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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Asymmetrical wristwatch

Volvo wristwatch

Partially verified

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.

Volvo-branded gentleman's wristwatch in 18K white gold with radiator grille-shaped case.
Volvo-branded gentleman's wristwatch in 18K white gold with radiator grille-shaped case. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Asymmetrical wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Buèche-Girod
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
124
Source-reported date
1960s
Source-reported place
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

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. two-body, solid, polished, flat bezel, central lugs, flat top crystal.”
  • “in the shape of a "Volvo" radiator grill.”
  • “D.gray with stripes, shaped, with applied white gold pyramidal indexes, below 1 o'clock, the "Volvo" logo with arrow painted in black and white enamel”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Cal. 11 1/2''' rhodium-plated, 25 jewels, straight line lever escapement”
  • “monometallic balance, shock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Swiss (probably Buèche-Girod). Produced in the 1960's.”
  • “Grading System Case: 3 - 11 Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense Dial: 3 - 01”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific relationship or commission arrangement between Volvo and the manufacturer Buèche-Girod for this design?
  • Are there known variations of this model featuring different dial colors or precious metal cases?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Volvo wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBuèche-Girod“Swiss (probably Buèche-Girod)”
Case material18K white gold“18K white gold gentleman's wristwatch”
Dimensions37 x 28 mm“Dim. 37 x 28 mm.”
Movement typeSelf-winding“self-winding”
Jewel count25“25 jewels”
Case shapeAsymmetrical horizontal rectangular galbé“asymmetrical, horizontal rectangular "galbé”
Date indicationAperture for the date“aperture for the date.”

Visible details

  • 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

Research qualifications

  • Maker is only attributed as probably Buèche-Girod
  • Exact production year within the 1960s is unverified

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

Consulted source

"Volvo", Swiss (probably Buèche-Girod). Produced in the 1960's.Fine and very rare, center-seconds, self-winding, asymmetrical, horizontal rectangular "galbé", 18K white gold gentleman's wristwatch with date, in the shape of a "Volvo" radiator grill.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 5b2c594f52

Terms in this record

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

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