Bulova 1943 Navigator

Submitted by jujulu on June 7, 2015 - 9:00am
Manufacture Year
1943
Movement Model
8AE
Movement Date Code
X
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
3192738
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Our watch was part of a large inheritance. No other knowledge of it exists amongst the relatives. My husband and I have been attempting to identify by online research. I have been the most successful by finding a close match in your forums. The evidence introduced in the thread leads us to believe that our watch is possibly the '48 Broker. We read a brief "how to" on measuring the crystal and/or the bezel. However after attempting to do so, we feel our numbers will be inaccurate. Instead I am hoping that my pictures can serve as an alternative and the before mentioned forum thread as a substitute. Like I said, I did find a close match in the forums and perhaps this can be used for comparison. I'm including the URL for the thread, just in case it helps. In the very least, check the thread so the research can pick up where the panel members left off.

My inspection and opinion of it's condition:

Crystal (appears and feels more like plastic) is significantly scratched, engraved details on the crown have been worn down in some spots, missing the minute hand hand, missing lever for adjusting speed, damage to the movement is preventing it from operating as designed, gold is in fairly good condition but needs a good shinning up, and the entire case needs a thorough cleaning. 

Thank you for your time and knowledge shared with me.

Jenna Lute

http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1947-broker-2535?page=2

 jujulu 1943 Bulova navigator 6 8 15
1943 Bulova watch
1943 Bulova watch
1943 Bulova watch
1943 Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Andersok
Posted June 8, 2015 - 6:46am

Agree with 1943 Navigator

donegd
Posted June 8, 2015 - 9:02am

that is what I originally thought but when i looked closer and compared it with mine . the subject watch has engraving on the lugs where as the navigator does not.

Geoff Baker
Posted June 8, 2015 - 10:00am

Hi Jenna, welcome to myBulova. I'm a big fan of family heirloom watches so I'm pretty excited about your plans for this one. Wear ir proudly!

Navigator, 1943 . Can you please update the year to 1943?

jujulu
Posted June 8, 2015 - 11:29am

Thank you everyone who contributed to identifying our Bulova. It's exciting to read all the comments as they are posted; like a maze with a lot of twists and turns and a few dead ends and just when you think you're on the path to the finish a new route is discovered and must be investigated. I've really enjoyed this process! 

donegd
Posted June 8, 2015 - 12:07pm

Hi Jujujo

Can you tell me if there is any engraving on the lugs  or  not

Thanks

Wangbow
Posted June 8, 2015 - 1:12pm

Looks just like my Navigator. The crystal was probably replaced, the watches I have from this period all have glass crystals. If its acrylic, try a little toothpaste on a jewelers cloth and hand buff. Works pretty well.

jabs
Posted June 8, 2015 - 1:40pm

Agree with Navigator too

donegd
Posted June 8, 2015 - 3:22pm

Hi all

Am l seeing things on this watch that arn't there. Can anyone see what looks like a continuation of the engraving on to the top of the lugs.

George

jujulu
Posted June 8, 2015 - 3:35pm

Sorry for my limited knowledge base, but I'm assuming the lugs are the outer edges where the band connects. If that is correct, than no there is no engraving. The engraving in only a the two outter edges of the crown (I believe that is what it is called). I took a secoand look at the pics ad see what ur referring to. The lugs are smooth.

donegd
Posted June 8, 2015 - 4:11pm

Thanks for that juluju

Then along with the majority l also think its a  Navigator.  My reason for agreeing with your original assumtion of it being a Broker, was from the pics you have up loaded it looked as though the lugs were engraved on the top.  And yes the lugs are where the strap is normally attached  with a sprung pin through the holes in the lug.

I hope  you do discide to have this watch restored

Regards

George