Bulova 1955 Bulova 23

Submitted by kcc6vert on May 5, 2013 - 1:51pm
Manufacture Year
1955
Movement Model
10BPAC
Movement Jewels
23
Movement Serial No.
N/A
Case Serial No.
A236211
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
Original Polished
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

This 1955 23 is marked "Bulova 10k Rolled (then two or three characters I can't make out) Plated Bezel Stainless Back New York" on the inside case back.  It has the L5 date stamp and A236211 on the outer case back as well as Bulova, Anti-Magnetic, Shock-Resistant, Self-Winding, Water Tite, and Stainless Steel Back.  The crown is not signed, but I do not believe the crown has been replaced as the finish and patina matches the case exactly. The movement is signed Bulova - USA, 23 Jewels, 6 Adjustments and 10BPAC (as well as listing the 6 adjustment positions).  The movement is in beautiful condition and keeps fantastic time. Nice, clean watch from 1955.  The dial and crystal appear to be original and untouched except for crystal polishing.

Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Bulova Watch
mybulova_admin
Posted May 7, 2013 - 4:18am

One might assume that these models were released as solid gold and gold filled under the same letter variant. But you know what they say about assuming :-)

Looking at the variants I, J and K might suggest this ad they alternate from solid to filled between models. Just a thought, but the subject watch does match the case and dial designs to a tee.

bobbee
Posted May 7, 2013 - 5:00am

It is strange how Bulova changed how variants were ordered between models and also at different times.
If they had shown some regularity in the order of variants, it would be so much easier, if only.... :^)

mybulova_admin
Posted May 7, 2013 - 7:06am

In reply to by bobbee

Bulova was consistant in not being consistant :-)

Thank god they at least made amazing watches!

William Smith
Posted May 7, 2013 - 9:56pm

I'm good with 1955 Bulova 23, no variant.  Sure looks like the solid gold model though.

bourg01
Posted May 7, 2013 - 10:36pm

In reply to by William Smith

I'll agree with a Bulova 23 but no variant. I don't think this watch is solid gold as it would not have a stainless caseback. I'd guess it's 10K RGP.

Geoff Baker
Posted May 8, 2013 - 6:46am

I'll go with the 23 too....

JP
Posted June 21, 2013 - 2:38pm

Bulova 23 but I still think it is a J model.

jerrykokich
Posted December 20, 2023 - 12:30pm

Hi! I’m new to the site, and to vintage Bulovas, so please forgive my ignorance. I’m looking at one of these on eBay, and I’m wondering if there is any radium on the dial? Did Bulova use radium extensively on their watches back then? Thank you, and Merry Christmas!