Bulova model 23 --case plating question

Submitted by levine98 on November 20, 2022 - 3:57pm

Hi, I've purchased numerous 1950s era Bulova watches of late for repair/restoration and resale (a money losing hobby but very satisfying).

With a couple of exceptions, all of the examples I've purchased have gold colored cases (a couple were SS). Are all yellow colored case Bulova watches from the period 10KRGP unless otherwise noted (in particular model 23s, but I've also serviced a bunch of small rectangle shapes models as well including a Ranger and Hawkeye with 10BC/10BT movements). I'm asking because I've seen some casebacks have 10RGP designations and others without, even though the cases look identical.

Thanks in advance--Levine98

Geoff Baker
Posted November 22, 2022 - 9:29pm

levine98, I'm nor sure I understand your question. 

Andersok
Posted November 23, 2022 - 5:47am

Sometimes the earlier models will have the gold plating etched inside the caseback. Typically, you will have RGP cases as standard, with gold filled and solid marked as such.

The electroplate cases started to show up more in the 60s.

levine98
Posted November 23, 2022 - 8:23am

@Geoff Baker I was simply asking if 10KRGP cases were the standard in the 1940/1950s era watches, even if not marked as such (versus say just polished brass).

@Andersok-thanks, appreciate the input.

JimDon5822
Posted December 7, 2022 - 10:45pm

I believe all gold colored watches were gold plated even if not marked.  

Kathy L.
Posted December 8, 2022 - 10:52am

Yes they will be 10K gold filled or rolled gold plate in the 40s and 50s with the exception of rose gold filled is 14K.  If the watch is solid gold it will have 14K stamped on it somewhere.