Caravelle and their Various Models Reviewed for 2024: Are They Worth the Cost?

The years haven't been so kind on Caravelle watches. Globally speaking, Caravelle watches aren't as popular as they used to be. Some say they are of poor taste and there's better options, but we love them for what they are. If you like their designs, then get one!!

Its parent company Bulova is one of the largest luxury brands known today.

While there's been a noticeable decline, Caravelle still houses great quality watches worth looking into.

In this review, I'll go over the best Caravelle watches and how their quality stands.

Caravelle New York (43A119): Best Overall

The Caravelle New York is Caravelle's most popular product line. Even with Caravelle's decline, the NY timepieces are a favorite of many in New York.

Not only is this watch exquisitely stunning, but it's also available for both men and women.

The men's model sports a different look and watch band than the women's; however, both models are nonetheless worth the price tag.

With 60 crystals on its bezel [R], it has a sophisticated look and sets it apart from other watches.

The design of the New York watch line is in a league of its own.

The men's model usually carries a leather strap, while the women's as stainless steel. The men's model also has a stainless steel design; however, whether you prefer leather or stainless steel depends on your preference.

The AB crystal face of the NY watch sparkles and shines no matter the angle, easily making it an eye-catching watch for any passerby.

Finally, its water-resistance up to 99 ft and Japanese Quartz movement are amazing qualities that add to the already stunning Caravelle New York timepiece.

Caravelle New York Men's with Chronograph (44A102): Best Value

If you're looking for a sporty, unique look with the added value of a chronograph [R], it's nearly impossible to resist Caravelle's NY line with Chronograph watches.

I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but this watch is exquisite. Sure, it comes with a hefty price tag, but it's one of the few watches I'd love to own as early as my 20s.

As for the features, let's dive into its chronograph.

Caravelle's chronograph design features a 3-sub-dial timer and the option of including a dive-style bezel with minute hands engraved on the outside.

Sad to say, the 3-sub dial timer and dive-style bezel mostly add to the look of the Caravelle watch. While it enhances the unique look of this model, a water resistance of only 99 ft doesn't exactly mean "deep dive."

You might be able to swim a considerable depth with this watch, but not so far as to permanently damage the watch.

Its bezel also has Arabic numeral minute numbers along with numeral and index hour markers and luminescent hands.

Aside from its Japanese Quartz movement, I found it difficult to choose a style. That's a good thing, though.

The Caravelle NY line with chronograph offers various styles, all of which are appealing, making it difficult to decide the best style.

Some sport a colorful look, while others showcase an elegant, classy style in gold and usually, single-toned.

All in all, I would pay a hefty sum for this watch. Granted, it's not uber capable of diving, but you can't resist a Caravelle NY with chronograph watch.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• I have tested this watch against our satellite clock multiple times and it has maintained its accuracy impeccably.
• The weight and sturdiness of this watch make it perfect for everyday use.
• The solid construction of this watch gives me confidence that it will last for years to come, without being too heavy or cumbersome.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 4/5

• The superior craftsmanship of this timepiece is apparent in every detail, from the intricate workings to the polished finish.
• The bold design of this watch really catches the eye, and the sturdy construction ensures it will withstand daily wear and tear.
• This stainless steel watch exudes professionalism and style, making it the perfect accessory for any outfit.

Caravelle New York Men's 43A120: Best Budget Pick

If the 44A102 is too steep of a price point, don't worry. I made sure to include a chronograph watch at a lower price point.

The 43A120 is my best recommendation for a Caravelle chronograph watch at an affordable price.

The watch comes with a stainless steel case and band, mineral crystal, and has 3 chronograph subdials with 24-hour, 30-minute, and 60-second scales.

It's not as sporty as the 44A102, but it's undoubtedly a premium look you'll love. It's what separates the 43A120 from the 44A102.

As for the bezel, the 43A120 features a fixed bezel with minute markers for easier readability and a dial with stick hour markers and Arabic numerals.

It's also water-resistant of up to 99 ft, just like the 44A102. If you're looking for Caravelle chronograph models to buy at an affordable price, I highly recommend the NY men's 43A120.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• It is a fully functioning chronograph/stopwatch, which is a feature you do not typically find in watches at this price level.
• The watch itself feels very sturdy and has sufficient weight without being cumbersome.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 4/5

• The brushed stainless steel case gives the watch a more expensive look, making it a great conversation starter that is sure to draw compliments from anyone who notices it.

Caravelle New York Women's 43L171

The Caravelle New York 43L171 is another stunning timepiece that belongs to Caravelle's chronograph models, only that it's for women.

How different is it from the men's product line? First, let's talk about similarities.

The build quality is about the same: stainless steel case, mineral crystal, water-resistant, and Japanese Quartz movement.

However, women love beautiful things, don't they? For this reason, the 43L171 doesn't just carry an ordinary stainless steel bracelet.

It's also jewel-studded, making this watch even more classy and luxurious than it already is. The fixed bezel hand-set also features Swarovski crystals and Arabic numeral hour markers to complement this appealing look.

Caravelle New York Women's 44L178

Being our last best Caravelle New York watch for women's, it's not as sporty neither does it have chronograph features.

However, if a simple, practical watch is what you're in the market for, the 44L178 is just as golden as the other models.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that the 44L178 model also comes with a Japanese Quartz movement although, it doesn't feature a mineral crystal like the other models mentioned here.

Instead, the 44L178 carries a stainless steel bezel with 50 individual hand-set crystals. As for the watch case design, it also sports stainless steel.

What I love most about the 44L178 is the lightweight and comfortable benefits it provides. You'd think stainless steel to be heavy; however, in the case of the 44L178, it's far from feeling heavy on your wrist.

Unfortunately, the 44L178 doesn't have a date window or luminescent hands. [R] Even with minor inconveniences, it's still as classy and premium-looking on your wrist.

Are Caravelle Watches Any Good?

Caravelle watches lean more towards traditional watch styles; however, what sets them apart is the variety of colors offered compared to their competitors. They're not amazing or great watches compared to something like Tudor or even Tissot, but those are much more expensive!

Caravelle watches suck as kids would say, compared to watch brands like Rolex, IWC, Audemars Piguet, etc., butCaravelle watches deserves its praise for being practical, affordable watches for consumers.

Granted, they don't feature any gold or diamond in their design, but their chronograph features, gold-toned models, and crystal designs are just as appealing and elegant.

Where to Buy These Watches?

You can buy their watches on Amazon or on their official website.

If you have plans to buy their watches through any other online retail store, I highly recommend sticking to Amazon for assured quality purchases.

How Much Are Caravelle Models Worth?

Caravelle's parent company, Bulova, manufactured millions of watches back in the day. [R]

Most non-working watches aren't worth as much; however, Bulova's gold-plated and gold-filled designs are worth as much as $150, while the 18k gold can go as high as $1,000.

Where Are They Made?

Caravelle watches are usually made in Hong Kong or China.

Being one of the few fashion watches with budget-friendly prices, the quartz movement design and manufacture for Caravelle's watches are typically sourced within Asia.

It's worth noting, though, that Bulova watches aren't limited to just Japan or China. Other premium watches offered by Bulova are made in Switzerland.

Depending on the model, level of complexity, and the watch's price, Bulova decides where the watches will be made and who they source their parts from.

Wrap Up

Caravelle by Bulova is one of the more practical watch brands for anyone looking to buy great fashion watches to wear daily.

Even for their New York line, it's still one of the most price-friendly options you can opt for than what most watch brands sell theirs for in the market.

All in all, if you're looking for a fashionable watch, price-friendly range, accurate quartz movement, and something you can wear every day, you can't go wrong with Caravelle.