Bulova 1958 -Unknown

Submitted by Uhr_Mensch on November 23, 2020 - 1:42pm
Manufacture Year
1958
Movement Model
11AC
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
I5483
Case shape
Square
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
25x25mm, round corners, high edges
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Hello, this is my little Bulova square watch. Would you be able to identify the type of this watch, please? Moreover I am in search for a new crystal because mine is broken and perhaps your information can help me. I would be very happy to find a new glass or at least a G-S number to order a new one. I don't want to give up the hope to manage to get hold of a new glass. It is 25.0x25.0mm sqare, flat top, round corners, high edges.

Many thanks and best regards, Tom

The front.
The back including case number.
Movement 11AC and inner back.
Broken crystal.
Geoff Baker
Posted November 24, 2020 - 9:08pm

I've never seen anything like it. I don't see a date code on the case and can't make out anything on the movement. The engraving on the case back leads me believe it's newer than the 1980's. I suspect that the movement is not original to the case but really don't know.

mybulova_admin
Posted November 25, 2020 - 3:02am

The movement certainly has L8 and as a 11AC, but I have to agree with Geoff that the case looks post 1979.

The dial is also incorrect as Bulova did not have the design under the logo as shown above.

Non-conforming for me, but you may find out it's a post 1980 watch with a earlier 1958 movement.

Andersok
Posted November 25, 2020 - 7:35am

The ad here is a 1960s ad from Italy. It does show the use of that symbol under the Bulova.

1960s-ItalianAd.jpg

This may just be a European model, which we have few adverts to reference.

Noting the lack of an import code on the movement, also points towards being an international model.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted November 25, 2020 - 9:51am

I'm with Ken and  also of the mindset it's a European model produced for the non-US market. It has a s/n starting with "1-" , no import code on movement and the foreign (to us) logo on face, which we have seen before.

The slightly modified (hair and clothing) "Goddess" logo on back also matches the Italian advert.

Based on the 60's ad showing distinct similarities and movement date; I think this should either be placed in the

1958 "International" category,

or perhaps

1958 Unknown.

Gut feeling is it's a legit model as seen.

plainsmen
Posted November 27, 2020 - 10:41pm

Wow.... this is awesome... and unknown!

Geoff Baker
Posted November 28, 2020 - 9:32pm

I recall the logo now, thanks Bob. I still do doubt that Bulova was doing any case back art work like this watch has in the 1950's let alone the 60's or 70's. This is a laser engraved design in my opinion. I submit that the movement )1958) was married to this case from the 80's or maybe later.

To answer your question Uhr_Mensch, a reputable watch maker should be able to source a replacement crystal. Generally Bulova cases has part numbers stamped inside that could be cross referenced to  new crystal. Short of that information an exact measurement will suffice.

Geoff Baker
Posted December 2, 2020 - 9:40pm

I'm publishing this one Unknown for now pending (hopefully) more information later.

Uhr_Mensch
Posted May 27, 2021 - 10:25am

 

I finally found a crystal that I had to grind it to measure:

Glass

Uhr_Mensch
Posted May 27, 2021 - 10:27am

Now my Bulova looks nice and clean with its new lizard strap.

Wristshot