First PVD Coated Watch by Bulova

Submitted by JimDon5822 on September 27, 2021 - 7:07pm

Here is a watch out of scope of MyBulova that I had to share from a historical perspective.   It is a 1974 Bulova Caravelle model #41893-9W.  It is a black PVD coated case with an amazing silver/blue/black "TRON" dial.   Doing research I found that the first PVD coated watch was credited to the 1972 Porsche Design experimental chronograph.    The next record of one I can find is a 1975 Heuer Monaco which is given credit as the first PVD coated production watch.  Quite rare and only 22 known to exist out of 100 or so produced.   Well this Caravelle predates this by one year as it has an N4 date code and is in the 1974 Linebook. It appears two models were introduced, this one and a yellow gold bezel with gold/black/silver "Tron" dial.   This has got to be the unicorn of unicorns for Caravelle and Bulova should deserve more credit for being a pioneer in PVD watches.   

Caravelle TronCaravelle Tron

Andersok
Posted September 28, 2021 - 12:20pm

Very nice back story on a really cool design. I've been a fan of Caravelle and many of their stylish and unusual designs during their first two decades.