This watch was part of my late mother in laws estate. It belonged to her husband who died in 1964, since she never remarried. I could not find this style in the database here. It is self winding and keeps perfect time. On the back under BULOVA it says 14k Gold Bulova L2 at the bottom serial # 6530646. In a circle around the back it says 14k Gold, Anti-Magnetic, Self Winding, and Water Tite. I am afraid to remove the back, as I am not sure how. The watch band shown is the one that was on it, never worn, with a price tag on the band $25.00. I doubt this was the band that came with it. Any help on this would be appreciated.
The L2 designates 1952. Self winding of that year (1952) could be a Duowind, but the case is a Watertite...I am not sure if the Watertite was an auto wind or not, but someone here will know. If the case is indeed SOLID 14k, you have quite a valuable watch in what appears to be very nice condition ! If you look on this site ; Information-Vintage Bulova ads- page 6 you will find year ads for the early '50s to compare with.
Thanks for the info Shooter144. It seems every Bulova has a unique name. Hope to find out what this one is. I don't see Duowind anywhere on the watch. I'm glad I intercepted my wife as she was getting ready to send a box full of items, including this watch to the thrift shop. I saw 14k gold on it and thought it must be worth something.
Can you tell me how to get the back off? Does it unscrew or pop off?
The outer ring on the back with the recessed cut outs (appears to be stainless steel) unscrews. There is a tool for this and any jeweler/watchmaker would likely open it for you for free. If you try and open it without the tool be very carefull and remember this is solid 14k and scratches and dings hurt the value as a watch. After the ring is off the back pops off, posibly a seal as well . If you are unfamiliar with watch works, be gentle and then be more gentle...I would then only photo the movement and not attenpt to remove it as the crown and stem on a waterproof can be tricky to take apart. A watchmaker can service this for a resonable fee (mine charges $50 for autos not needing major or hard to find parts) since this seems to run well it shouldnt need more than a clean and oil, if that. On the inside of the case back there should be watchmakers service info scratched into the case back telling you when it was last serviced. Remember, BE GENTLE. On the movement you will see a date code to compare to our data base (Information-Bulova date codes up top) and a mvmt type and jewel count . These things will verify if it is a correct mvmt for this year and watch. You can post a pic of the mvmnt or info here, someone will be able to help you better than I.
My vote is that it is a WaterTite....
In reply to I don't believe that by OldTicker
In reply to Thanks for everyones input. by Frank