Bulova 1951 Caldwell

Submitted by Reverend Rob on May 21, 2016 - 10:35am
Manufacture Year
1951
Movement Model
10BM
Movement Jewels
21
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
3969916
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
29.4 mm
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

This is an interesting one, marked 'Guard's Loaner' and the seller told me it was the loaner for a jewelry store when repairs were being done to the customer's watch. I'm not sure where the 'Guard' part comes in, unless the store was called 'Guard's' or maybe it was for the Security who watched the store?

Anyway, top drawer construction throughout with cap jewels and Breguet Overcoil. Running strong now with her new mainspring and full service. The seller thought it might be a Caldwell.

1951 Bulova Caldwell watch
1951 Bulova watch
1951 Bulova watch
1951 Bulova watch
1951 Bulova watch
Reverend Rob
Posted May 21, 2016 - 10:37am

This should  be 1951, not 1950. The movt is stamped 1950 and the case 1951. (L0 and L1)

JP
Posted May 21, 2016 - 12:22pm

Very nice catch Rev.  This is possibly a one of a kind watch and it does look to be  very well made. 

William Smith
Posted May 21, 2016 - 2:21pm

I bet we find this is "another model" and the modification to that model is the guards loaner text added post-production to the dial.  Probably not added by Bulova.

If we could find the model on which this is based, and the only difference is the guards loaner text on dial, I'd be happy with that model ID, and some custom dial info in this comments thread.

What a great advertising idea-If that's what this is?  Your company name (Guards) and the term loaner on the dial.  Customer turns back in when they get their watch back.  

jabs
Posted May 22, 2016 - 4:03am

Agree, look as Caldwell

Reverend Rob
Posted May 22, 2016 - 10:42am

Bulova may have provided this watch to the store- they did custom dials back in the day for various reasons (Masonic, Commercial logo, etc) . If the store was a dealer and authorized service centre it only makes sense. There is no evidence to show that that is what this is, but it's an interesting idea.

Geoff Baker
Posted May 23, 2016 - 8:22am

I think it's a Caldwell too. I'm not concerned about the "Loaner" addition to the dial, I think it's a rather interesting curiosity. I kind of impressed that a watchmaker would have loaner watches. 

What do you think Rob, about having some made up for your business?

Caldwell, 1951 (date changed)

Andersok
Posted May 24, 2016 - 7:04am

I would agree with the Caldwell id; dial changes noted.

Reverend Rob
Posted May 24, 2016 - 10:02am

We had loaners when I was in Toronto, but they didn't have special dials, just odd stock quartz watches. You have to be careful your loaners aren't TOO nice.

Geoff Baker
Posted May 24, 2016 - 11:54am

In reply to by Reverend Rob

Good point Rev, maybe you Should stop at Canadian Tire and pick up a handful of quartz Caravelles on your drive home today? They'd make great loaners!