Bulova 1941 Alexander

Submitted by rjj1208 on September 8, 2014 - 2:44pm
Manufacture Year
1941
Movement Model
not opened
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
1384580
Case shape
Tonneau
Case color
Yellow
Crystal details
Arnold
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

The closest match I could find on this website for this watch is the 1941 Arnold.  The only two differences that I can see are that: 1) the bezel is soild on my watch rather than the decorative/engraved bezels on the other Arnolds I could find on this website, and 2) the face on my watch has a yellowish/goldish tone to it rather than the white face I've seen on others.  

I have not opened the watch to see the movement and/or symbols inscribed within. The only writing on the outside of the watch is the serial number (1384580) which I believe indicates the watch was made in 1941 or 1931 since there is no other external code. Furthermore,the word "bretton" is inscribed on the inside of the watch band. Upon winding the watch just once or twice, the second hand does move for a short while, which would indicate to me that it is in working condition, although perhaps in need of a tune up. There is also some corrosion where the watch band meets the case on the underside. Case dimensions are approximately 27mm wide by 37mm lug to lug.

Bulova 1941 Arnold Men's Watch
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Andersok
Posted September 8, 2014 - 7:53pm

I'd say that one possible model is the Alexander from 1941; the lines look very similar, yellow gold, slight curvature to the back, tracks around sub-second hand area match well. It would help to confirm the jewel count and year of the movement inside. Your dial has likely yellowed due to aging, but still looks good. The Alexander came with a leather strap, but the Bretton looks period enough. Very nice watch, thanks for sharing it.

Geoff Baker
Posted September 9, 2014 - 5:44am

Hi rjj, welcome to myBulova. It's a fine old watch you have. I agree with Ken (Andersok) above that this model is likely the Alexander from 1941.

bobbee
Posted September 9, 2014 - 5:47am

+1.

Nice old Alexander, nothing wrong with the dial.

plainsmen
Posted September 10, 2014 - 12:14am

Alexander in this color/dial.

Isn't this one called something else int he rose gold case, copper dial?

rjj1208
Posted September 12, 2014 - 3:35pm

Thank everyone who replied so far *very* much!!!! 

The Alexander does look to be a close match as well, however, my gut still leads me to believe it's a 41 Arnold with the engraved bezel worn smooth from age/use... is that possible?  

Two other clues: 

1) The "font" used for the numbers on the dial looks fancier on my watch than the Alexander - for example, look at the "12", and the way the tail of the number 2 trails up (similar to this Arnold: http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1941-arnold-6632), as opposed to an Alexander like this one (http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1941-alexander-2848where the 2 is very flat, similar to the font in this very post.

2) I notice the second hand on the Alexander above has numbers around it, where mine does not, (similar to the 41 Arnold I posted above).  Would that matter, or are there different types of Alexander? 

Thanks again for helping me with my detective work!!!  Much appreciated!!

 

 

 

Geoff Baker
Posted September 13, 2014 - 5:44am

In reply to by rjj1208

Good questions. It really isn't possible to wear the engraving off. Remember, the case isn't solid gold, so any wear to the case would first remove the outer layer of gold and the base metal would show through. I don't see a lot of wear on your watch, but you might see some down at the points of the lugs. The dial variances are fairly common. There are a couple possibilities for a different dial being put on - including a dial from an Arnold being installed as a result of damage to the original. We certainly consider the variance when identifying watches but the main ID factor will always be the case.