Bulova 1968 Leading Lady

Submitted by tkm3rd on
LJ
Manufacture Year
1968
Movement Model
5AT
Movement Jewels
21
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
N76460
Case shape
Oval
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
-
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

This submission for identification contains a Bulova 21 jewel USA 5AT movement. The case is marked M8 (1968), s/n N76460, 10K rolled gold plate. The bracelet is yellow metal signed "USA Duchess 1/20 10K GF" and is missing a cap. 
 After service on 4/1/2025, Weishi 1000 T/G values: +/-5sd rate, 206° amp, 0.1ms/be. 
 Advertising for manual wind ladies watches is sparse for 1968; however, if hard pressed, I would call it a "Leading Lady" similar to this one (obviously, the date is off.)

Front
side case
5AT movement
rear case
neetstuf-4-u
Posted June 27, 2026 - 8:05pm

Another nice one! Based on Jewel count at 21, I believe you are correct and it is a 1968 Leading Lady "K"  on the original band.

leadinglady K

It appears that in 1969, this one dropped to 17 jewels and was renamed Concerto "P"

con1con2

Geoff Baker
Posted June 27, 2026 - 9:29pm

1968 Bulova Leading Lady A

mybulova_admin
Posted June 28, 2026 - 5:39am

1967 Linebook has what looks to be an exact match as a Bulova Leading Lady "LJ" (yellow gold version).

Bulova Leading Lady "LJ" & "LK"

 

1966 Linebook lists as the "K" (yellow) and "L" (white).

Bulova Leading Lady "K" & "L"

neetstuf-4-u
Posted June 28, 2026 - 7:12am

Well found, Stephen! Another confusing Bulova example of multiple names over multiple years. In 

1966, it's Leading Lady "K"

in 1967, it's Leading Lady "LJ"

In 1969, LL "LJ" is seemingly replaced by the modified jewel count Concerto "P".

Process of elimination and jewel count says subject watch, as a 1968 would be "LJ".

I amend my vote to

1968 Leading Lady "LJ"

tkm3rd
Posted June 28, 2026 - 11:25am

Well done everyone, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your assistance. I'm working on my own mini-museum of ladies Bulova watches. So far I've found nothing especially rare or interesting, but I'm always looking. 

Thank you again.

~~Tom

Kathy L.
Posted June 29, 2026 - 10:24am

Very nice example and variant dating by everyone.

1968 Bulova Leading Lady "LJ"