From the complete guide to watches by Cooksey Shugart I have identified my Bulova watch as a Diamond dial c 1939. It has a platnium case and diamonds on the face. It is being cleaned and rebuilt now. Has anyone have any information on this watch?
Picture of the watch here
In reply to cszwed, is the watch movement by Stephen Ollman
In reply to szwed.lunarpages.com/bulova.j by cszwed
In reply to Have you been able to get the by Stephen Ollman
Yes the movement is clearly marked with the Bulova name. The watch is being restored by an expert watch guy. He has verified the watch as an original and confirmed the the date. I was never in any doubt as the watch belonged to my father and I have had the watch in my family my whole life. (DOB 1950)
More to the story. My father wore his 1939 Bulova watch into the heart of Germany during the war. When he was discharged he tried to get his watch repaired but the Boluva sent him this letter. He survived the war but as a veteran he was denied a repair because Bulova didn't like the custom option. Here is their letter from 1946. Pretty snooty I should think. 
In reply to More to the story. My father by cszwed
Awe... Now THIS is precisely what I was referring too... A "jeweller upgraded" version, sporting a Bulova movement... Sometimes they mere added three + jewels... Other times they went "ALL OUT!"
Very nice "custom," BTW... I have also seen these as Hamiltons, as well... (Also see my ebay store... and search "diamond dial" checking the box to search the listing text, also...)
Best :-) William
I found this letter in my father's scrap book. For some reason he wanted to save this. I have already had the watch restored and I wrote to Bulova. I asked them to right a wrong committed back in 1946. I only suggested some token. I wasn't asking for money. I just wanted them to acknowledge their error. The watch movement is clearly marked as Bulova. What difference does it make if the watch was placed in a platinum case and a diamond dial was also added. It was still a Bulova. So far Bulova has not emailed me back. I would be embarrassed too if I was them.
I know that it was 65 years ago, but they were wrong. I still love the watch and that won't change. But my opinion of the company has.
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szwed.lunarpages.com/buwatch4.jpg
The symbol 7AP can be seen on the movement.
http://szwed.lunarpages.com/buwatch3.jpg
Here is a 1940 dated picture of the watch:
http://szwed.lunarpages.com/Szwed%20N%20watch.jpg
In reply to Fabulous piece no doubt and by FifthAvenueRes…
My two cents worth, This was a custom job done by jewellers back in the day. Looks alot like a late 20's Rolex Prince and I believe these were built for those who had some money but wouldn't pay the Rolex price. Not to belittle or insult the integrity of the watch it is not genuine Bulova. The watchmaker who built the simply used a Bulova movement. It's not a one off either, it's in Cooksey's guide so others do exist.
Another thing, Cooksey's is a guide, not a bible and there are many errors in the guide. This site may not give you pricing but the data will be accurate. As Fifth mentioned, the letter says it all.
Ok. I think I will keep the Platinum case and diamond face. The watch has been this way since 1939. It also went through the war (WWII). I have other watches (pocket) and it was a standard practice to sell the movements and then customize the dial and choose the case. The movement can be verified as Bulova and has the markings of the year manufactured. The value to me is sentimental. Now if it were like my Patek Phillipe then I would agree but it stands as is. It is a Bulova.
Definately, keep the watch as original to your family. This is an heirloom watch that should stay as it is. This is still a piece of Bulova history but more importantly, your family history! I wouldn't change anything, it's a killer looking watch and it needs to be kept just the way it is.
Regards Shawn