Bulova - "10K RGP" - No reserve price - B350402 - Men - 1956

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This attractive 1950s Bulova Waterproof exemplifies the refined elegance of mid-century American watchmaking. With its crisp dial, distinctive case architecture, and robust mechanical movement, this timepiece captures the essence of 1956—a year of post-war prosperity and style. Preserved in excellent condition, it offers collectors a wearable piece of history that balances dressy sophistication with everyday durability. Brand: Bulova Serial Number: B350402 Movement: Manual Winding Caliber 11AC, 17 Jewels Dial: Champagne satin finish with gold applied indices Case Size: 31 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 10k Rolled Gold Plate Bezel, Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1956 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with a remarkably clean dial and sharp case lines. Timegrapher results show the movement is running between -9s and -15s/day, which indicates healthy movement performance and reliability for a vintage piece of this era. Dial and Hands The dial is the highlight of this timepiece, featuring a subtle champagne satin finish that has been exceptionally well preserved. It displays applied gold Arabic numerals at the even hours and sharp arrowhead markers at the odd hours, creating a balanced and legible layout. The gold alpha-style hands are in excellent condition, complementing the applied indices perfectly. A sunken sub-seconds register sits at the 6 o'clock position, adding texture and depth to the face. The text "Bulova Waterproof" is crisp and untouched, maintaining the original integrity of the design. Case and Crystal The case measures a classic 31mm, typical of the dress watch standards of the 1950s. It features a 10k rolled gold plate bezel with sweeping, stylized lugs that add character to the silhouette. The gold plating remains strong with minimal signs of wear, retaining a warm luster. The caseback is stainless steel, clearly stamped with the serial number and Bulova branding. The crystal is clear and free of distracting marks, allowing an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering the watch is the reliable Bulova Caliber 11AC manual winding movement. This 17-jewel mechanism is stamped with the "L6" date code, precisely dating the production to 1956. The movement is clean and visually appealing, featuring decorative finishing on the bridges. It winds smoothly and is running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance for the new owner. Strap The watch is fitted with a distinctive reddish-brown leather strap featuring a geometric etched pattern and contrasting stitching. This unique strap choice enhances the vintage character of the watch and pairs well with the warm tones of the gold-plated case. It is finished with a gold-tone buckle that complements the overall aesthetic. Condition This piece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial shows virtually no signs of aging, which is rare for a watch from the mid-1950s. The case retains its definition with only minor surface handling marks consistent with careful use over decades. The movement is functioning well, supported by timegrapher readings indicating stable operation. Dimensions Case diameter: 31 mm (excluding crown) Lug width: Standard vintage sizing Remarks This Bulova Waterproof is a testament to the brand's golden era, where design and utility met seamlessly. Its modest size makes it a perfect dress watch for those who appreciate understated luxury, while the "Waterproof" designation—though no longer functionally guaranteed on a vintage piece—speaks to the high build quality of its time. History Bulova was a powerhouse of the American watch industry in the 20th century, known for its innovation and marketing prowess. By the 1950s, they were producing high-quality mechanical watches that rivaled their Swiss counterparts in reliability and style. The "L" dating code system introduced by Bulova in 1950 allows collectors to pinpoint the exact year of manufacture, adding a layer of historical precision to ownership. This specific model, dating to 1956, stands as a charming artifact from a decade defined by classic design. / Second Vintage SKU: BUL-BWB-0001