My father bought this watch in Toronto Ontario 1960. He passed away over 20 years ago & I inherited the watch. When I got it the crystal was cracked so my jeweller replaced same, cleaned it up & it still runs perfectly. I only realised, by accident, just recently, the interest in older Bulova watches, had no idea of the history. I found the watch in one of this websites old adverts, it's 1960 ad #20 of 36 very bottom extreme right corner. It's shown as The Beau Brummel CCCW $215.00. The picture shows the watch with a alligator strap, I can't remember it when my Dad had it. When I got it the 14K band was in disrepair so my jeweller found me an Italian 14K bracelet for it, it is very very similar to the original. I had him take the clasp off of the old bracelet & attach to the new one as my father had his initials mnk inscribed on it. They happen to be my initials also. Upon further inspection of this clasp I have found a hallmark B inside of an eggshaped, open at the bottom, mark. So, now I am wondering if this clasp & broken up bracelet which I still have is Bulova original. That's all for now, look forward to any help or opinions.
Thanks
michael
I'm good with Beau Brummel
All I know is that your father had good taste.
excerpt from aforementioned ad. http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/vintage_ads/Bulova_AD_1960_27.jpg Michael, although I personally am unable to confirm the CCCW variant due to the Dial and Case color differences, a great Watch! 1960 'BEAU BRUMMEL'
In reply to excerpt from aforementioned by FifthAvenueRes…
Thanks,
The case colour in the ad might be white gold as this was an option. What is it about the dial you don't agree with?
michael
Michael,
Yes, the Case Color is typically variant specific.
The Dial Color in the ad appears Grey, possibly Silver. Your Watch is trimmed Gold?
In reply to Michael, Yes, the Case Color by FifthAvenueRes…
Yes mine is trimmed gold I think because it is yellow gold. The one in the ad is white gold hence the matching trim?????
This is a magnificent watch. I think these family pieces are priceless treasures. You are incredibly fortunate Michael to have a solid gold watch that your father wore. I hope you have it professionally service before you wear it proudly (but PLEASE have it serviced!)
I agree on the Beau Brummel ID. The "CCCW" after the name is a bit unusual for Bulova, normally they gave variant designations "quotes" - like the watch to the left in the ad (Bulova "30" "BW"). I'm not 100 % sure what that CCCW designates.
Mechanical watches need to be serviced every 4-6 years. After this time the lubricants have dried up, and the residue acts as an abrasive. Dirt will increase this action, but your watch is probably not going to have dirt because of the design of the case.
Before I went to watchmaking school, I bought a NOS dive watch at the flea market at Jarvis and King, and proudly wore it daily until it destroyed itself. It took three months. The watch was from the early 60's, and had never been serviced. When I got to watchmaking school, we discovered the extent of the damage. The pinion of the centre wheel had torn loose, there was ruby dust from the abrasion of the dried up lubricant, and the watch was impossible to wind. Fortunately we had parts for the movt and I restored it after the first year of school. It was a valuable lesson.
This is a beautiful watch, Beau Brummel, and the variant for yellow Gold is probably a different designation, but maybe not.
Beau Brummell "DDDW" according to a 1961 price guide. Yellow gold version.
