Curved shape, Omega date mark (1940), bought 1999 in Palo Alto, CA for $250. "B-10K Gold Fill" on case.
Watch has a white face, appears yellow through amber crystal. Watch is 9.5/10 functional and aesthetic condition. Crystal size is an exact match for MX432, which corresponds to the "Palm Beach", the original designation of this watch.
However, in August, 2012, an ad surfaced which almost certainly demonstrates that this watch is the 1939 Marshall model.
Pix of the movement and inner case are available in the comments section.
Many heartfelt thanks to the denizens of MyBulova, who generously shared their time and expertise to help ID this watch!
EDIT 2012.08.09. Changed from 1939 Palm Beach to 1940 Marshall by request of owner. Will Smith
In reply to I don't see the similarity by FifthAvenueRes…
Caseback says B 10kgold filled and is otherwise marked just like most Bulova backs...Ive seen a few pics of Bulova's marked like this with the fifth ave on the inside....the watch in question has very very little cusion shape, ie it is rectangular with only a tiny ammount of center area 'bow out' like a cusion, so that rules out the minute man which is much more cushion shaped.
Fifth, is the yellow in the crystal intentional, or a result of age?? looks pretty sweet on some of these.
Thanks so much for all the comments! I'm a newbie, so if anyone could explain what "redialed "and "NOS " mean, I would be appreciative.
The crystal is intentionally yellow (this per the watchmaker who sold me the watch). Apparently, a number of "aftermarket" colors could be had. I just measured the crystal and it is 14 x 27mm (approx.).
The back of the movement has the following text: "17 jewels adjusted", "7AP", "Bulova Watch Co." and "USA".
The back of the case reads in printed engraved letters: "Bulova, Fifth Ave., New York."
In hand engraved letters, the case reads: "12P50C" and "B 187 YR".
Also, written on the back of the case in pen is "1D99"
Below are the relevant pix.
In reply to Thanks so much for all the by nbardach
'NOS' means New Old Stock - in other words, an old, but previously unused part.
'Redialed' means that the dial has been professionally restored. Back in the old days, when everyone wore mechanical watches and had them serviced every year or so, the watchmaker would frequently send dial that had oxidized or otherwise gotten ugly out to be redone. Several of the companies that used to do this are still in business, and collectors now send old dials to them for restoration.
This causes some controversy among collectors, of course. Some purists insist that even a cruddy-looking original dial is superior to a pristine restored dial, while others see it differently. The effect on the value is therefore hard to assess.
In this case, the dial on your watch is SO good that it seems unlikely to be original. It's a great looking piece!
In reply to 'NOS' means New Old Stock - by Elgin Doug
Thanks for the clarification and the kudos!
I don't recall the owner mentioning whether he has restored it or had it sent out but, to your point, the face is white as snow with no visible damage, marks, scratches, etc.
As for the value, I have no idea what this might be worth. I'm not interested in selling at the moment, but am curious to know just the same.
Please advise. Thanks! N