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Bulova Ultimatic 14K YG 'Cal. 10CMC', 1952 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Bulova Ultimatic 14K YG 'Cal. 10CMC', 1952

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Bulova (maker)
Date
1952
Country of origin
United States
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 34 mm
Stock no.
BLVAULT14K
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (BLVAULT14K)
Catalogue title (original)
1952 Bulova Ultimatic 14K YG 'Cal. 10CMC' W/ Box (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number BLVAULT14K), this is a wristwatch by Bulova, made in United States, dated 1952. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 34 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

The vintage Bulova obsession in the watch community is very real and here to stay! The unique and funky watches that Bulova made from the 60s-80s are always a cause for conversation. Ranging from colorful diving chronographs to eccentric electric watches like the famous Accutron. This mid-century model from Bulova was likely one of the brand's premier offerings at the time, cast in a robust 34mm solid 14k yellow gold case with an automatic movement, with a clean aesthetic to the dial. SPECS Stock # BLVAULT14K Brand Bulova Style Ultimatic Model N/A Serial L2 Size Men's Material 14k Yellow Gold Dial Silver Millimeters 34 Strap Vintage 2pc Brown Leather Strap W/ Gold Plaque Tang Buckle CASE & BRACELET The excellent 14k yellow fold case retains full and symmetrical lugs that display honest signs of gentle use, with minimal evidence of being previously polished present. The case retains its original Bulova signed crown. The case back retains its factory engravings in fully legible and crisp condition. The watch comes supplied on a vintage 2pc brown leather strap with a gold plaque tang buckle. DIAL & HANDS The original satin silver dial features a railroad minute track and gold markers, together achieving a simple, clean, and sophisticated vintage aesthetic. The dial exhibits no damage, with only nominal elements of age present. The original yellow gold dauphine hands are in excellent condition as well. ACCESSORIES The watch comes with its orignial Bulova coffin-style box. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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