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There’s an undeniable romance to the watches of the 1950s, a decade of explosive creativity and optimistic design. And right at the heart of it all was Bulova, an American titan producing some of the most handsome and technically innovative timepieces of the era. This watch is a quintessential example of that post-war excellence, a stunningly preserved piece that perfectly captures the spirit of its time.
Bulova was a true giant of 20th-century watchmaking, a vertically integrated powerhouse that designed its own movements, cases, and tools, right from its factories in New York and Bienne, Switzerland. They were masters of style, but also of substance. The 1950s saw the brand perfect its “Selfwinding” automatic movements, moving beyond the early “bumper” systems into the more efficient, full-rotor calibers that would become the industry standard. This watch is powered by the fantastic Caliber 11ACAC, a robust and reliable 17-jewel automatic movement that was a true workhorse for the brand. It represents a golden era of in-house manufacturing before the widespread consolidation of the Swiss watch industry.
Dating to 1955, as indicated by the “L5” stamp on its case back, this particular Bulova is a masterclass in mid-century design. Its 32mm stainless steel case is perfectly proportioned, with elegant, drilled lugs that give it a classic, tool-watch sensibility. But the dial is where the magic truly happens. It features a beautiful, creamy-white surface with what collectors call a “scientific” or “explorer-style” layout, a mix of distinctive, open-font Arabic numerals at the poles and sharp, spade-shaped markers in between. The original radium lume dots have aged to a perfect, toasty color, and the original dauphine handset retains its period-correct lume. A flash of color from the blued-steel seconds hand provides the perfect finishing touch.
The condition of this watch is, frankly, exceptional for its age. It’s a true “time capsule” piece. The case is incredibly sharp and appears to be unpolished, retaining its original factory finishing with only the most minor signs of a life well-lived. The dial is stunningly clean, showing only the faintest patina that adds to its warmth and character. The original signed Bulova crown is still present, which is a detail we always love to see. This watch was clearly treasured and worn with care for the last 70 years.
