Vintage Bulova 9881 wristwatch Longchamps co-signed dial cal. 10 CK/ Peseux 7001 circa 1976

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Bulova 9881
Movement: Cal.10 CK/Pesuex 7001
Age: Circa 1976
Case Size: 33.5mm
Case Thickness: 6mm
Lug to Lug: 49mm
Lugs: 18mm
Condition: used Bulova watch
Box & Papers: No
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition with light wear from use.
• Case has light scratches and mark
• Cross hatch dial
• Longchamps co-signed dial
• Signed Bulova crown
• Fully serviced manually wound movement
• Paired with a stainless steel mesh bracelet
  

THE WATCH

The Bulova 9881 is a distinctive vintage dress watch dating to 1976, as indicated by the N6 case date code. Produced during a transitional period when quartz technology was rapidly gaining popularity, this model represents Bulova’s continued commitment to traditional mechanical watchmaking. The watch features a clean two-hand layout paired with an attractive cross hatch dial, a design detail that adds depth and visual interest while maintaining the elegant simplicity typical of mid-1970s dress watches.

This example is also co-signed “Longchamps”, indicating it was retailed through the jeweller Longchamps. Co-signed dials were often produced for specific retailers or markets and can add an additional layer of historical interest, reflecting the retail partnerships and distribution networks common within the watch industry at the time.

Inside the watch is the Bulova calibre 10CK, a slim manual-wind movement derived from the respected Peseux 7001 architecture. The movement runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour, contains 17 jewels, and offers a power reserve of approximately 42 hours when fully wound. Known for its thin profile, reliability, and straightforward serviceability, this movement was well suited to refined dress watches and remains appreciated by collectors for its durability and classic Swiss mechanical design.

LONGCHAMPS CO-SIGNED DIAL

Longchamps was a jewellery and watch retailer active primarily in the mid-20th century, known for selling Swiss and American watches through branded boutiques and authorised dealer networks. Like many jewellers of the period, Longchamps sometimes had watches co-signed with its name on the dial, even though the watches themselves were manufactured by established watchmakers such as Bulova or various Swiss producers.

Longchamps operated mainly as a retailer and distributor rather than a watch manufacturer. During the 1950s–1970s, jewellers commonly partnered with watch brands to sell timepieces under dual branding, placing the retailer’s name on the dial alongside the manufacturer. This practice helped strengthen brand loyalty for the jeweller while also promoting the watchmaker’s product.

The Longchamps name appeared on a variety of watches sold through its stores, including dress watches and everyday timepieces. These watches were typically produced by established manufacturers but were customised for retail sale, often in limited quantities.

A co-signed dial featuring Longchamps generally indicates that the watch was sold through a Longchamps jewellery store or retail network. Watches like these were often identical mechanically to the manufacturer’s standard models but featured the retailer’s name printed on the dial. Today, such co-signed pieces are of interest to collectors because they reflect the historical relationship between watchmakers and jewellers, as well as the retail culture of the mid-20th century.

Retailers like Longchamps played an important role in the watch industry before the rise of large global retail chains. Local and regional jewellers acted as the primary point of sale for fine watches, offering servicing, warranties, and personal relationships with customers. Because of this, retailer-signed watches from brands such as Bulova, Omega, and others provide a glimpse into the distribution networks that shaped the vintage watch market.

OUR THOUGHTS

A charming two-hand Bulova that’s hard not to love. With its timeless styling, striking dial, and fully serviced, reliable movement, this watch combines elegance and dependability in one package. On the wrist, it’s sure to turn heads and impress anyone who appreciates classic vintage design.