Bulova Caliber 10BM 4379617 (1951)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This classic 1950s Bulova features a distinctive tonneau case accented by ornate engraved flanks. Powered by the 21-jewel caliber 10BM manual wind movement and bearing an L1 date code, it presents a highly characterful and authentic example of mid-century American watch design. Brand: Bulova Serial Number: 4379617 Movement: Manual wind, Bulova caliber 10BM, 21 jewels Dial: Heavily patinated with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals and sub-seconds Case Size: 25mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-tone Production Year: 1951 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +46+50s/day, running in operational condition. Dial and Hands The dial exhibits heavy, even spotting and patina across its entire surface, yielding a deeply aged vintage character. Applied gold-tone Arabic numerals mark the hours, complemented by a recessed sub-seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock. The dauphine-style hands display heavy oxidation and tarnishing, matching the dial's highly patinated aesthetic. Case and Crystal The tonneau-shaped case is defined by its highly decorative engraved flanks, adding excellent visual texture to the profile. The gold-tone upper case shows moderate wear consistent with its age, while the steel-colored caseback displays visible scratches. A well-preserved gold-tone crown features a coin edge texture and is clearly signed BULOVA. The domed acrylic crystal exhibits light surface scratches. Movement Powered by the Bulova caliber 10BM manual wind mechanism, featuring 21 jewels. The movement presents a clean overall appearance and displays crisp engravings, including BULOVA WATCH Co, U.S.A., and the caliber designation. Notably, the movement is stamped with the L1 date code, confirming its production in 1951. +46+50s/day. Running in operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the watch. Strap The watch is fitted with a sturdy brown leather strap featuring thick contrast stitching. The strap shows light wear and pairs handsomely with the gold-tone case. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial shows heavy, even spotting and patina, matched by heavy oxidation on the dauphine hands. The gold-tone case displays moderate wear with visible scratches on the steel-colored caseback, though the decorative side engravings remain distinct. The acrylic crystal has light surface scratches. The movement is running in operational condition. Dimensions The case measures 25mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This 1951 Bulova is notable for its highly ornamented tonneau case and deeply patinated dial. Complete with its signed crown and beautifully engraved 21-jewel movement, it is a highly characterful mid-century timepiece. History During the mid-20th century, Bulova produced some of the most distinctly styled American watches, often characterized by elaborate case geometry and reliable manual wind calibers. The L1 stamp on the caliber 10BM movement is Bulova's standardized date code, officially indicating production in the year 1951. This era of Bulova manufacturing represents a period of classic mid-century design, where decorative elements like engraved flanks were frequently utilized to elevate standard production models. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: BUL-XXX-0002