Bulova 1965 La Petite

Submitted by Leesa on July 17, 2013 - 12:18pm
Manufacture Year
1965
Movement Model
5AT
Movement Jewels
23
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
Z59021
Case shape
Oval
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

My father bought this for my mother in 1965. She was the only owner. As far as I know she never had any work done on this watch. It is 14 K gold. I want to pass it on to my granddaughter one day. I have no idea the model name.

Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Leesa
Posted July 19, 2013 - 7:27pm

Does anyone know how many La Petite variation might have been created?

 

William Smith
Posted June 26, 2015 - 12:06pm

Based on the Spring 1964 price list, there were about 118 different La Petite.  Several had the same internal Bulova model numbers, but different prices. This is one reason (or 118 reasons) that we try to match the watch to the ad for ID'ing to variant.

Geoff Baker
Posted July 20, 2013 - 5:49am

I think it's La Petite but find no ad. I base my vote on the following circumstantial evidence: La Petite were 23J, many of them were solid gold, as stated above the Leading Lady featured 21J. 

 

mybulova_admin
Posted July 22, 2013 - 9:02am

Possibly even from the Lady Petite range. Stye looks to be more of a match for the subject watch and thereseems to be a variety of models variants.Bulova Lady Petite

Leesa
Posted July 22, 2013 - 9:21am

Thanks for the info. I believe it is in the La Petite styles. It is the closest match.

Let me know when you reach a conclusion on the model. I can hardly wait to know your final decision.

Blessings, Leesa

Geoff Baker
Posted July 23, 2013 - 6:03am

Leesa - to answer three questions you asked in the thread above. Yes is is a 1965 model, on that point there is no dispute. Occasionally we find watches that have a different date code on the movement than the case, we like to argue those. 5AT is the model of the movement, without going into too much detail it represents the physical size and complications (options) of the movement.  Lastly, regarding the number of variations to the La Petite line, we just don't know. Everything we know about this wonderful brand is 'found' knowledge. Bulova lost all records prior to the 1970's so we are slowly rebuilding the knowledge data base one 'found' advertisement and watch box / hang tag at a time. We might not nail yours down to a model / variant for a week, a month, maybe longer, but we'll never stop looking! Oh, one more thing = 2303 printed in the case back is the STYLE number of the case, we just don't know (yet) what name that matches to.

In the mean time, enjoy your wonderful family heirloom!

Leesa
Posted July 23, 2013 - 9:01am

Oh, I see. Thank you for explaining the process. I had no idea there wasn't a database before 1970's for Bulova. How sad!

I will wait patiently, kinda.... Blessings to all of you!!! Leesa

mybulova_admin
Posted July 28, 2013 - 9:10am

Looking through a bunch of adverts I note the following:

La Petite: 23J
First Lady: 17J
Leading Lady: 21J
Dolly Madison: 21J
Goddess of Time: 17J
Lady Bulova: 17J

Based on this general observation (It may not be 100% accurate and there may be variations to this rule) I would have to agree that this 23J watch falls into the La Petite model range.

 

alien Ant
Posted July 28, 2013 - 11:47am

Diamond Romance and Candlelight models also all have 23 jewels and all have diamonds on the cases, which were all solid 14K gold too.

 There are many variants in both models, as there are in the LP.

Leesa
Posted August 21, 2013 - 2:49pm

I took the watch to an appraiser. He said the value is $850.00 to $1,000.00 for the watch alone! He is having his Bulova representative search for the "antiquity" value... to be added to his estimate! He said it may take time because the watch is very rare now. Wow! Who knew? Maybe I don't need to give it to my granddaughter just yet. Maybe I will give it to her as her "something old" when she gets married if she wants to wear it. Hopefully we will know the name of it by then. Blessings, Leesa