Bulova 1952 President

Submitted by KHatfull on March 18, 2019 - 8:49pm
Manufacture Year
1952
Movement Model
10BM
Movement Jewels
21
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
6472493
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
Glass, 24.3mm x 18.7mm
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Found this on the auction site advertised as a 1952 President.  Case back and movement both marked L2 so that seems like a sure thing.  The case shape and detail certainly appear to match the examples of L2 Presidents already on the site.  However, the three diamond dial...I've looked the database up and down and all the ads +- a few years from 1952, nothing.  The dial is reminiscent of a President, divided into four quardrants.  But, no Arabics and....diamonds.    So I think 1952 is correct.  It's certainly a President case.  But the dial is vexing and I'd appreciate any help in an ID. Thanks!

1952 Bulova watch
1952 Bulova watch
1952 Bulova watch
1952 Bulova watch
1952 Bulova watch
KHatfull
Posted March 18, 2019 - 8:59pm

So I may never find out what it is BUT I think it looks super duper next to my L5 Clifton with diamond dial!  

 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted March 18, 2019 - 9:35pm

Neat watch, I agree it's a President. It appears to be a President "C" with a jeweler "blinged" dial. It appears that the diamond mounts were applied over the numbers. Do I see little bits peeking out on the 12 and 9 position? Looks like this one except for the diamonds

https://www.mybulova.com/watches/1952-president-8677

1952 President "C" with Jeweler modified dial.

EDIT: Per ad below, it's a legit advertised face and not a mod.

KHatfull
Posted March 18, 2019 - 9:05pm

Well heck, here's another one...nothing present to help with an ID though, aside from the fact it probably isn't custom.  

Link to active ebay listing removed by Admin.

 

KHatfull
Posted March 18, 2019 - 9:08pm

Hey neetstuf-4-u.

I was thinking the same thing, but another completely separate watch with the same exact mods?  Different hands though.  The plot thickens!

Kathy L.
Posted March 18, 2019 - 9:11pm

What a fantastic looking watch!  It looks like a President to me.  Ad from Oct. 12, 1952, Lubbock, Texas.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted March 18, 2019 - 9:45pm

Wow Kathy, Nice ad find!

I stand corrected. I wonder if this had a variant assigned to it or was just

"Diamond Dial President" or perhaps "C - Diamond Dial"?

I'm going to say subject watch has had the hands replaced; as the "Diamond Dial" ad, known "C" variants and the off site watch noted all have the same hands.

KHatfull
Posted March 18, 2019 - 9:20pm

Well then, I guess the three closeups of the diamond indices I took are a moot point now, LOL!

Thanks Kathy for the ID!  If that ad is in the database I'll kick myself because I managed to go right over it.

What is clear though is that the hands have been replaced.  The ad above and that eBay listing indicate so.  

Any advice on sourcing a pair of those dauphine hands?

 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted March 18, 2019 - 9:27pm

Congrats on what would seem to be an uncommon "SPECIAL!" variant, and a first for the database. Don't feel bad, I missed that ad also......

Kathy L.
Posted March 18, 2019 - 9:44pm

I have been having trouble with the DB locking up on me so I went straight to Newspapers.  I found 3 ads all from Lewis' Jewelers in Texas.  It might have been like Kay had an exculsive watch or maybe it is just variant that wasn't advertised much.  

neetstuf-4-u
Posted March 18, 2019 - 9:53pm

Thinking out loud and maybe over thinking.....it's interesting the ad states "our special 3 diamond dial". Is "our" referring to Bulova or the store? I'm now wondering if this was a Bulova dial variant or the store mod-ed a bunch of watches as a "special" with blessings (or not) from Bulova.?