Bulova Tonneau "Art Deco" 10K RGP 6069662 (1952)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This charming 1952 Bulova represents the elegant transition from Art Deco design into the mid-century modern aesthetic. With its distinctive tonneau case shape, fancy stepped lugs, and clear "Waterproof" branding on the dial, this timepiece captures the optimism and engineering focus of post-war American watchmaking. The combination of a warm rolled gold plate bezel and a crisp silver dial makes this a sophisticated dress watch that offers genuine vintage character and reliable mechanics. Brand: Bulova Model: Tonneau "Art Deco" 10K RGP Serial Number: 6069662 Movement: Manual Wind, Caliber 10BT, 17 Jewels Dial: Silver with subsidiary seconds Case Size: 25 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 10k Rolled Gold Plate Bezel with Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1952 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch displays honest wear commensurate with its age, particularly to the gold plating on the lugs, while the dial remains in a remarkably attractive state, creating a cohesive and authentic vintage appearance. Dial and Hands The silver dial is the highlight of this timepiece, preserved in very attractive condition with a warm, even tone. It features applied gold-tone hour markers in a stylized arrowhead design, paired with matching gold-tone hands that provide excellent legibility. The text "Bulova" and "Waterproof" is crisp and intact. A rectangular subsidiary seconds track sits at the 6 o'clock position, adding technical visual interest to the face. The overall presentation of the dial is clean, with only very minor signs of aging visible under close inspection. Case and Crystal The watch is housed in a classic tonneau-shaped case featuring architecturally interesting stepped lugs. The bezel is crafted from 10k rolled gold plate, which offers a rich, warm luster, while the caseback is made of durable stainless steel. There is visible wear to the gold plating on the high points of the lugs and bezel edges, revealing the base metal underneath, which is typical for a watch of this vintage and adds to its history. The stainless steel caseback shows scratches and handling marks. The acrylic crystal is clear and presents well, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust Bulova Caliber 10BT manual wind movement. This 17-jewel mechanism is a workhorse of the era and features the "L2" date code stamped on the bridge, definitively dating the production of the movement to 1952. The movement appears clean and free of significant oxidation, offering reliable vintage performance and running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring a lizard-grain texture and contrasting yellow stitching. The stitching complements the gold tones of the case and indices perfectly, enhancing the vintage appeal of the watch while ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The primary signs of age are concentrated on the case exterior, where the rolled gold plating shows thinning and brassing on the lugs and corners. The caseback exhibits surface scratches consistent with decades of use. However, the dial is well-preserved, maintaining a bright and readable appearance that elevates the watch's overall aesthetic. Dimensions With a case width of 25 mm excluding the crown, the watch wears with the classic, understated proportions typical of the early 1950s. The tonneau shape allows it to sit elegantly on the wrist, offering a refined profile suitable for formal or casual vintage attire. Remarks This 1952 Bulova is a testament to the brand's golden era of design. The "Waterproof" designation on the dial is a wonderful historic detail, recalling an era when water resistance was a heavily marketed technological advancement. It is an honest, unpretentious collector's piece that combines distinct mid-century styling with the horological history of one of America's most important watch companies. History Founded by Joseph Bulova in New York City in 1875, the Bulova Watch Company became a household name synonymous with American innovation and precision. By the 1950s, Bulova was a dominant force in the global watch market, known for standardized mass production of high-quality movements. The "L" dating code system used on this watch was introduced by Bulova in 1950, allowing collectors today to precisely date these wonderful instruments. This specific model hails from a period when Bulova was setting the standard for accessible luxury in the United States. / Second Vintage SKU: BUL1FRXMKJ000