Bulova 1951 Brigadier

Submitted by Murray Bollen on
C
Manufacture Year
1951
Movement Model
8AC
Movement Date Code
L1
Movement Jewels
21
Movement Serial No.
L1
Case Serial No.
5239881
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
Curved 25x20
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Rectangular with smoke Grey dial, sub second, silver hands, silver indicies, with 12,3,6,9 all in silver numerals.  10K white gf case, with non standard crown,  mesh ss bracelet with gold accents.  Case back internal had no information other than  'Bulova             

*Note* I had difficulty determining if this was a 1951 "Douglas" or a 1952 "Brigadeer" but settled on the former because of the "L1" stamping on the movement being the critical decider. The "L2" on the case could well have been utilised as a model overrun from late 1951 movement manufacturing as noted by panel on other similar events.  NB - This is probably the first vintage watch bracelet that actually fits my extra-large wrist however the watch looks tiny by comparison to todays standard and my wrist.  I acquired this piece some 20 years ago when starting out on my Bulova addiction. Still runs although gains 5 mins / day.

Front Right View
Front Left view
8AC L1 Movement
Crown and Bracelet view
Rear Case
mybulova_admin
Posted November 19, 2025 - 4:02am

1951 advert also shows as a Brigadier. Albeit the white dial version. 

From 1953 Linebooks:

  • White dial - Brigadier "A"
  • Black dial - Brigadier "C"

 

Not sure if it helps to determine the model, but the Douglas had stick hands and the Brigadier had alpha.

Bulova hand styles

JimDon5822
Posted November 19, 2025 - 5:38pm

I see an L2 on the case back so this is a 1952 Bulova Brigadier "C".  One of my favorite color combos.   

Geoff Baker
Posted November 19, 2025 - 9:00pm

Leaning to 1952 Bulova Brigadier C, nice watch

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