1951 Beau Brummel in remarkably good original condition. Case back marked L1, movement is L0. This one just came to me from a non-watch savy source as you see it on the nice Bulova marked band that is usually seen on same period AAward watches. Judging from the unmolested crud on the band pins, it's been on the watch a long time. Literally no plating wear on case or band; crystal is almost perfect.






I think the ad confirms it-
Beau Brummel, and 1951 by the case date.
For those interested in such things, $71.50 in today's money is $680. The payment of $1.50 per week in today's money is $14.25. ( $57/month) Using the original figures, it would take just shy of 48 weeks to pay off, or just shy of a year. The median wage in the US for 1951 was $3700. ($35k today)
In reply to I think the ad confirms by Reverend Rob
I have an observation to share on price and description in period ads: In the same time period, Squadrons were around $55. Face treatment was basically the only deciding factor between the Squadron A and Beau. Ads list BB face as having "Simulated Rubies" and "Brilliant White Stones". It would seem logical that if the "white stones" were anything but diamonds, they would be called "simulated" like the Rubies were. Is it possible the "white stones" description was an import tariff or tax dodge?
Have any members tested the "white stones" with a diamond tester? A $16 difference (55 vs 71 dollars) seems excessive if all the stones were man made. Thoughts?
In reply to I have an observation to by neetstuf-4-u
In reply to The stones could be genuine, by Reverend Rob
In reply to I have an observation to by neetstuf-4-u
In reply to Might also be Rhine by mybulova_admin
1950's period Rhinestones are most commonly paste or cut glass. I suspect if they were cut glass rhinestones (like the rubies), they would be called out as "simulated diamonds" instead of "brilliant white stones." Just a thought based on the premise of consistency in advertising.
Thanks, yes, it's a pretty clean original dial. One of the nicest examples of this BB I have personally had in my hand.