There are actually 3 symbols, omega, shield and an asterisk. I have no idea what model it is. I cannot find one with a black face around this age. Any help would be appreciated.
They wouldn't go back to the factory for repair, that would be done at an Authorized Bulova Repair Centre, and they certainly wouldn't be adding date stamps for any reason I can think of.
And yes, Black is the go-to colour for re-dialling. I always look long and close at Black dials.
First off - excellent photography on the date codes - well done. I agree with Bob - the 'omega' doesn't look like the standard stamp Bulova used. Not unheard of that multiple date code skip a year.
Following is pure speculation - no facts to go on. Pocket watch not being big movers, Bulova has enough movement to last for something over two years OR this one got lost in a shuffle and resurfaced and was re-marked and put in a case. Odd looking omega might still be a 1940 designator.
Black dial is not a concern to me, I rather like it. I do think the record date should be changed to 1941.
I wasn't sure if the date should be the earlier or later date, based on the symbols. Will update accordingly.
I wasn't sure where to ask this but, I have noticed in both Bulovas and others, scratch marks under the back plate. Usually numbers &/or letters. Does anybody know why they are there? Codes by individuals servicing the watch over the years?
During assembly, especially in the old days, the watches were hand fitted and the pieces had to be kept together, so they were scribed with various identifiers, most commonly the last three of the serial number. You will also find separate numbers for cases, and these are sometimes scribed with Roman numerals, which may relate to either the other case parts, or the movt itself.
I have seen two sets of serial numbers on the Hudson Maxims, and the underside numbers will match each other when the movt is all original. No idea why they had two serials, though.