The 1960 Bulova 'President' 23 Jewels Series

There are some models of vintage watches that can make have to look at it twice to fully understand the overall design of the watch. In the double-takes you have most likely done before, it is probably that at least 50% of the watches were asymmetrical in case shape, or at least, were not the typical round or rectangular. Asymmetrical or eclectic case shapes have gained a lot of popularity over the last few years. With more and more collectors looking for a unique way to expand their collection or express their personality, your double-takes have probably increased. Produced for only one year, this Bulova is a great example of the uniqueness you can find out there.

Before we dive into the watch, one has to understand a bit of history about Bulova. From the mid-1950’s through the mid-1960’s, Bulova released an extensive line of watches known as the Bulova 23 series. As they name described, these watches ran on a 23-jewel movement and was the common thread throughout the over 100 models they released. Many of these models had round cases, but Bulova did play around with using different types of lugs and case dimensions. The incredible diversity of the types of 23-jewel watches out there is so vast, that one could create a very attractive collection of the variations.

The watch today is known as the Bulova ‘President’ and is thought of as being one of the most rare of the 23 jewel watches. The watch clearly has a distinct case shape, often described as asymmetric or ‘shield-shaped’, but one could also describe it as a flower if you look at it in a certain way. These watches were produced for one year, in 1960, and only a hand-full have shown up online for sale. The common thread between most is there seems to be a fairly standard dial layout, with applied hour markers with both arrows and numerals.

The version you are looking at now has a 10k rolled gold case with a stainless steel case back that is honestly in great condition, compared to some other versions seen online. The watch has a white dial, that has patinaed so evenly over the last 60 years. Visible on the dial are two very light lume burns, where the hands probably stood still for a while. This is often caused by radium that was used the light up the hour hands. Between 2 and 4 o’clock there appears to be some moisture dots as well. Overall, the dial is in such great looking condition. The cream of the dial plays so well with the gold case.

As mentioned before, the watch is running on a 23 jewel movement - the 10BZC manual wind movement. These movements were obviously used in many Bulova’s that were part of the 23 series line of watches. The watch is 34mm from the tip of a shield to another, but definitely wears on the smaller side compared to the large 40mm watches of today. It is on a very cool blue strap that gives the watch a pop, but allows the shield-shaped case to remain the most interesting part of the watch when it is on the wrist.

This is not a watch for every collector. The collector should feel something special for unique case shapes, which this watch has. A soft-spot for atypical-tradition can also come in handy. But once you have his watch in your hands, boy does it bring so much joy.

The watch is available on our store here.

Enjoy!