Bulova - "10K RGP" Cal. 10BM - No reserve price - 5694506 - Men - 1953

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A classic mid-century American timepiece, this Bulova beautifully captures the elegant design language of the 1950s. With its distinctive case shape and deeply aged dial, it offers a wonderful glimpse into the golden era of stateside watchmaking, presenting a highly authentic vintage aesthetic for the discerning collector. Brand: Bulova Serial Number: 5694506 Movement: Manual wind, Caliber 10BM, 17 jewels Dial: Light-colored dial with heavy stardust patina, applied gold-tone numerals and dart indices, sunken sub-seconds Case Size: 31 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 10K Rolled Gold Plate Bezel with Stainless Steel Caseback Production Year: 1953 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and distinctive age-consistent dial patina Dial and Hands The dial of this Bulova exhibits a striking, heavy stardust patina across its entire surface, reflecting decades of honest aging and environmental exposure. It features applied gold-tone Arabic numerals at the quarter hours and faceted dart indices for the remaining markers. A sunken sub-seconds register at the six o'clock position displays fine concentric snailing, adding subtle texture to the lower half of the dial. The original gold-tone dauphine hands show visible oxidation and aging consistent with the rest of the dial. The "BULOVA" typography is printed cleanly below the twelve o'clock position. The overall aesthetic provides a deeply authentic vintage character, with the spotting and discoloration serving as a testament to its mid-century origins rather than detracting from its charm. Case and Crystal The 31 mm case is constructed with a 10K rolled gold plate bezel and a stainless steel caseback, a durable and popular configuration for the era. The case is highlighted by its elegant, fancy flared lugs, which remain well-defined though showing signs of normal vintage wear and slight softening along the outer edges. The domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and exhibits light surface wear. The snap-on stainless steel caseback bears the L3 date code, accurately dating the piece to 1953, alongside the clearly stamped serial number 5694506. Scratches and handling marks are visible on the caseback and gold-plated surfaces, fully consistent with a timepiece of this vintage. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Bulova caliber 10BM, a reliable manual wind movement featuring 17 jewels and proudly marked as manufactured in the U.S.A. The movement presents cleanly in the macro photography, with crisp engravings and well-preserved mechanical components. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher result indicates a performance of +10 to +14 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring stitched edges and a gold-tone pin buckle that complements the warm tones of the case material. Condition Good vintage condition. The watch displays clear signs of its 1950s heritage, most notably the extensive spotting and freckled patina on the dial, as well as oxidation on the hands. The gold-plated case shows expected handling marks, minor wear to the plating on high contact areas, and surface scratches on the stainless steel caseback. It remains a handsome and entirely authentic example of mid-century horology. Dimensions Case Size: 31 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Bulova is a charming representation of 1950s American watch design, characterized by its expressive lug shapes and elegant dial layout. The prominent patina offers a unique, unpolished aesthetic that strongly appeals to collectors who appreciate vintage watches with a visible, unadulterated history. History Founded in New York City in 1875 by Joseph Bulova, the Bulova Watch Company became a cornerstone of American horology. Known for their innovative mass-production techniques, stylish case designs, and reliable movements, Bulova watches were a staple on the wrists of mid-century Americans. The post-war era saw the brand experiment with bold, sculptural lug designs and refined dials, cementing their reputation for accessible luxury and mechanical dependability in a booming market. / Second Vintage SKU: BUL-BHX-0002