Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Dress wristwatch

Bulova Gold-Filled Wristwatch, John F. Kennedy Campaign Gift

Partially verified

This Bulova wristwatch features a 25 mm gold-filled tonneau-style case with fluted or stepped hooded lug details. The silver-toned dial displays applied or printed gilt Arabic numeral hour markers, gold hands, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at the 6 o'clock position. Internally, the source reports an unadjusted 15-jewel Swiss movement. The case back is reportedly engraved 'JFK1960'. Sourced as a presidential campaign gift from John F. Kennedy to Speaker of the House John W. McCormack, the watch is fitted with a black lizard-embossed leather strap measuring 10 inches in overall length.

Front view of the Bulova gold-filled wristwatch with silver Arabic numeral dial and black textured leather strap
Front view of the Bulova gold-filled wristwatch with silver Arabic numeral dial and black textured leather strap — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
hindmanauctions.com
Category
Wristwatch · Dress wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Bulova
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
134
Source-reported date
circa 1960
Country
Switzerland

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

Physical Description and Construction

The timepiece is described as a 25 mm gold-filled watch. It features a silver-toned dial with Arabic numeral hour markers and gold-colored hands, alongside a subsidiary seconds subdial.

The watch is fitted with an '16 XL' lizard-embossed leather strap with a gold-tone clasp. The total length of the piece is stated as 10 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 25mm”
  • “cased in gold filled case”
  • “Silver dial with arabic number markers and seconds subdial”
  • “16 XL lizzard embossed leather strap with a gold tone clasp”
  • “Length; 10 in.”

Mechanism and Case Back Details

The movement is identified as an unadjusted 15-jewel Swiss mechanism. These internal components were not visible in the provided reference materials.

The source documentation reports that the case back is engraved with the text 'JFK1960'. This specific engraving was not visible in the provided photographs.

Evidence for this section
  • “15J unadjusted swiss movement”
  • “The back case engraving reads "JFK1960"”

Source-Reported Provenance

The auction description claims the watch was a gift from John F. Kennedy to John W. McCormack in recognition of his involvement in the 1960 presidential campaign. It is further claimed the watch was presented to Francis X. McCabe.

The stated provenance indicates the item was 'acquired directly from John W. McCormack' and subsequently held in a private collection in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch was a gift from John F. Kennedy to the former speaker of the House of Representatives, John W. McCormack”
  • “The watch was presented to a close friend, Mr. Francis X. McCabe, who also helped with JFK's presidential campaign.”
  • “Acquired directly from John W. McCormack, gift to private collection, Worcester, Massachusetts.”

Open research questions

  • Are there extant factory records for Bulova movements or case serials that verify production dates coinciding with the 1960 campaign period?
  • Does the '16 XL' designation on the strap refer to a specific, period-correct accessory or a modern replacement?
  • Is there any public record of this specific gift being auctioned or appraised prior to the cited Freeman's sale?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulova Gold-Filled Wristwatch, John F. Kennedy Campaign Gift
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement15J unadjusted swiss movement“15J unadjusted swiss movement”
Case MaterialGold filled“cased in gold filled case”
Case Size25mm“Case: 25mm”
EngravingJFK1960“The back case engraving reads "JFK1960"”
DialSilver dial with arabic number markers and seconds subdial“Silver dial with arabic number markers and seconds subdial”
Strap16 XL lizzard embossed leather strap with gold tone clasp“16 XL lizzard embossed leather strap with a gold tone clasp”

Visible details

  • Cushion or tonneau-shaped gold-tone case with distinctive fluted horizontal banding above and below the dial
  • Silver dial with applied or printed gilt Arabic numerals and a square subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Gilt feuille or lance-style hour and minute hands
  • Black textured leather strap with visible reptile or lizard grain pattern

Research qualifications

  • Movement and case back engraving are described in the catalogue but not shown in the provided photograph
  • Historical provenance claims rely entirely on auction house description

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

Consulted source

John F. Kennedy campaign gift watch, Bulova Gift to... | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record c061c9e881

Terms in this record

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

Other dress wristwatch records