Bulova Caliber 10BM 'art deco' 5977911 (1953)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Capturing the elegance of mid-century American watchmaking, this classic Bulova exemplifies the sophisticated design language of the 1950s. With its distinctive flared lugs and beautifully aged dial, this timepiece offers collectors a tangible connection to the golden era of vintage dress watches, housing a reliable American-made mechanical movement. Brand: Bulova Serial Number: 5977911 Movement: Manual wind, Caliber 10BM, 17 Jewels Dial: Cream with heavy even stardust patina, applied gold-tone numerals and dart indices Case Size: 26 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-tone bezel with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1953 Condition: Good vintage condition with authentic age-consistent wear and patination Dial and Hands The dial of this Bulova has aged into a striking vintage aesthetic, displaying a heavy, even stardust patina and noticeable surface spotting across its cream-colored base. This natural aging process gives the watch a distinct character without compromising legibility. Applied gold-tone Arabic numerals at the primary quarters and faceted dart indices provide elegant depth, catching the light beautifully. The black printed minute track and the squared sub-seconds register at six o'clock remain crisp and fully intact. The gold-tone alpha hands show signs of oxidation and authentic aging consistent with the rest of the dial, while the simple sub-seconds hand sweeps smoothly within its defined sector. Case and Crystal The 26mm case features an elegant rectangular profile with distinctive flared and scalloped lugs that hallmark mid-century design. The gold-tone upper case exhibits honest signs of wear, including minor surface scratches and slight softening of the edges, characteristic of a well-enjoyed vintage dress watch. The stainless steel caseback is cleanly brushed and clearly displays the Bulova signature, the L3 date code indicating a 1953 production, and the serial number 5977911. A curved acrylic crystal protects the dial, showing light handling marks but remaining clear and highly presentable. Movement Inside beats the Bulova Caliber 10BM, a 17-jewel manual-wind movement proudly manufactured in the United States. The movement plates are clean and feature crisp engravings, showcasing the mechanical integrity of this classic caliber. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results reflect a performance of -51 to -60 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct brown leather strap featuring a classic lizard-grain texture. The strap complements the gold-tone case perfectly and is secured with a matching gold-tone pin buckle, offering a comfortable and stylish fit on the wrist. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case shows normal, honest wear with some minor plating wear typical of watches from this era. The dial is the standout feature, exhibiting heavy but visually appealing spotting and patina that vintage enthusiasts often seek. The mechanical components remain sound, and the watch stands as a handsome example of 1950s horology. Dimensions The watch measures 26mm in width, excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage profile that wears elegantly on the wrist. Remarks A quintessential example of post-war American watch design, this Bulova perfectly captures the transition into the stylized aesthetics of the 1950s. Its heavily patinated dial ensures that this specific watch is entirely unique, making it a wonderful addition to any collection focused on mid-century timepieces. History Founded in New York City in 1875 by Joseph Bulova, the brand became synonymous with American innovation and mass production of high-quality timepieces. During the mid-20th century, Bulova was at the forefront of watch design, creating elegant and reliable watches that became staples of American life. Pieces like this 1953 model showcase the brand's commitment to stylish cases and dependable in-house movements, cementing their legacy in horological history. / Second Vintage SKU: BUL-BXX-0002