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.
Find vintage Bueche Girod watches on 1stDibs.
Diamond and Gold Ring Watch by Bueche Girod
By Bueche Girod
Located in Midhurst, GB
This completely fabulous Bueche Girod ring watch, crafted in gold and adorned with 20 diamonds, epitomises Swiss luxury. Founded in 1947, the brand is renowned for its exquisite fusi...
Diamond, Gold
Mauboussin Iolite and Diamond Gold Ring
By Mauboussin
Located in Darnestown, MD
This elegant Mauboussin ring is centered with a richly colored iolite surrounded by a cluster of diamonds on either side. Ring is size 4 1/4 but can be sized up or down. The front is...
Diamond, Iolite, 18k Gold
Diamond and Gold Bow Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
This expressive cocktail ring is offered by Claris-A and is designed as a blooming flower, combining polished yellow gold and set with white diamonds. The petals unfold in an elegant...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Ring Watch, circa 1920
Located in Firenze, IT
Altair Ladies Swiss Gold Diamond Hinged Covered; size: 7
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Emerald and Diamond 18K Gold Ring by Tiffany & Co.
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This immaculate 18K yellow gold ring by Tiffany & Co. features a stunning 3.15-carat oval sugarloaf cabochon emerald, of certified Colombian origi...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Gold and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Composed of 66 round brilliant cut diamonds. - Round brilliant cut diamonds weigh a total of approximately 1.30 carats - Signed with Bvlgari with serial number - 18 karat yellow gol...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Retro Gold and Diamonds Bow Ring
Located in Darnestown, MD
This E\eighteen karat gold and diamonds Bow Ring that is totally Retro in design. Very sculptural and interesting from all angles. It is size 7 bu...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Emerald and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Emerald & Diamond Ring AGL Certified Colombian Yellow Gold Emerald Weight: approx 21.00 Cts Approx Diamond Weight: 6.16 Cts Ring Size: 6.25 Re-sizable free of charge
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
This elegant ring, offered by Claris-A is centered on a vivid yellow sapphire, presented in a refined, structured setting that emphasizes balance and symmetry. The sapphire is framed...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique White Gold Diamond Ring Watch Circa 1890's
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A true masterpiece of craftsmanship, this unique timepiece seamlessly blends jewellery and horology, making it an exceptional collector's item. At its heart, the ring showcases a ma...
Diamond, White Gold
18 Carat Gold and Diamond Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold ring set with a vertical of 17 baguette cut diamonds around which are 46 brilliant cut diamonds (app. 3.2 carats), poinçon de maître JC, France, circa 1980. weight:...
White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Gold Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond cocktail ring features a central row of princess-cut diamonds (0.68 carats) flanked by a row of custom-cut tapered ruby baguettes (2.87 carats). The design is co...
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Inlaid Hardstone, Diamond and Gold Ring by Asch Grossbardt
By Asch Grossbardt
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage 14K yellow gold ring by Asch Grossbardt is designed in an organic motif, and is masterfully set with inlaid Mother-of-Pearl, Malachite, Coral, Black Onyx and Lapis-lazu...
Onyx, Malachite, Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, Coral, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold