I have here a very nice Bulova, L5 date code, but couldn't find it in the 1955 ads, I will be going through them again, this time more slowly. No serial number on the movt, sorry, wasn't able to get a pic. The movt is stamped L5 also. 10k RGP bezel and SS back. 16mm lugs, and a very very slightly rectangular cushion case with a crystal that is less than 2mm different length by width. This watch belongs to a customer who I have asked permission to post these pics, it belonged to her father and is a very sentimental piece. Any comments. thoughts or ideas as always appreciated and welcome.
Rob
Good to get this one in the watch records. It's a nice watch, with some unknowns for now. Do you remember if the movement is Swiss? If so, did it have the BXW Swiss to USA import code? Maybe it never sold in USA, or sold in USA under different model name? I'm just typing out loud. I'm not too concerned about demonstratable facts, or backing up my typing w/ "evidence" or documentation, as it's a discussion, not the Inquisition. I'm happy with possible trends or opinions, when stated as such.
Well the import code is there, and the watch was originally purchased by the customer's father, he was the only owner, and it has never been refinished. It's in remarkably good condition overall, and I can't detect any refinishing tell tales, the dial has the usual scratches and marks, the picture just doesn't show them. In fact, when I went to remove the dial, the dial feet screws were seized with corrosion, and haven't been touched in a long time. I can't say I've ever seen a dial quite like it, and I can't say for certain it is completely original, but what I'm being told is that it is extremely unlikely to have been redone. It is possible that another dial has been subbed, but that doesn't solve the mystery. I've been through all our ads and elsewhere, and I can't find a match anywhere. The man has recently passed away, and this is the first time anyone else has had the watch.
The crystal measures 23.5x22.8, and is a SUC RMW 107-25. I went through hundreds of potential matches, and this is the only one that fit perfectly. The original was glass, and was scratched pretty bad.
This is the watch all ready to go back to the customer. The minute hand had to be replaced and the one you see is NOS. The only thing that is different now from the pics is I went back and polished the crown.
