I recently received this vintage ladies wristwatch and I'd like to find its model name, if possible. I've looked through the adverts, but can't seem to find it...
The case itself is marked 14k, signed Bulova, and L1 - which, I've gathered, means the case dates to 1951. There is a serial number on the case - 91252 - as well. There are no diamonds on the case, just some pretty milgrain and engraving detail. The crown is signed Bulova.
The movement is a 5AD 23 jewel marked L6 for 1956.
The band is a Speidel expansion style bracelet, probably not the original.
I took this watch to a watchmaker earlier this week and he said it's in perfect condition. He looked it over and adjusted it for me as it was running about 75-90 seconds fast.
I've been happily wearing this delightful piece of history all week, but I am very curious about the model name.
Attached are (I hope) three photos that I took to help with identification. Does anyone here have any insight into this beautiful and tiny machine?
Thank you, in advance, for your expertise!
Nice watch. It looks familiar, but I'm not seeing any ads matching either.
By the way, even though you had your jeweler adjust for you, this and all unserviced watches should be completly cleaned and serviced before using. The oil gets old and can contain shavings etc... and it will ruin the watch if ran in that condition. Like Plains says..."it's like finding a 1952 car which has been stored in a garage for who knows how long, and driving it away without first servicing it..." Well he says something like that...but you get the idea.
In reply to Nice watch. It looks by William Smith
Hi Triniti, welcome to myBulova. It certainly is a wonderful little machine you have here. I've done a look through or ads as well and don't see anything to match to it either. The style seems more evocative of 1960's than the 1950's. The five year span between the case and movement serial numbers indicates a possible movement replacement but we'd still like to find an ad to match to that case.
For now, Unknown. It is a beautiful watch.
In reply to Hi Triniti, welcome to by Geoff Baker
Hello! And thank you! I'm clearly a watch newb, but interested in learning.
I think you are right about the movement being replaced. Wish I had some personal history on this piece...
I've been poking around the internet and found someone on an auction site who is selling a watch with the same case. Same date (L1) on it as well. The dial is different, though. Unfortunately they didn't have photos of the movement so I don't know how it compares to mine.