Wow. Here is what I know. My dad told me when he gave this to me over 30 years ago that it was his father's watch. My grandfather died in 55 and I was born in 61. So the watch was with my Dad from 55 to the 80's... I don't think he wore it after the mid 70's. I do remember it on him and I remember him getting the crystal replaced...but if that dial was replaced it was before I was born. I wore it for maybe 2 years on and off but gave up when my I could not stand the discoloration and sores the watch gave me. 7 years ago I got a Tissot and the man guaranteed it would not hurt me...and he was right. So I ordered the same type of band for this watch...but I do remember the thing you turn also gave me fits where it touches the skin..but it's worth a try ...It does represent my family and I do like it.
Now the man I took it to said the same thing. That the hands had radium and they caused the shadow. I don't remember the shadow and I thought me leaving it in the dark for 25+ years caused this. Are you saying these are NOT the original hands? I guess I can put it in the sun and then get into the dark and see if the hands glow... I keep forgetting to look at this site from home. I'm at work once again and my absentmindedness has once again hit. So I still need that back watch picture. Hopefully my memory is working when I go home to walk the dog before lunch and take a quick picture!!!!!!
Is there a chance Bulova made it this way? OR is the more likely story since my family did live in Queens/Manhattan that for whatever the reason my grandfather took this in at some point to get it serviced and they changed the face for some reason?
Also what is the significance of the L2 on the INSIDE and when I get you that back picture...it is definitely L3 on the gold back case???
Thanks again for all the history on this too.