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Bailey Banks & Biddle Silver Bracelet Watch, 1970s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Bailey Banks & Biddle Silver Bracelet Watch, 1970s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Unrecorded in source
Date
1970s
Country of origin
Unrecorded in source
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
silver
Stock no.
BBBSBW
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (BBBSBW)
Catalogue title (original)
1970s Bailey Banks & Biddle Silver Bracelet Watch (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number BBBSBW), this is a wristwatch, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: silver. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Stylish, uncommon, and rooted in nearly two centuries of fine American jewelry tradition, this Bailey, Banks & Biddle bracelet watch is a distinctive addition to any collection, especially for those who appreciate the intersection of design, craftsmanship, and history. Founded in 1832 in Philadelphia, Bailey, Banks & Biddle stands among America’s most storied jewelers. Known for their refined craftsmanship and prestigious commissions—including creating military medals, special-order objets, and fine jewelry for generations of distinguished clientele—the firm built a reputation on impeccable quality and timeless design. By the mid-20th century, their in-house and specially commissioned timepieces embodied the same elevated standards that defined the rest of their production. This 1970s silver bracelet watch exemplifies that ethos beautifully. Designed as both jewelry and timepiece, it features an elegant chain-link silver bracelet paired with a slender oval case framing a rich blue dial marked by minimalist engraved indices. Its sculptural form lends a chic, modernist character typical of the era while remaining effortlessly wearable today. SPECS Stock # BBBSBW Brand Bailey Banks & Biddle Style Bracelet Watch Model N/A Serial N/A Size Unisex Material Silver '0.800' Dial Blue Millimeters 22 X 28 Bracelet Integrated Silver Horsebit-Style Link Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The silver case remains in excellent condition, displaying light wear and no damage. The case back retains its original finishing and is adorned with a "0.800" hallmark. The integrated horsebit-style link bracelet is also in excellent condition and will fit up to a 6.75-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The original blue dial features engraved markers and remains in wonderfully preserved condition. The only notable element of age present is some degradation on the edge of the dial behind the 3 o'clock marker, which is mostly invisible to the naked eye. The original hands are in excellent condition. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is running, but the previous service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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