From my research on this site, I first thought is was a BB. However it does not seem to specifically match any BBs on the site and then I cam across the one example of a Launcelot. While the one example on this site has a black dial, this most closely resembles the watch I have. I am a bit nervous to open the back. I had the watch restored by Rusty Tuggle owner of Antique Watch Company, AS can be seen on the back it indicates 10K gold-filled, Bulova with the L4 date stamp. Any help with ID would be appreciated. I have included before and after pics. Not sure before pics are very clear.
Thanks for adding the additional photos. Movement appears to be dated "L6", which could either indicate it was replaced at some point, or wasn't initially assembled by Bulova until late 1955 or early 1956. Based on the "well loved" condition of the watch when you received it, I would lean towards saying movement was replaced. As presented - Yellow gold filled, 3 diamond white face and now confirmed 17 jewel count and case date says
1954 Launcelot "A"
A first for the database,.
Thank you again gentlemen I am excited that it's a relatively rare watch and hopefully will help now being in the database! Just a question,, you suggest that perhaps it's an "L6" movement while that's not terribly clear in the picture, I will try to confirm visually However, it does have the 10BM stamp which I thought only was made through 1954 based on other movement information in the database? Appreciate your thoughts on this.
The date stamp is just to the left of "Bulova Watch" in your photo. Movement information is based solely on members inputting a new date into the system as dated movements are identified. It's not the "last word" on dates and merely a guide based on our observations. This movement never got updated info. There are currently watches bearing date matching 10BM movements in the database up to 1956.
I'll update that movement entry shortly to reflect movements in already identified models prior to your watch.
Thanks for the clarification - and, education! I did want to confirm that I looked at movement with magnifying glass and the "L6" is actually an "L4" so hopefully this is the original movement for this watch. I have to admit, getting the angle to corroborate this for you guys in the photo was difficult. I hope this is clear enough to confirm in the additional 2 pictures of the movement.
Thanks so much!
Much better photo, thank you! It can sometimes be really difficult to get accurate and clear photos, good job. Movement matches case,
Confirmed 1954 Launcelot "A" he is!
I updated the initial info on your watch to reflect movement model and jewel count. Also, thought I would mention the scratched writing on the inside of the case back. Those are jeweler's marks. Most are code that we can't figure out, as each jeweler had his own system of marking watches when they came in for service or repair. This was done so that in the future, he or she could read their previous entries to see what had been done in the past and when. Based on the number of "entries" on yours, it was well maintained.