Presented for auction by Second Vintage
This is a beautifully preserved mid-century Bulova, capturing the essence of 1950s American watchmaking elegance. With its striking sunburst texture dial and distinctive case geometry, this timepiece represents a golden era of design where attention to detail was paramount. The combination of a highly textured dial, applied numerals, and an automatic 23-jewel movement makes this an exceptional find for collectors of vintage dress watches.
Brand: Bulova
Model: 23 Jewels
Serial Number: 7616302
Movement: Automatic 10 BOAC 23 Jewels
Dial: Deeply textured radial sunburst dial, clean and exceptionally well-preserved
Case Size: 32 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Gold-plated with stainless steel back
Production Year: 1954
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with an exceptionally well-preserved dial
Dial and Hands
The dial is the absolute star of this timepiece, featuring a dramatic and deeply textured radial sunburst pattern that catches the light brilliantly from every angle. It is remarkably well-preserved, showing a clean, even surface free of any significant spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration. The applied gold-tone even-numbered Arabic numerals and faceted dart indices for the odd numbers are crisp and highly legible, contrasting beautifully against the textured background. The printed text, including the classic serif "BULOVA" and "23 Jewels" script, remains sharp and fully intact. The gold-tone dauphine hour and minute hands, along with the sweeping center seconds hand, display a warm, age-consistent patina that complements the overall aesthetic without detracting from legibility.
Case and Crystal
The 32mm gold-plated case features a distinctive, slightly tonneau-shaped profile with integrated, sweeping lugs that give it a presence larger than its dimensions suggest. The case exhibits honest vintage wear, with light surface scratches and minor softening of the edges consistent with careful use over the decades. The gold plating retains a warm luster, and the original crown is present, showing some expected wear to the plating on its outer edge. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is clearly stamped with the serial number 7616302, the "L4" date code indicating 1954 production, and "WATER TITE," "SHOCK RESISTANT," and "ANTI-MAGNETIC" designations. The domed acrylic crystal is clear and free of deep scratches, allowing an unobstructed view of the stunning dial.
Movement
Powering this watch is the Bulova caliber 10 BOAC, a 23-jewel automatic movement proudly stamped "U.S.A." The movement presents beautifully, with clean plates and bridges showing a bright finish. The distinctive semi-circular rotor is clearly marked with the brand and caliber details. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of -11 to -13 seconds per day.
Strap
The watch is fitted with a handsome, period-appropriate burgundy leather strap featuring contrasting yellow stitching. The strap is in excellent, lightly worn condition and secures with a gold-tone pin buckle that pairs perfectly with the case material, providing a comfortable and stylish fit on the wrist.
Condition
This Bulova is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, standing out as a prime example of mid-century design. The case shows normal, honest wear with some light handling marks and minor wear to the crown's plating, typical for a watch of this era. The movement is running strong and the overall presentation is highly attractive, making it a fantastic addition to any vintage collection.
Dimensions
Case Size: 32 mm (excluding the crown)
Remarks
This 1954 Bulova 23 Jewels is a testament to the brand's post-war design prowess. The combination of the highly textured dial, the unique case shape, and the robust 23-jewel automatic movement makes it a compelling piece. It is increasingly difficult to find these models with dials in such pristine condition, making this a wonderful opportunity to acquire a truly striking vintage dress watch.
History
Bulova has a rich history deeply intertwined with American watchmaking. Founded by Joseph Bulova in 1875 in New York City, the company became renowned for its innovation, precision, and mass production techniques. In the 1950s, Bulova introduced its "23 Jewels" line, emphasizing the high jewel count of their automatic movements as a mark of superior quality and durability. These watches were heavily advertised and became a symbol of post-war American prosperity and technological advancement. The caliber 10 BOAC found in this model is a prime example of their reliable, in-house American manufacturing during this golden age of horology.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: BUL-BJX-0001





























1 / 29
Bulova - Selfwinding Cal. 10BOAC - No reserve price - 7616302 - Men - 1954
Bulova โข 1954
Sold for
$374
Sold on Apr 24, 2026
40 bids74 watching
This one found a home.
Get notified when similar pieces drop.










