Bulova 1953 Cavalier

Submitted by ken987 on September 25, 2015 - 7:31am
Manufacture Year
1953
Movement Model
10CSC
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
6642983
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

This is a Cavalier watch. What is also interesting is that on the inside it says L2.

ken987 1953 Bulova 09262015
1953 Bulova watch
1953 Bulova watch
JP
Posted September 26, 2015 - 8:34pm

53 Cavalier

Geoff Baker
Posted September 27, 2015 - 6:30am

Hello ken, welcome to myBulova. From the forum discussion you opened, it sounds like you've inherited this beauty from your grandfather. I'm a big fan of heirloom watches, I think you are most fortunate to have this one.

In terms of the ID, I'm not sure it's a Cavalier. The only other Cavalier we have in our dB shows has an advert listing the Cavalier as 14k solid gold, is your watch solid gold? The dial of that watch is slightly different than your but that doesn't concern me too much as the case seems to be a match.

http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1953-cavalier-7512

William Smith
Posted September 28, 2015 - 12:52pm

Hi Ken

How did you determine jewel count of movement?  Nice heirloom watch!  Can we get a picture of the outside case back please?  
 

ken987
Posted September 30, 2015 - 8:39am

In reply to by William Smith

HI,

I was able to find an inside pic on my phone just now. When I get home today at lunch I can take a back of watch picture and post here this afternoon. The inside pic I just posted confirmed the jewel movement. I know it is a cavalier because it matches the AD from the 1950's that it matches exactly. And now that I confirmed the specs...it has to be a Cavalier...no????

mybulova_admin
Posted September 29, 2015 - 4:50am

I dont' believe this is a Cavalier. It belongs to the Clipper family IMO and is a cross between a Royal Clipper and a Yankee Clipper. Still looking for a good match.

Case serial number also suggests 1956.

ken987
Posted September 30, 2015 - 8:37am

In reply to by mybulova_admin

HI,

 I will get a back picture. I had this in my phone when I took it in to get looked at. The back definitely says L3. And now if you see my new pick the inside says L2..so this is all very interesting! I have ordered a new strap for it.

ken987
Posted September 30, 2015 - 8:45am

UPdate:

I have posted another pic and will get more today. I did take it to what many say is the best place in Atlanta to take Clocks and watches on Cheshire Bridge Road... The gentleman opened up my watch in front of me so I could take a picture. He explained to me and showed me why this watch is not fixable. I didn't understand to be honest...but he said this self winding mechanism has just worn out and there is no way to fix it. However it can be wound manually and so far I think I get a good 2-3 days of time per wind...

He said the watch case in addition to the back piece should be all 14k gold...I have no clue on this one either... he may have just been guessing...

If at some point this winding thing gets tedious/ineffective and I decide to sell... are there tests to determine the gold value so I know how to sell this? OR would collector's still want this watch as is??? There is a shadow on the dial from the hands being still for 25 years... He said it was the radio active material they used to make it glow that did that.
Any advice is always appreciated. I am excited about getting a new band on it and wearing it out for special occasions... I still think the watch is pretty good looking!

 

Reverend Rob
Posted September 30, 2015 - 1:09pm

I would disagree about it being repairable. Without examining it, I'm not able to say what is worn out to the point of non-functioning, but even if there is a part that is kaput, it can be replaced. The gold stamp should be on the back, possibly also inside the caseback. 

As always, I strongly recommend getting the watch fully serviced if you plan to wear and use it.  A dry and/or dirty watch will damage itself through running. In general, watches should be CTR'd every 4 to 6 years. This watch, if it is indeed gold, is a valuable watch, and well worth it.

ken987
Posted September 30, 2015 - 1:20pm

In reply to by Reverend Rob

I'm still at work...so the pics will come later tonight or tomorrow. The 14K stamp is on the back and i will post that picture. My face is close to that one liked in a previous comment. If you can post here please tell me where to send this to get serviced as locally I am sure this is the best place in town. Maybe he just didn't want to deal with this watch. But long time Atlantans swear by this place and call it the best. My coworker even went to school with the son so I don't know where else to go. Should I contact Bulova? I don't mind spending the money.

 

Reverend Rob
Posted September 30, 2015 - 1:28pm

In reply to by ken987

Not sure if Bulova does ones of this age, but any competent watchmaker should be able to service and repair this for you. Ideally, one that specializes in vintage watches would be best. We see these all the time, and it should pose no significant problem. If you go to the NAWCC website, it will show watch and clockmakers and their locations.