Nice complete package of watch, original clamshell, cardboard box and numbered paperwork with jeweler signature for store. Shown as received on a replacement band that I will eventually replace with a correct period pigskin strap. Running and keeping time.
Period ads state 17J and this one is 15. This is the second like it submitted bearing a correct date 15J movement.
1942 Commodore
This one took me down a research rabbit hole that led to identifying the original owner, a WWII vet who died in 2020 at the age of just shy of 100. My research is below.
I started with the Jeweler and found it in Burlingame, CA. It opened in 1944. While re-handling the outer box, I realized there was a period photo labeled with a family name wedged in the box top, so I decided to see where I could take it. Watch came from AZ, so I started there. Much to my surprise, I got 3 obituary hits for the same man W.M.Moeller. He grew up and lived in Iowa and served in the Navy on a ship in the Pacific as a radio operator. Moved to Arizona in 1992, where he died in 2020; one week short of his 100th birthday. Watch was mailed to me by a seller about 100 miles from his last residence.
Here is the photo from the box along with a photo from one of his obituaries.
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The biggest puzzle at this point was the jeweler. The single internet hit was in California and the store sign and logo match the paperwork signature "Kerns". The dates were good but why was a farmboy from Iowa in CA? The answer was found when I researched the ship he served on. The attack cargo ship USS Arcturus (AKA-1) served in both the Atlantic and the Pacific. Moeller's obit said he served from March 1942 - Nov 1945. On 15 April, 1944 Arcturus received orders to Saipan where she was routed on to Pearl Harbor and San Francisco, arriving at the latter port on 18 May. After loading cargo and supplies, Arcturus returned to the western Pacific to resupply the troops advancing on Okinawa.
There was my answer. San Francisco Naval yard is about 20 miles from the jewelry store. That placed Mr. Moeller within a few miles of watch origin in 1944, the year the store opened and a shore pass away from his ship..
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Commodore - U.S. Navy history. Historically, the title was given to a commander who was the captain of a ship, but was in command of a grouped element of ships, often called a squadron.
In reply to I started with the Jeweler… by neetstuf-4-u
In reply to That watch had to mean a lot… by 1955mercury
Interesting note (and pure speculation): He was listed as having 2 sisters, I suspect the photo is the three of them pre-war. Photo has 2 thumbtack holes in it. I have to wonder if it was sent to him and he affixed it to the inside lid of his footlocker. That would explain the notation on photo and why it was in the watch box. Placed there when he stowed his gear to return home. I really wish this one could talk....
In reply to Interesting note (and pure… by neetstuf-4-u
So do I. Watches with stories are so much more interesting. If you found his obituary and it listed the mortuary, perhaps you could find more information from it. Maybe someone posted something in the guest book or what ever they call it, that could lead you to more info.
That is super great that you were able to track down the owners history. I just love when we can do that. As for the watch it does appear to be a 1942 Commodore case but can't explain the 15J movement. I am not sure if there was a 15J version of the Commodore that had a different name. I should note the minute hand is mismatched and not original to the watch.
A fantastic back story to this watch. See sometimes the internet can be useful :-)
There is a possibility that the movement has been swapped. By looking at the hands you can tell someone has at some point played with this watch. I don't think its a big issue, other than to note it has the wrong movement for a 1942 Bulova Commodore.