Bulova 1954 -Unknown

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on June 19, 2019 - 5:28pm
Manufacture Year
1954
Movement Model
10BM
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-L3
Case Serial No.
8310528
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
19 mm x 22.1 mm
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Here is an interesting one. White rolled gold plate with black face sporting 3 diamonds. Movement marked L3, case is signed Bulova inside and out and dated L4.

Crystal was really bad when I received it. I got lucky and matched one exactly from my stash of unmarked loose  crystals.

I'm at a loss. The face appears to be a match to the 1950 - 53 Clifton, but I find no example of this casing in the Db. Face is also very similar to the early solid white gold 1947 Beau Brummel as well, but has the additional white line around perimeter.

Case has pretty heavy high point wear, but I couldn't help myself for the price. I added the period band - watch is currently running straight out of the box and keeping time.

I can honestly say I have never seen this watch before, and it appears to me to be legit. Is this a "BB"? The ad is for reference, not verification of model.

1954 Bulova watch
1954 Bulova watch
1954 Bulova watch
1954 Bulova watch
1954 Bulova watch
Bulova Watch advert
Kathy L.
Posted June 19, 2019 - 11:18pm

Another great find for you!  I looked and didn't find anything so far.  Looks like the same dial as the Clifton.

Unknown for now

Reverend Rob
Posted June 20, 2019 - 12:39am

It makes me think Beau, but I can't find any match.

Your ratchet screw is missing. If the watch is running, let it run right down and find a replacement for that screw. If the watch is fully wound and that ratchet wheel lifts, the entire force of the mainspring will let go and backlash the gear train. Not guaranteed to cause damage, but it could. 

Another thing to be careful of- when replacing the screw, hold the ratchet click with a pegwood or brass tweezers so it can't rotate, and you will be able to lightly tighten the ratchet screw. The trick is to NOT overtighten this screw, as they break easily, as they are hardened. 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted June 20, 2019 - 7:10am

In reply to by Reverend Rob

Good eye Rob, I missed that, thanks! Will a screw from any 10 series movement match up? Do I have any other movement options?

Andersok
Posted June 20, 2019 - 7:52am

Nice looking watch, but I am unable to find any ad matches, Unknown model for now

Geoff Baker
Posted June 20, 2019 - 8:10am

I love it that that every now and then a "wow, never saw this model Bulova watch before' finds us here. What a wonderful surprise!

1954 Bulova Unknown

neetstuf-4-u
Posted June 20, 2019 - 8:30am

In reply to by Geoff Baker

Found this one and bought it based on poor blurry distant photos and a vague single sentence description because it was a "what the heck is that?" Diamond dial was hard to make out and not called out. I spent days trying to figure it out prior to arrival and was to the point of second guessing myself and wondering if it was an aftermarket case or total "Frankenbully". No case shape match in any of the 1940's - 50's ads that I can find, only the face. I was quite pleased, it is all Bulova. There are a few "diamond dial' watches in the 1955 price list that we have no examples of or ads for that matter.