Both the movement and the case are marked L5. The inside of the case back is marked: Bulova; 10k Rolled Gold Plate Bezel; Stainless Steel Back; NEW YORK. The case back is only marked with the serial number and BULOVA L5. Is there a scheme or doc that I can refer to that references the serial numbers - I think that this is the first time that I have seen the case SN start with a letter. The crown is signed. The following advert may indicate that this is a President A: https://mybulova.com/sites/default/files/vintage_ads/bulova-ad-1955-3.j… I dont think that I have have yet identify a watch model correctly. With a little luck this might be a President:) Thank you for reviewing.
John
I'd say you are correct with the President id. The full numeral dial in yellow gold is the "A" variant. That model had a shaded color dial X pattern, but I do not see that on your dial.
Any indication that the dial has been refinished?
If this were a 1957 model, I would be siting the Lexington "A", which did not have a shaded dial, but used the same case and model number.
Also, from my personal watch records, it was in 1955 that Bulova started using the leading letter in the serial number. I show many in 1955 using an A.
I definitely do not have the experience to know if the dial has been refinished. When I take it out of the case there is wear around the edges and the scratch that you can see at 2:00. For sure it does not have the shading that you mention. Also, I do not see the shading in the rendering from the 1955 ad.
John
In reply to I definitely do not have the… by JPutt
One indicator of a re-dial is a notch on one side of the dial in the middle. Do you happen to see that?
When I look at the official linebooks for this variant, they are showing the shaded dial. Perhaps it was offered without, or perhaps some ads did not represent it in the renderings.
-Ken