Maxi Oval

Though the name on the dial might be relatively unknown, the shape of this 1960s icon is not. Bueche-Girod is a Swiss manufacturer that dates back to 1947 when it was founded by the husband-and-wife team of Vital Bueche and Edwige Girod. As a relative newcomer to the watch market at the time (many competitors were established in the 18th and 19th centuries), Bueche-Girod’s clear focus was on forward-thinking design. Located in Bienne, known as “the metropolis of Swiss watchmaking,” manufacturing and engineering prowess were abundant. The genius of Bueche-Girod was applying that Swiss expertise to cutting-edge case shapes like this Maxi Oval as well as intricate cuff designs, later in the 1970s. The brand’s work in this niche attracted the attention of larger names like Cartier, who famously used Bueche-Girod as a case and movement supplier.

As much of the business was dedicated to supplying other brands, vintage Bueche-Girod watches are notoriously rare in today’s market and coveted by collectors. This Maxi Oval is the perfect example of Bueche-Girod’s brand identity in the vintage period, hailing from a period of innovation and having a similar look to the iconic Cartier Maxi Oval.

The look on the wrist is distinct, as the generously proportioned and curved case stands out at a glance. It is extremely unusual to find a “dress” watch from this era with such massive dimensions. The dial has a matte finish featuring a white base with bold, painted black “exploding” Roman numerals.

To encapsulate desirability, we must consider rarity. Roughly a dozen examples of this watch are known to the market. Putting production roughly in line with its more celebrated cousin, the Cartier Maxi Oval — a watch that regularly sells for over $100,000 at public auction.