This watch belonged to my great-uncle, and I am trying to identify the model and get a replacement band for it if the old band ("Champion Made in USA") cannot be repaired. Three of the stainless steel backs have come off of the links, and those links no longer retract to a closed position when not being worn (see last picture, below). Thank you for any help you can provide in identifying the watch model, identifying a similar replacement band, or identifying a watch repairer who can fix the band. I still have the three backs that came off the band.
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Thanks for responding - the markings include "L1", "MX8", "BULOVA WATCH CO", "10BC", "15", "FIFTEEN JEWELS", "SWISS", "UNADJUSTED", and the "+" and "-" symbols (not knowing what's important, thought I'd include everything). The inside of the back of the case has "Bulova 10K rolled gold plate bezel stainless back New York 19oaa56" -not sure about that number/letter combo without a magnifying glass ...
Very impressive that you guys identified it so quickly.
The L1 is at the 1200 position, at an angle, in line above the "UNADJUSTED" that follows the arc of the large gear.
I think the family history of late 40s or early 50s as an anniversary present is pretty good, but the guess as to their 1949 anniversary couldn't have been the one.
So my next question is whether anyone can put the 3x stainless backings from the expandable band back on in a way that restores its contraction or whether its wiser to try finding an identical band to replace it -- any thoughts on that?
Thats not L1 that 17 :-)
Meaning 17 Jewels which brings us back to the date....I think its late 30s to early 40s.
As far as the band goes it might be better finding one on ebay to replace.
Oh and can you add another photo of the front with more lighting. The photo above isn't that detailed making it hard to identify.
Saw this watch band on ebay and thought you might be interested. It's white gold so I don't know how that will match up with the color of your watch. Also it's 16mm wide. Maybe someone with more knowledge than myself can tell you how to measure the lugs to get the correct size band.
Bob
Here is a 1950 LO 10BC 15j movement. The movement looks like it is in a step-side case also. What confuses me is, why would Bulova bring back the step-side in 1950? But, Bulova has done stranger things. Bulova had a long & successful run with the Senator step lug case, from at least 1939 to 1948.
I was wondering why this watch looked so familiar-I have one!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wayne