Bulova 1950 Exeter

Submitted by mitbht on
Manufacture Year
1950
Movement Model
10BT
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
1942989
Case shape
Square
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Watch has 3 rubies and 8 diamonds on face. Case is 10k gold plate. It is in original condition as far as I know. 

8/28/26
8/28/26
8/28/26
8/28/26
Geoff Baker
Posted September 1, 2026 - 9:50pm

My first thought was that this is a Beau Brummell but I'm not sure it is. The Case (1950) is a late 1940's early 1950's Franklin model but the Franklin was not offered with a jewelled dial. I don't think it's a Franklin retrofitted with a Beau dial as the BB was not offered in a square case so the dial could not be easily adapted to tis case.

Checking adverts further but inclined toward Franklin, noting the different dial

mybulova_admin
Posted September 2, 2026 - 5:03am

it makes sense that it would be part of the Beau Brummell group. If so it would be the first time we have seen it in this case style.

I wonder if this advert offers us any information.

Note: Rhinestone dial + Wholesale only.

August 1948 "Billboard" ad.

and this which mentions the word "reconditioned'.

Geoff Baker
Posted September 2, 2026 - 10:03pm

I feel like that solidifies my suspicion that the dial was a 'dealer upgrade'. Question then become 'customized Franklin' (re-conditioned?) or 'Non-Conforming"?

mybulova_admin
Posted September 3, 2026 - 5:17am

I think that's a good question. Do we need a new category called 'Reconditioned"? I don't think we could always ID by the case and movement alone.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted September 3, 2026 - 2:51am

would the watches advertised as refurbished or reconditioned remain in a Bulova case?  

I don't think they would. 

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted September 3, 2026 - 4:08am

and fwiw:  I think this dial is Bulova, aftermarket or replacement dials always seem to have a heavily printed square sub-seconds dial along with numerals inside the borders. 

JimDon5822
Posted September 3, 2026 - 11:38am

Interesting watch. I believe this is a factory dial along with a factory case.   I would think unknown would be the best designation.  

mybulova_admin
Posted September 5, 2026 - 4:31am

Linebook ID for a 1950 Bulova Exeter

1950 Bulova Exeter #31749

Kathy L.
Posted September 5, 2026 - 12:05pm

1950 Bulova Exeter looks like a great match!