Bulova 1956 Martha Washington

Submitted by Bparmele on October 16, 2023 - 9:09pm
B
Manufacture Year
1956
Movement Model
6BC
Movement Date Code
L6
Movement Jewels
21
Case Serial No.
5359529
Case shape
Cushion
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
12mm x 12mm x 2mm H
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

A petite ladies Bulova watch with a silver colored case and silver expandable bracelet.  Dial appears white with gold indices, hour, and minute hands. \

10K Rolled Gold Plate Bezel
Stainless Back
Appears to have at least six service marks.
"Bulova" stamped on crown.

Case width including stem: 18mm
Case width: 16.5mm
Case height tip to tip: 21mm
Crystal: 12mm x 12mm
 

Ladies Bulova face very tiny.
Face with bracelet
Case back
Inside case back
Movement
JimDon5822
Posted October 16, 2023 - 11:27pm

Thank you for posting your watch.   Based on the 1957 Linebook BAWD #0132 this appears to be a 1956 Bulova Minuet "B".

Minuet BMinuet B

Bparmele
Posted October 17, 2023 - 12:17am

In reply to by JimDon5822

Thanks Jim. Upon further inspection under a microscope, I do see traces of gold coloring in the crevices and around the crystal. I believe this could be the “A” model? Is it possible the plating has worn off or even removed somehow?  The case does state 10k rolled gold that I thought was odd as the only overt gold I could see was on the dial.  I really do appreciate this! I’ve been researching this for days and couldn’t find anything close.  :) 

Bparmele
Posted October 17, 2023 - 12:28am

In reply to by Bparmele

Not sure this is a Minuet as the glass shapes do not match and the bracelet is also different.  Of course I am new to this so I could be wrong.   Thanks again for assisting.  

Kathy L.
Posted October 17, 2023 - 12:46am

In reply to by Bparmele

The crystal shape is correct, it is just the aspect of the photo.  The bracelet has most likely been replaced at some point, it is very common.

Kathy L.
Posted October 17, 2023 - 12:41am

This model started out as the Academy Award "PP" in 1950, then name changed to Martha Washington "B" in 1953, and in 1957 it is the Minuet "B".  The case is 10K rolled gold plate which can be either yellow gold plate or white gold plate, with your watch case being white.  The 1956 linebook still has it as the Martha Washington "B".  You can see my Academy Award "PP" to compare https://www.mybulova.com/watches/1951-academy-award-pp-10747

1956 linebook

linebook

1956 Bulova Martha Washington "B"

 

Bparmele
Posted October 17, 2023 - 7:09am

In reply to by Kathy L.

Wow! Your photos look nearly identical to mine.  Thank you so much for your time!

neetstuf-4-u
Posted October 17, 2023 - 7:02am

Great research guys! I'm going with Kathy on this one. By date, it's

1956 Martha Washington "B"

The "gold" you are seeing around the  crystal is likely a combination of a little crud and yellowed crystal glue. That is a fairly common thing. You should be able to carefully pick/scrape it away with a sharp wooden toothpick which won't scratch the crystal sides or case.

Bparmele
Posted October 17, 2023 - 7:11am

In reply to by neetstuf-4-u

I’ll give it a careful cleaning with some sharpened peg wood today.  You guys have been so helpful.