watch collector Jerry Lewis owned a Bueche Girod, and Frank Sinatra wore one while performing at the Sands Casino. A million dollars was reportedly spent on wardrobe for Martin Scorsese’s crime drama Casino, and while jewelry collectors are likely familiar with the BVLGARI accessories worn by Sharon Stone's character in the movie, some of the budget went to the Bueche Girod watch worn by Robert De Niro in the film.
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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.
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