Introduction and identify model

Submitted by tsworn on March 3, 2014 - 12:08am

Hi from Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Im English by birth). 

Great to find this site and become a member. Ive started recently collecting vintage Bulova watches (as an antidote to living in the land of fake!).

My interest is rectangular and pre 1960, but preferably 1930s. I have a lot to learn so wanted to find you as experts.

I recently bought this Bulova. It was sold to me as 1939 but I dont know the model name. 

Has a 15 j mechanism, but I dont know if it is original. 

Your assistance gratefully received!

 

 

Daca102090
Posted March 3, 2014 - 1:41am

This looks like it could be the 1939 Banker

http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/vintage_ads/bulova-ad-1939-1.jpg

Watch on the left of the ad.

Also, on the case there should be a serial number, the first digit tends to indicate the year of manufacture, 9213578 would indicate 1929, 1939 or 1949.

Also on the movement, possibly near the stem, there should be a geometric symbol

indicating the date of the movement.

tsworn
Posted March 3, 2014 - 3:50am

Thanks that's very helpful.

On the winder of a 1958 model President I have it has the Bulova name, but on this 1938/9 it doesnt. Does that mean it was always like that or been replaced?

Daca102090
Posted March 3, 2014 - 4:02am

I don't beileve that bulova started putting the name on the crowns until the late 40s or early 50s.

If I am off on the dates there are others here who will have that information in the next 12 hours or so.

The crowns Bulova used in the 1920 and 1930 were plain. 

tsworn
Posted March 3, 2014 - 4:18am

Thanks.