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In the golden age of American watchmaking, Bulova was an undisputed king. While they produced millions of reliable and handsome watches for the masses, they also crafted exceptional, high-end timepieces that could stand toe-to-toe with their finest Swiss counterparts. This watch, a stunning “Bulova 23,” is a prime example of that top-tier production. This wasn’t just another watch; this was a statement piece, a flagship model designed to showcase the absolute best of American horological prowess.
The “Bulova 23” line, introduced in the late 1950s, was a significant step up from the standard offerings. The “23 Jewels” proudly displayed on the dial wasn’t just a number; it was a mark of quality, indicating a high-grade movement built for longevity and precision. Furthermore, the declaration of “Six Adjustments” was a direct challenge to the best Swiss chronometers. This meant the movement was meticulously regulated to keep accurate time in six different positions, accounting for the effects of gravity, a level of fine-tuning typically reserved for the most elite and expensive watches. Powering this masterpiece is the Caliber 10BPAC, a beautifully engineered, American-made automatic movement featuring a distinctive, skeletonized rotor that is a joy to behold.
Dating to 1956, based on the “L6” code on its case back, this Bulova 23 is an absolute knockout. The first thing that will grab your attention is its jaw-droppingly beautiful black dial. It features a stunning radial sunburst finish that radiates from the center, creating a dynamic play of light that is simply mesmerizing. The dial is adorned with applied, gold-toned pyramid and faceted dart markers, which provide a perfect, sharp contrast against the deep black background. The elegant, cursive “Bulova 23 Jewels” signature is the finishing touch on what is, in our opinion, a masterclass in mid-century dial design. The 34mm gold-plated case with its clean lines and sculpted lugs provides the perfect frame for this work of art.
