Caravelle

Caravelle is the French term for a caravel, a small- to midsize sailing ship used in the 15th to 17th centuries. Caravels were developed by the Portuguese and used for long ocean voyages during the Age of Exploration. They typically had two or three masts with lateen sails, allowing for maneuverability and extended voyages. The design facilitated European exploration of the coasts and seas of Africa, the Atlantic, and the Americas, and is noted for its role in early long-distance navigation.

Caravelle also denotes the Sud Aviation SE 210 Caravelle, a French jet airliner introduced in 1959. It was among the first jetliners designed for commercial service and featured rear-mounted engines and a streamlined airframe, which contributed to reduced cabin noise and efficient performance. The Caravelle went through several variants and served with numerous airlines worldwide during the 1960s and into the 1970s, marking an important step in the early Jet Age.

In consumer products, Caravelle is a brand used by Bulova for a line of affordable watches introduced in the 1960s and continued in various forms into the late 20th century and beyond. The Caravelle brand has been associated with accessible, everyday timepieces and has remained a recognizable name in the Bulova portfolio.