1952 Bulova
Gold cushion case
Stainless steel case back
L2 date code
SN 6074717
17 jewel 10BT movement. The barrel bridge has been replaced with one marked 15 jewel and an L1 date code.
Dial has no numbers
Single darts at 3 and 9
Double darts at 12
No marker at 6 due to sub seconds
Dots for all other numbers
There is no other member watches like this that I could find. I searched the ads from 1951-1954 and could not find this model. I couldn’t even find a dial with no numbers in that time frame. This is too early for the line books to be of any help. I’m prepared for this to be declared “unknown” but I’ll be extremely pleased if I’m wrong.
There are only a couple minor scratches on the case back. I suspect that’s from opening the case. There are marks inside the case back indicating it’s been serviced somewhere between 3 and 5 times.
Due to its excellent condition, I’m inclined to think the bracelet is original. However, without an ad to confirm, I have no proof. There is absolutely no wear in the bracelet either. The only identifying marks on the bracelet is “Stainless Steel” on one link and “CW” on another. The width of the end links is a proper fit for the case. It is not one of those bracelets with expandable end links that will fit a variety of watches. That adds credence to the idea that the bracelet is original.
In reply to Got it! Previously ID'ed as… by neetstuf-4-u
The Hadley ID seems to have been based on an old eBay listing from many many years ago.
I found this in the 1955-57 linebook with a note against the entry for 1955.
The above 1952 example has a matching 17J movement, but subject watch is only 15J. Could be a replacement or the 15J version may have went by a different name in 1952/53
Keeping in mind that the subject has a L1 movement in a L2 case....nothing major, but might indicate a swap.
In reply to Found this in the 55-57… by mybulova_admin
In reply to I like Ike’s at a couple… by Stinky_Sullivan
There is a ‘52 Providence in the member registry and there is discussion about both these models.
In reply to There is a ‘52 Providence in… by Stinky_Sullivan
In the other listing if the ‘52 Providence, Ken said
“I find a couple of options for this one; both Hadley and Providence share the same ref# 31717, and both are in the 1955 and 1958 pricelists, Providence only in the 1954 Pricelist..
According to the LineBooks, in 1955 only the Providence is listed; in 1956 neither are listed; and in 1957 only the Hadley is shown. I do not find any ads for either of these models.
Since Providence is listed first and appears to have been replaced by Hadley, I would say in 1952 Providence was likely the model name.”
I'm good with Providence.
The subject movement is 17 jewels. The barrel bridge may have been replaced, from a 15j. The center wheel is one of the jewels that would be different between the two; 17j vers there is an actual jewel there; 15j vers does not have a jewel.
In reply to I'm good with Providence… by Andersok
In reply to I'm good with Providence… by Andersok