Newbie trying to find out what I have

Submitted by gldndrms on April 28, 2012 - 11:27am

Hello,

 

I found this watch in the bottom of a box I got at an auction.

I have no idea on what model this is or if it is even a real Bulova watch.

The face and back both are marked Bulova but the inside workings are marked Zodiac Ltd.

I do know that the diamonds above the 12 and below the 6 are real.

Any information or help would be appreciated.

 

Thank you!

DarHin
Posted April 28, 2012 - 11:53am

Nice watch. What is the serial # on the case back, I can't make out the first character. It looks like an E but I would expect a date code also on the back.

Unfortunately the movement swap = "Frankenbully"

Reverend Rob
Posted April 28, 2012 - 12:43pm

My guess would be that this is an original gold Bulova case and dial. It probably originally came with a 5AB or 5AC movt, but the movt has been changed with a Zodiac calibre 18, which is the same movt Bulova used, an AS 1012. That way, the dial feet would fit perfectly into the new movt, and the watch would have a new life, albeit as a now unoriginal Bulova. An easy fix at a jeweller's or watchmaker's shop, but for collectors, the watch is no longer original. 

bobbee
Posted April 28, 2012 - 1:00pm

Looks like the "Juliette", image 10, page 5, but case is 14K solid, and different wristband.

Jim Townsend
Posted April 28, 2012 - 4:32pm

Crown looks to also be replaced and looks a bit bent.

Reverend Rob
Posted April 28, 2012 - 4:34pm

The crown is the original one to the movt, and sports the Zodiac logo. 

William Smith
Posted April 28, 2012 - 6:13pm

Rob or anyone.  In the photo of the 14K case back, see the areas which almost look like plating loss (not wear through or brassing).  What do folks think these "spots" are?

Reverend Rob
Posted April 28, 2012 - 8:43pm

Hard to say. The finish has been damaged somehow, but should buff out if 14K. It almost looks like there was a layer of laquer on the gold that has chipped off. 

bobbee
Posted May 1, 2012 - 4:25pm

 

acids and chemicals on the skin, poss. scent, perfume?

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