14k gold. Lug damaged in accident and repaired about 1960.
Looks like a match to the Bulova 23 'J', like this one.
Thank you for identifying the model. This watch was bought by my father after he got a major promotion at a young age, a was a big splurge in small town northern Canada in 1956.
It was worn everyday until he retired (from a desk job). I know it was repaired sometime before 1962 after it was hit by falling steel in a workplace industrial incident. As the story goes, his “Turtle” hard hat saved his life, and his Bulova saved his hand! One lug has looked askew since then. It was also sent away to be tuned-up a few times, and I can remember Dad missing his watch on those occasions.
There are some things I would like your kind guidance on. Is the face is original, being all block letters, unlike the “23 Jewels” script I so often see? If the watch had very major repairs, is it worth having it serviced and polished? Or it it just some odd parts and some gold? And can anyone recommend a reputable watchmaker in Toronto that won’t turn their nose up at a watch without a high-end name, or do I need to send it to the the US? Places I have tried seem to want the gold only and won’t even open the back. Thanks for your interest.
Hello Alex, any watch handed down from your father is, in my opinion, worth servicing and wearing, ESPECIALLY a sold gold one. I think the case back, crown, dial and hands are original to the watch. The movement was the workhorse of the Bulova line and is definitely worth servicing. This is a wonderful keepsake from your father. Service it, wear it and treasure it. The repair is what I refer to as "character".
Reverend Rob (the post above your question) is a watch maker not too far from Toronto, he'd be delighted, I'm sure to give you some ideas.
1955 Bulova 23 J