This is an interesting one, marked 'Guard's Loaner' and the seller told me it was the loaner for a jewelry store when repairs were being done to the customer's watch. I'm not sure where the 'Guard' part comes in, unless the store was called 'Guard's' or maybe it was for the Security who watched the store?
Anyway, top drawer construction throughout with cap jewels and Breguet Overcoil. Running strong now with her new mainspring and full service. The seller thought it might be a Caldwell.
I bet we find this is "another model" and the modification to that model is the guards loaner text added post-production to the dial. Probably not added by Bulova.
If we could find the model on which this is based, and the only difference is the guards loaner text on dial, I'd be happy with that model ID, and some custom dial info in this comments thread.
What a great advertising idea-If that's what this is? Your company name (Guards) and the term loaner on the dial. Customer turns back in when they get their watch back.
I'm thinking I agree with the original seller and it is a Caldwell:
Bulova may have provided this watch to the store- they did custom dials back in the day for various reasons (Masonic, Commercial logo, etc) . If the store was a dealer and authorized service centre it only makes sense. There is no evidence to show that that is what this is, but it's an interesting idea.
I think it's a Caldwell too. I'm not concerned about the "Loaner" addition to the dial, I think it's a rather interesting curiosity. I kind of impressed that a watchmaker would have loaner watches.
What do you think Rob, about having some made up for your business?
Caldwell, 1951 (date changed)
In reply to We had loaners when I was by Reverend Rob