Hello Folks and thank you for the help - I have just joined your forum, as my 85 yr old father has several Bulova watches he is now passing down to me to keep. I have the following that is a Fifth Avenue L3 model that he purchased a few years after coming out of the Navy after his WWII service. I have spent time researching your extensive materials, especially the original '53 ads, and we are not sure if it is a President, Delegate, Byron, or just a generic dept. store model. We were hoping you could help us ID it, as it "sort of" works when you wind it, and I want to take it to a jeweler to get it fully functional. My father and I really appreciate any help you can offer us. Thanks, BC
Yes, a fine example of the Squadron model, I would agree. Look back into the 1950 and '51 ads, you'll see it in several adverts.
You are most fortunate BC, to have your fathers watches. Most of us agree that among the most valuable watches we have are those passed down as family heirlooms. Your father obviously took very good care of this beauty. To be able to research it with your father and hear the stories must be a real joy. Congratulations - we're anxious to see the others.
'SQUADRON' "A"
ad is 1955 http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/vintage_ads/bulova-ad-1955-25b.jpg
In reply to 1955 Squadron "A" ad snippet by William Smith
BC
L3 is always L3 (1953) but in some circumstances the Movement inside will be Dated differently from the Case.
ie:
L3 stamped Case with L4 stamped Movement.
The example above would indicate a Watch manufactured in 1954 (L4 on the Movement) even though the Case dated is '53.