This is not my watch and these are not my photos. These photos were graciously provided by ebay seller ustrade2000. He recently sold this beauty ( at a great price I might add) and granted me permission to post his photos here. Solid 14K Gold Case in wonderful condition. Movement appears to be 17 j, and may not be original to watch as the Excellencies were, by this time 23 j.
Added 6/29/2012
In reply to Now THAT is a really nice by bobbee
True dat Bob,
As Geoff stated the late 1950's 'HIS EXCELLENCY's were 23 Jeweled at this time, their Dials printed with the '23 Jewel' insignia.
The 'EXCELLENCY' insignia showing Dates to the late 1940's - according to the ads.
Given this, is the 1959 17 Jewel Movement incorrect and the Watch dates to the late 1940's as the Caseback serial number would suggest? or is it correct and the Dial a fantasy.
* There is/was an ad for this Case... at one time.
In reply to True dat Bob, As Geoff stated by FifthAvenueRes…
Where do these ads go to Mark? There seem to be quite a few that have gone astray, after seeing it remarked upon in different posts in the past. Shame really, would have liked to see the ad for this beautiful watch, even though it seems to be a frankie! Love that case design.
I think the case back signature is that of the Jonell Watch Case Co- it looks like the fancy J shape signature with an arrow where the J comes back on itself. If I remember correctly, Bulova watches began showing up in these cases near the beginning of the 1960's through mid to late1970's. Most of the ones I've seen in the Jonell cases have been solid gold, with a few in gold plate/fill. And just based on often poor memory, those which were gold plate/fill all housed an Accutron of some type. I also don't think, based on the case being Jonell, the first digit of case serial number to manufacture date holds. I'll look through our DB for Jonell case and see if my memory serves me well. This is a beatiful watch, and I'm glad we have an example in our database....even if it had a movement swap or some other customizations...
Will, I noticed the Jonell mark too. My '65 Sea Cloud is also a solid gold Jonell case.
In reply to Great looking watch. The only by DarHin