1955 Model 23. I don't know if the face is supposed to be this color, or if its got a nice even patina to it. The watch keeps great time. Might gain 1 minute in 48 hours. I found it on ebay for next to nothing. I was planning on swapping a black faced movement into the case, but the watch is nice and I don't really want to mess with it. The case is not stainless.
Nice watch Blackbird. The dial was originally white.
I'd ID this as a Bulova 23 "D"
Here's the full page ad:
http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/vintage_ads/bulova-ad-1955-…
The color of the dial doesn't show up quite right in the pic. Its more of a gold color than a dirty white. I thought I saw an ad for one with a similar dial somewhere on the site. If they didn't come with a gold dial, clearly its a very even patina. I kinda like it as is. It keeps very good time and is very clean inside.
In reply to The lugs on this are not the by Andersok
Ken, I'm confused. We linked the same advert but I don't see the "F" variant in it? I see the "E" with a black dial but not an F. Is there an advert I missed? I think I see the lug difference you're referring too and agree that this one does not match the "D" variant I suggested. Here's a watch with the dimpled lugs you refer to:
http://www.mybulova.com/watches/5333
Can you show me the "F" advert?
In reply to Ken, I'm confused. We linked by Geoff Baker
Here's a snippet of the first (1955) ad Ken linked. Looks like both watches are displayed, and the "F" is noted as white dialed version of the "E".
Me thinks the "F" may have originally come on that pictured expandable band, so that may be a deciding factor in that variant call?
I'm also noting the difference in the lugs, w/ subject watch having lugs more like the E/F variant listed above.
In reply to Here's a snippet of the first by William Smith
Bulova 23 "F" variant shown here: http://www.mybulova.com/forums/bulova-23-series