Bulova 1946 Ambassador

Submitted by MGD001 on April 8, 2017 - 12:25am
Manufacture Year
1946
Movement Model
7AK
Movement Date Code
Square
Movement Jewels
21
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
8302111
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

1946 Ambassador

1946 Ambassador Bulova watch
1946 Bulova watch
1946 Bulova watch
1946 Bulova watch
1946 Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Andersok
Posted April 8, 2017 - 12:20pm

This is the same dial that was presented in the non-conforming 47 tuxedo; suggest this is also non-conforming.

Andersok
Posted April 9, 2017 - 8:35am

The case is dated to 1948, which changed to a His Excellency model in 1947. There were a few varieties of dials with this particular case under this model. Also, this is the same movement presented in the non-conforming 47 tuxedo.

MGD001
Posted April 9, 2017 - 7:09pm

Yes, it is the same dial from the other watch, and I am not hiding anything I am doing? You stated that the other watch was non-conforming and it was a Tuxedo dial in a “His Excellency” case, so I spent my time and my money to bring this watch and the other watch more closely to what they should be to keep true to the authenticity of the brand. I feel like this panel is condemning me for attempting to recreate wonderful pieces for my collection? That’s great to spend a couple grand to find a watch left in someone’s basement, or buy a total rebuilt watch from some overpriced dealer. I find watches and ask your opinion because I wanted to learn a hobby to create some lasting treasure and keep some history. Yes this is the same movement and in about a week when my other movement has its mainspring (authentic Bulova NOS) I will be posting that where the other non-conforming is. To me it will be my “His Excellency” just like this will be my Ambassador.  Thank you for your time and allowing me to post and be a part of My Bulova, but if I am somehow hurting your reputation or shaming your hobby please let me know and I will go it alone. Thank you again for your time and understanding.

Geoff Baker
Posted April 10, 2017 - 5:47am

In my opinion there is no harm MGD and certainly no condemnation, I understand what you're doing. Our primary goal is to help Bulova watch collectors like you identify their watches and in doing so it's important that first and foremost we don't mislead.  We're challenged when we find certain watches that don't seem to make sense, those that seem to have been modified beyond their original specification. I like to use the auto analogy, just because I change the motor or install a new fender my car is still the same make and model. We are only trying to make sure the motor or model are period correct for the vehicle.

I think your watch is now an Ambassador.  Here is an advert showing it with a black dial, like yours.

MGD001
Posted April 10, 2017 - 6:34pm

Thank you Geoff - what you are describing is what I am attempting to do. I chose the Ambassador in place of the Tuxedo because it is a less expensive watch than the Tuxedo. The Tuxedo looks to be the high end model, I believe that is do to the 14K case instead of the 10K that mine is. I could be wrong, it might be that the Ambassador is a 46 model and was discontinued making this a Tuxedo? That is why the forum and the panel expertise is so important. It appears this watch and the other nonconforming watch will never be officially designated and will be forever marked as nonconforming because I presented it without researching deeper on my own. My ignorance of the 1940 models and the panels assistance taught me a valuable lesson, but in the end my attempt was to present an accurate time period watch, which thanks to the My Bulova panel I am in a better position to do.

Andersok
Posted April 11, 2017 - 7:25am

Should this be a 1948, and also a His Excellency (Ambassador in this case switched to HE in 47) based on the case style and serial number? The only dated part of the watch that is from 1946 is the movement, which is not original to the watch.

mybulova_admin
Posted April 11, 2017 - 11:58pm

In reply to by Andersok

Late to the conversation and I agree that the date may push it over the line to being a HE, which many 21J models become at this point. On the fence at the moment.....

mybulova_admin
Posted April 13, 2017 - 10:16pm

Gents can we agree on the year of production of this watch? 

I'm in for 1948 as per the case serial number which has presedence over the movement date code.

Reverend Rob
Posted April 14, 2017 - 12:11am

I would agree with 1948, but then that makes this an HE. 

MGD001
Posted April 14, 2017 - 1:13am

The case is a 1948 and looking at the AD above this watch should be His Excellency "GG". The AD is a little difficult to read, but it looks like the GG also comes in the white.