Don't miss the next drop
The story of the Bulova 23 is one of audacious engineering. In the 1950s and 60s, a high jewel count was a key selling point, and Bulova’s 23-jewel, in-house automatic movements were some of the best in the business. But the brand went a step further, advertising that these movements were “Adjusted to Six Positions.” This is a critically important detail. At the time, this level of fine-tuning was typically reserved for the most elite, officially certified chronometers. For Bulova to build this into a standard production watch was a remarkable statement of quality and a direct challenge to the Swiss establishment.
This particular example from 1965 is, in a word, a showstopper. The star of the show is, without question, the dial. Executed in a deep, glossy black, it features a stunning radial guilloché finish that radiates from the center like the grooves on a vinyl record, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow. This exquisite texture is adorned with faceted, gilt pyramid and dagger-style hour markers and a sharp set of dauphine hands. The whole presentation is framed by a handsome gold-tone case with dramatic, swooping lugs that are pure, unadulterated 1960s cool.
As a beautifully preserved survivor, this watch remains in stunning condition. The intricate dial is incredibly crisp, its complex texture and sharp printing remaining in a remarkable state. The lume within the handset has aged to a perfect, creamy vanilla hue, providing a warm contrast to the black dial. The case is sharp, showing only the gentle wear consistent with a cherished timepiece.
