I have multiple photos of inside and back, the back inside reads BULOVA 14k solid gold NEW YORK. The band is a 2 layer band, reads LA PETITE stainless back. OK folks, after being unable to identify, and before I post my next 3 watches, I wanted to be certain it was not human error on my part, due largely to the fact after being a member only 1 week, I have seen only a few watches still unidentified, this possibilty seemed likely, and yes. I am very distressed to report the 5AE is in fact 5AB. I do not know haw I misread the B for an E, a bit of dust or not a strong enough lens, I dug out my large magnifier, and well, here it is. I apaologize for the time you all have spent looking for my model, when perhaps someone that read theirs properly the first tie could have benefitted instead. I only ask you forgive this blunder, particularly as I have more to list. The rest of the information stands, circle, 17 jewels, solid gold case, LA PETTITE stainless backed band, the gold portion having a rather long pat.# on the ends. Many apologies. NY
Thank you for allowing me to post. I have only recently discovered how truly amazing the inner workings of such a tiny object are, mind boggling these went out of fashion. So I noticed that the circle had 3 potential dates, it is a 44 then? I in my ignorance assumed it was the earliest, Thank You, this is progress. I look forward to any further information.
Does "solid gold" refer to the back only, or entire case? Do you think the band is original to the watch, and if the bottom layer is stainless, is the top chunky layer gold? I have examined the band, and there are two distinct layers, affixed between them. I am considering selling, and I wish to be as transparent as possible. Still no luck on the name of this piece? I have been searching myself, with no luck.
If the back is marked 'stainless' or 'stainless back', it is just that, but I suspect you are looking at a fully gold case. Otherwise, you will usually find the markings '14K gold bezel, stainless steel back', and the like. The expansion bracelet may or may not be gold, but usually only the top. The back is almost always stainless. My guess here is that you have a gold filled bracelet, but again, this should be marked somewhere, and would be somthing like: '14K GF', or simply 'GF' or 'RGP'. If you are trying to gauge the value of the gold, it is difficult with the band, and is virtually zero if the band is GF.
The upper case or bezel would have to have the band removed, and the crystal, to be weighed accurately. These tiny cases don't have much gold in them, but with today's prices, it is still a major factor. Unfortunately, they get melted down with other gold scrap and disappear forever. I get customers all the time coming into the shop with a high end movt, wondering if it can fitted into someting now that the gold case is gone, and the answer is invariably no. The movt then resides in a drawer until it is badly scratched up and damaged, it really is too bad, but it happens every time gold goes high. In 1980, for example, Gold was over $800 an ounce, which is $2300.00 in today's money.
In reply to Yes, the back of watch case by goantiquesny