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. The iolite stone is about 5 carats. Total diamond weight 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
Edwardian enamel and diamond watch ring, circa 1910.
Located in London, GB
Edwardian enamel and diamond watch ring. Set with thirty one rose cut diamonds in closed back grain and collet settings with a combined approx...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Ring Watch, circa 1945
Located in Firenze, IT
Retro tank watch ring in 14 karat gold and diamond with an octagonal shape, centered on a rectangular watch case. The dial features black enameled Roman numerals on a light gold back...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Gold Platinum and Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1910 Platinum top and 18k yellow Gold Ring, set with two old Mine cut Diamonds totaling 1.50 Carats and further set with several Rose cut Diamonds, the Diamonds grade as H in C...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Tsavorite, Rubellite and Diamond Ring in Rose Gold by LEYSER
By Thomas Leyser
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Vivid green tsavorites meet richly coloured rubellites in this 18K rose gold ring by Thomas Leyser. Three round gemstones of each variety create a lively contrast, complemented by th...
Diamond, Rubelite, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Rose 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...
Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Watcher Statement ring with Diamonds and Pink Tourmaline
Located in Beşiktaş, TR
Crafted in 14K gold, this statement ring reinterprets the ancient symbolism of the eye through a distinctly modern lens. At its center, a vivid pink tourmaline brings a sense of vita...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k 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 Ring White Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond ring features 3 faceted oval-cut rubies of beautiful color (4.29 carats total) in a design of pavé set round diamonds (1.79 carats) with white gold accents. The ...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Red Spinel and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Natural Red Spinel and diamond ring featuring 48 round and baguette diamonds weighing approximately 3 carats. Ring size is 5 1/2. Can be size...
Diamond, Spinel, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Georgian Gold Enamel Diamond Watch Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Georgian period 18k yellow gold watch ring. Featuring blue enamel with rose cut diamonds, porcelain dial with Arabic numerals. Ring size 6, case/top is 18mm in diameter. Watc...
Diamond, Gold, Enamel
Pearl And Diamond Ring 14K Gold
Located in Bradenton, FL
14K Pearl And Diamond Ring. 14K yellow gold ring contains 1 round brilliant cut diamond. WEIGHT: .02 Ct. Approx. Rated SI in clarity and H-I in color. One 7...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
$4,180 / item
Moi Felicia Gold and Diamond Ring
Located in Lawrenceville, GA
A perfect balance of pretty and playful, the Felicia Orchid Ring plays with space. Handcrafted in gold, the ring is dressed in arcs of Natural Brilliant-cut diamonds and micro pavé-s...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
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 of fiery color and crystalline ...
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold