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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch

1975 Caravelle by Bulova Manual Wind Wristwatch

Partially verified

This vintage manual wind wristwatch produced under the Caravelle brand by Bulova is dated to 1975 via its 'N5' caseback code. It features a round base metal case measuring 32.6 mm in diameter paired with a stainless steel back. The black dial is marked with stylized silver Arabic numerals, a perimeter minute track, luminous dots, and luminous baton hands alongside a central sweep second hand. The dial is signed 'CARAVELLE' and 'WATER RESISTANT', and the source reports the watch is fitted with a replacement two-piece brown leather strap.

Three-quarter front view of the 1975 Caravelle wristwatch showing the black dial, silver Arabic numerals, and brown leather strap
Three-quarter front view of the 1975 Caravelle wristwatch showing the black dial, silver Arabic numerals, and brown leather strap — SECOND HAND HOROLOGY. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Caravelle by Bulova
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-3158
Source-reported date
1975
Country
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Dating

This manual-wind wristwatch is attributed to the Caravelle line by Bulova. The watch is dated to 1975 based on the 'N5' date code inscribed on the caseback.

The case is constructed from a base metal bezel with a stainless steel back. The dial is signed 'CARAVELLE' and 'Water Resistant', though the specific internal movement caliber remains undocumented in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case is signed “N5” (dated from 1975).”
  • “The dial is signed with the Caravelle name and “Water Resistant” as well.”
  • “Watch Case Markings: CARAVELLE Stainless Steel Back Base Metal Bezel Water Resistant Shock Resistant Anti-Magnetic N5”

Dial and Visual Features

The timepiece features a black dial with silver-tone Arabic numeral hour markers. The layout includes a perimeter minute track and luminous dot markers.

Timekeeping functions are displayed via luminous-filled baton hands and a central sweep seconds hand. The polished silver-tone case shows fine hairline scratches and minor surface wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “Very nice black dial with silver Arabic Numerals, luminous dots, minute tracks and matching silver/luminous hands.”
  • “Polished silver-tone base metal case showing fine hairline scratches and minor surface wear.”

Construction and Configuration

The circular case measures 32.6 mm in diameter. Additional recorded measurements include a lug-to-lug length of 38.4 mm, a case thickness of 10.1 mm, and a lug width of 17 mm.

The watch is equipped with a brown, two-piece genuine leather strap, described by the source as new-old-stock.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case Diameter: 32.6”
  • “Case Lug to Lug: 38.4”
  • “Case Thickness: 10.1”
  • “Lug Width: 17”
  • “It is coming with a new-old-stock brown Genuine Leather two-piece strap.”

Open research questions

  • What specific manual-wind movement caliber is housed within this N5-coded case?
  • Are there internal movement markings that correlate with the 1975 caseback date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1975 Caravelle by Bulova Manual Wind Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case diameter32.6 mm“Case Diameter: 32.6”
Movement typeManual wind“It is a manual wind watch, sweep second hand.”
Date codeN5 (1975)“The case is signed “N5” (dated from 1975).”
Case materialsBase metal bezel with stainless steel back“Base Metal Bezel Water Resistant Shock Resistant Anti-Magnetic N5”
StrapNew-old-stock brown genuine leather two-piece strap“It is coming with a new-old-stock brown Genuine Leather two-piece strap.”
Case diameter including crown34.5 mm“Case Diameter with Crown: 34.5”

Visible details

  • Black dial with stylized silver Arabic numeral hour markers.
  • Perimeter luminous dot markers and white outer minute track.
  • Luminous-filled baton hands with a central sweep seconds hand.
  • Polished silver-tone base metal case showing fine hairline scratches and minor surface wear.
  • Fitted with a brown leather strap with visible stitching.

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber is not reported in the source text.
  • Caseback and movement are not visible in the provided image.
  • Reference number 'WA-3158' represents the seller's inventory SKU rather than an original factory reference.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

1975 CARAVELLE Wristwatch by Bulova – Vintage Black Dial Watch – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 3f774ab727

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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