Bulova 1958 His Excellency

Submitted by brtime on May 20, 2012 - 9:28am
F
Manufacture Year
1958
Movement Model
10BP
Movement Jewels
23
Case Serial No.
C983193
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Bulova watch, dated coded "L8" on the back for 1958 year of manufacture. This model was known as the "His Excellency" and was likely one of the highest grade watches that Bulova offered at the time. It is basically a round watch, but has highly decorative curved lugs, and an engine turned dial that overall gives this watch a very "retro modern" look that was popular at the time. The back is engraved "Richard Baltis Outstanding Electrical Apprentice 1968" and it looks at though Mr. Baltis hardly ever wore the watch. The 10 year age difference between when the watch was made (1958) and when it was given to Mr. Baltis (1968) is easy to explain: It was not uncommon for watches back in those days to sit around in a jewelry store for 5, 10, or even more years before they were sold. Specifics: Case measures 40.5mm high lug to lug by 34mm wide, not including crown. The case on this watch is designed so that that movement lifts out through the front of the watch rather than the back. The case of the watch is designed more or less as a "cup" which holds the movement. The bezel acts as a lid that snaps onto the case with considerable effort. A gasket between the case and the bezel acts as a barrier to help keep out dust and moisture; however this watch should NOT be considered water resistant and should NOT be submerged in water under any circumstances. This despite the fact that the watch is enscribed "WATERPROOF" on the back of the watch by the factory. Case is 10kt yellow rolled gold plate, front and back. Case is in excellent condition. All gold plate is intact with no brassing or splitting of metal. The inside case back is enscribed "Bulova Fifth Ave. New York." The outside surface of the back, in addition to containing the personalized engraving, and the WATERPROOF is enscribed from the factory with the case serial number of C983193, and also PATENT PENDING. Dial is in excellent to near mint original condition for its age. Vibrant colors of white and gold, and containing a beautiful engine turning at the outer edge, which contains alternating markers and Arabic numerals. Crown is the original signed, and in excellent functioning condition. Crystal appears to be the original acrylic and in excellent condition with no scratches or cracks.Movement: The 23 jewel manual winding movement, and is a Caliber 10BP. I be lieve this is an unusual movement in that most Bulova 23 jewel calibers were automatic movements and not manual winding. This is a manual winding, and appears to be of superior quality and adjusted 6 times for position, heat, cold, and isochronism. I do not find a serial number on the movement, but it is date coded L8 to match the date enscribed on the case. The movement sets and winds perfectly. Movement runs at time of listing, but not known when the movement was last serviced. Band: Used but good condition generic leather band attached as seen

Bulova His Excellency
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Bulova Watch
bourg01
Posted May 20, 2012 - 10:50am

His Excellency "F", confirmed below, ads a little grainy but it's in the database.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted May 20, 2012 - 10:31am

Come off it Shawn,

"F" is on an 'Expansion band of genuine alligator with gold-filled trim' as per the ad.

 

'HIS EXCELLENCY' is the correct ID in this situation.

IMO

bourg01
Posted May 20, 2012 - 10:40am

In reply to by FifthAvenueRes…

Don't get yourself all bent Mark, I'm only commenting on the case,dial and hands and I'm not saying the ID is incorrect either. In fact I gave the 1st 3 star vote on it. Have a nice day! I'm going golfing.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted May 20, 2012 - 11:03am

To elaborate on how the strap can affect a designated variant letter I refer to 1958 ad 6c.

In the top right corner of this ad We see 'HIS EXCELLENCY' "G" - the Watch is shown and descibed as being on an 'expansion band'.

At mid point of the ad, Right side of the page We see 'HIS EXCELLENCY' "EW" - a seemingly identical Case, Dial and Hands to the "G". This 'HIS EXCELLENCY' variant is shown on a Leather strap.

bobbee
Posted May 20, 2012 - 12:31pm

Totally different watches, Mark. The lugs on the "G" are nothing like the lugs on the "EW". The lugs on the "G" have a sort of crease on the sides, as opposed to normal on the "EW". Different colours too, and you can't blame the artist as there are others on the same page in different yellows. Letter designation is possibly colour variants in this case, IMO.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted May 20, 2012 - 1:14pm

are We looking at the same ad?

lol

The Case lugs are identical, as are the Dial and Hands.

DarHin
Posted May 20, 2012 - 1:25pm

I think the band on the "G" makes the case appear to have hidden lugs. Unless I'm looking at the wrong ad.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted May 20, 2012 - 1:38pm

"EW" is "C" on (Crocodile?) Leather, it's that simple.

bobbee
Posted May 20, 2012 - 1:38pm

The Excellency "G" in the box at the top right, has lugs with a kind of flaring "V" configuration, with a dark line seen in the centre of the top 2 lugs, the "EW" has straight lugs. Darren, it's the band, shaped to fit round cases.

bobbee
Posted May 20, 2012 - 1:41pm

Different colours too, Mark.