This watch belonged to my grandmother (she passed in 1994) and I don't know much about it.
I have taken it to a couple of jewelers/watch people and didn't get much information except what was on the inside.
Marks that are on the inside: Swiss / 5AB / Seventeen Jewels / RS AF / BXW
On the inside 'side' on the back is: XVIXVI
On the inside of the back are jewelers marks for repairs with the earliest being 1952.
The band is expandable (no latch), and has 3 sections that say " pat pend multi size" - i do not know if it is the original band.
I want to be educated about the watch! So I am looking for any further information about the watch such as the exact year and what all the writing is.
* * * I did set the time and wind the watch (not much) and it kept exact time for 3 hours - until it was opened at a jeweler.
Cat,
The "46" on the movement is it's year of manufacture. The first # in the serial # on the outside of the case back, 7, is the case's year of manufacture. So that would make your watch a 1947 model.
Have you looked through the ads yet to find a match? Search the ads by year. Try 1947 first then expand from there. You can also search the watch database for models with a 5AB movement and/or the tear of 1947 to see if someone else has already entered this model. If a match doesn't come up try expanding the year in either direction.
Great work with the pics.
In reply to Cat, The "46" on the movement by DarHin
Thank you so much for the information!
I have not tried looking at all - since I didn't know what to look for.
I tried hard to get good pictures - hate when people ask for info / or are trying to sell something (like on ebay) but you can't tell what you are looking at.
T
In reply to I would say it's the 1948 " by bourg01
In reply to Thank you for the AD! It by cattailcreekknl
The image doesn't do this watch justice. Fifth you're correct in saying that the description is spot on, but I.m only 90% sure its a match for the advert. Te advert is a bit low res to make oit thedetail of the bezel and lugs. I think you're on the money but would like to see a better ad to be 100% sure.
Ah scap that I'm 1005 sure you're correct. I just found another advert that shows the lugs and its a match.
Margo it is for me.
In reply to Again thanks for the great by cattailcreekknl
Today we live in a disposable world. Products are made to "sell", not necessarily to last. It's almost planned obsolesces....so they can sell another one. Your watch was made at a time when the art of watchmaking was truly an art. It's a precise machine, and I consider these watches to be among the "modern miracles" of engineering. So many small parts all working together, mathematically engineered to keep time. It may only be my opinion, but the watch- those made like yours- is one of the great technical innovations of man. It's almost up there with the rocket to the moon. You have a Bulova Margo watch with a movement made in 1946, cased in a 1947 gold (plate?) and diamond bezel- and those are almost certainly real diamonds. With proper care, it can be handed down to your grandchildren, and because of it's quality, it will keep time for them as it will for you. ....as it did for your grandmother. With the history you know about this watch- a family heirloom- I would consider it priceless. You (and your heirs) are lucky to have such a fine piece of art and engineering. Vintage Bulova watches are like this- they stand the test of time.
In reply to Today we live in a disposable by William Smith