Bulova 1951 Beau Brummell

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on January 24, 2018 - 10:02am
Manufacture Year
1951
Movement Model
8AD
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
L0
Case Serial No.
4739579
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

1951 Beau Brummel in remarkably good original condition. Case back marked L1, movement is L0. This one just came to me from a non-watch savy source as you see it on the nice Bulova marked band that is usually seen on same period AAward watches. Judging from the unmolested crud on the band pins, it's been on the watch a long time. Literally no plating wear on case or band; crystal is almost perfect.

1951 Bulova watch
1951 Bulova watch
1951 Bulova watch
1951 Bulova watch
1951 Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Reverend Rob
Posted January 24, 2018 - 11:27am

I think the ad confirms it-

Beau Brummel, and 1951 by the case date.

For those interested in such things, $71.50 in today's money is $680. The payment of $1.50 per week in today's money is $14.25. ( $57/month) Using the original figures, it would take just shy of 48 weeks to pay off, or just shy of a year. The median wage in the US for 1951 was $3700. ($35k today) 

 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 24, 2018 - 5:35pm

In reply to by Reverend Rob

I have an observation to share on price and description in period ads: In the same time period, Squadrons were around $55. Face treatment was basically the only deciding factor between the Squadron A and Beau. Ads list BB face as having "Simulated Rubies" and "Brilliant White Stones". It would seem logical that if the "white stones" were anything but diamonds, they would be called "simulated" like the Rubies were. Is it possible the "white stones" description was an import tariff or tax dodge?

Have any members tested the "white stones" with a diamond tester? A $16 difference (55 vs 71 dollars) seems excessive if all the stones were man made. Thoughts?

Reverend Rob
Posted January 25, 2018 - 12:07am

In reply to by neetstuf-4-u

The stones could be genuine, but not diamonds. Simulated may mean man made or cut glass. White stones at the time may have been things like Topaz. 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 25, 2018 - 6:53am

In reply to by Reverend Rob

That makes sense, and an answer I never considered. There are 8 or 10 semi-precious stones that are considered white (colorless) thanks.

mybulova_admin
Posted January 25, 2018 - 8:12pm

In reply to by neetstuf-4-u

Might also be Rhine stones.

Dialis amazing condition.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 25, 2018 - 8:34pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

1950's period Rhinestones are most commonly paste or cut glass. I suspect if they were cut glass rhinestones (like the rubies), they would be called out as "simulated diamonds" instead of "brilliant white stones." Just a thought based on the premise of consistency in advertising.

Thanks, yes, it's a pretty clean original dial. One of the nicest examples of this BB I have personally had in my hand.

jabs
Posted January 24, 2018 - 11:58am

Beau Brummel it is

Andersok
Posted January 25, 2018 - 7:26am

Beau Brummell

Geoff Baker
Posted January 25, 2018 - 9:06pm

1951 Bulova Beau Brummel

yakky58
Posted December 27, 2023 - 5:54am

Hi,

I have a Beau Brummell details as follows:

Case Number 4912441
Manufacture Year: 1951
Movement Model: 8AC
Movement Date Code: L1
Movement Jewels: 17

Its missing a seconds hand and is in need of a restoration. Does anyone know where I can get a seconds hand and some parts for the watch? I have a watch maker who could service the watch but is unable to source parts. I am UK based.

Thanks.