Presented for auction by Second Vintage
This classic Bulova Selfwinding presents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a handsome mid-century timepiece. Featuring distinctive fancy lugs and a clean, highly legible dial layout, it embodies the elegant design language that made Bulova a household name in American watchmaking. The watch is paired with a robust bund-style leather strap that gives it a rugged, versatile presence on the wrist, bridging the gap between dressy vintage aesthetics and everyday wearability.
Brand: Bulova
Serial Number: 3140356
Movement: Caliber 10AUC, 17 Jewels, Automatic
Dial: Light silver/eggshell tone with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals and faceted indices, showing light even aging
Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Gold-plated bezel and lugs with stainless steel caseback
Production Year: 1950s
Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive, even patina
Dial and Hands
The dial features a warm, light silver or eggshell tone, displaying a very fine, even patina consistent with its age. It is adorned with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals at the even hours and faceted triangular indices at the odd hours, providing excellent legibility and depth. The typography is crisp, with "BULOVA" printed below 12 o'clock and "SELFWINDING" above 6 o'clock. The gold-tone alpha-style hour and minute hands, along with the slender sweeping seconds hand, show light oxidation but retain their elegant shape. A finely printed black minute track circles the outer edge, complete with subtle numerical markers every five minutes. The dial remains remarkably clean overall, free from significant spotting, moisture damage, or heavy discoloration.
Case and Crystal
The 33mm case is distinguished by its dramatic, sculptural "fancy" lugs, a hallmark of mid-century watch design. The gold-plated bezel and lugs show honest signs of wear and brassing, particularly on the high edges and lug tips, which is entirely expected for a watch of this era. The smooth transition between the case components remains distinct. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, appearing clear and free from deep scratches or cracks, allowing a perfect view of the dial beneath. The stainless steel snap-on caseback is stamped with the serial number 3140356 and the Bulova name. The crown, signed "BULOVA," shows wear but remains fully functional.
Movement
Powering this timepiece is the Bulova caliber 10AUC, a 17-jewel automatic movement manufactured by the Bulova Watch Co. in Switzerland, as clearly stamped on the rotor. The movement presents well visually, with the rhodium-plated surfaces showing typical signs of age but no obvious signs of corrosion or serious damage. The timegrapher results indicate a deviation of -30 to -39 seconds per day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady.
Strap
The watch is currently fitted with a substantial, period-evocative brown leather bund strap. The strap features contrasting white stitching and a textured finish, complementing the gold tones of the watch case and adding a rugged, masculine character to the overall presentation. The leather appears supple and well-maintained, showing light signs of use.
Condition
This Bulova Selfwinding is in good vintage condition. It exhibits honest, age-appropriate wear across the case, particularly on the gold-plated surfaces, which only adds to its authentic vintage charm. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved with a pleasing, even patina. The movement is running and operational, making this a highly wearable and attractive piece of horological history.
Dimensions
Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown)
Remarks
A quintessential example of 1950s American watch design, this Bulova stands out thanks to its ornate lugs and clean dial layout. Paired with the robust bund strap, it offers a unique wearing experience that is both historically significant and stylistically versatile today.
History
Bulova has a rich heritage deeply intertwined with American culture and innovation. Founded in 1875 by Joseph Bulova in New York City, the company became renowned for its pioneering marketing, mass production techniques, and, later, its significant contributions to space exploration with the Accutron tuning fork technology. During the mid-20th century, Bulova produced a vast array of stylish, reliable mechanical watches that captured the optimism and design flair of the era, making them highly collectible today.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: BUL-BHX-0003
































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Bulova - Caliber 10AUC - No reserve price - 3140356 - Men - 1950-1959
Bulova
Sold for
$203
Sold on May 5, 2026
33 bids55 watching
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