I believe this is a 1955 Bulova Royal Lancer. It was my great-grandfather's watch that has now been passed to me. It's in fairly good condition with very little wear.
The case is yellow gold and features distinctive decorative lugs with a triple 'wave' pattern. Lug width is 17.75 mm. Case diameter is 31.15 mm.
The face is creamy off-white and simply says: BULOVA Selfwinding SWISS. It only features even digits which are yellow gold outlined in black.
The movement is a sweeping second hand, but no other complications.
The crown is stamped "BULOVA".
Exterior of the caseback reads: Bulova. Stainless Steel Back. Anti-Magnetic. Shock Resistant. Self-Winding. Water Tite.
Inside of the caseback reads Bulova. 10K Rolled Gold Plate Bezel. Stainless back. New York.
The band is a yellow gold expansion band which is stamped "1/20 10K GF TOP. SS BOTTOM 55-" The links are all marked "Bretton."
The watch hasn't been serviced in a few decades, if ever. It currently runs inconsistently (will go for a few minutes and stop), even when being worn. I suspect its original lubrication is long gone. I'd like to get it serviced back into working order.
Some questions for the forum:
Any insight on the band? It looks just like the band in the '55-'57 line book, but it's marked "Bretton". Is that a brand that Bulova worked with? Or the model of a Bulova-brand band?
Any tips on where to get it serviced? I live in the Washington, DC area, but for the right price and turnaround time, I'm open to shipping it out.
What's a good rate for service?
I contacted the Bulova Service Center (Veterans Watchmaking Initiative) and they indicated that they are backed up and wouldn't even be able to take a look at it for six months. Their 'Complete Service' was quoted at $503. My local watchmaker said it would take him 3-5 months and would be $650 and up (depending on what was needed).
Thank you for sharing your grandfather's watch. It is indeed a Bulova Royal Lancer. A service is definitely necessary to make sure you do not damage the watch. Some of the other panel members may be able to recommend someone. I used one of the online services listed on ebay and paid $125 and the watch was serviced well. As for the bracelet I am not a big fan of stretch bracelets. I would just get a nice leather strap and enjoy the watch.
