Volvo wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1960s
This Volvo-branded gentleman's wristwatch is an 18K white gold timepiece produced in the 1960s, attributed to the Swiss manufacturer Buèche-Girod. The watch features a distinct asymmetrical, horizontal rectangular galbé case measuring 37 x 28 mm, designed to resemble a Volvo radiator grille.
It is equipped with a self-winding movement. The gray dial includes vertical stripes, applied white gold pyramidal hour markers, and the Volvo logo painted in black and white enamel. A date aperture is positioned on the dial, which is further detailed with bâton-style hands finished in white gold and black. The timepiece is housed in a two-body, solid polished case with central lugs. The self-winding movement, designated as caliber 11 1/2''', is rhodium-plated and contains 25 jewels.
It features a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance, a shock-absorber, and a self-compensating flat balance-spring.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Automatic wristwatch
- Maker
- Buèche-Girod
- Case shape
- Asymmetrical horizontal rectangular galbé
- Dimensions
- 37 x 28 mm
- Jewel count
- 25
- Case material
- 18K white gold
- Movement type
- Self-winding
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Date indication
- Aperture for the date
- Maker / attribution
- Buèche-Girod
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch case is constructed from 18K white gold and is described as a two-body, solid, polished design. It features a flat bezel and central lugs, with a flat top crystal protecting the dial. The overall geometry is an asymmetrical, horizontal rectangular galbé shape, explicitly noted for its resemblance to a Volvo radiator grille. The dial is gray and finished with stripes. It incorporates applied white gold pyramidal indexes and a black and white enamel-painted Volvo logo with an arrow, positioned below the 1 o'clock marker. A transversal black and white line is included in the logo area, and a date aperture is integrated into the dial layout. The hands are fashioned in a bâton style, featuring a combination of white gold and black.
- Visible features
- • Case is shaped as a Volvo radiator grille • Gray dial features vertical stripes • Volvo logo is painted in black and white enamel • Applied white gold pyramidal indexes are present on the dial
- Movement and Escapement
- The timepiece is driven by a self-winding movement designated as Caliber 11 1/2'''. The movement is rhodium-plated and contains 25 jewels. It utilizes a straight-line lever escapement mechanism. Technical components within the movement include a monometallic balance and a self-compensating flat balance-spring. A shock-absorber is installed to protect the balance staff from impact.
- Condition and Attribution
- The watch is attributed to the manufacturer Buèche-Girod, though this is stated as probable rather than certain. It is noted to have been produced during the 1960s. The auction description reports the condition of the case as 3-11 and the dial as 3-01.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Maker is only attributed as probably Buèche-Girod
- Research required: Exact production year within the 1960s is unverified