The 7 digit serial number on the back of the case is 6866367. This would indicate the watch was made in 1946. I know it has 1948 engraved on it but it wasn't unusual for these solid gold watches to sit in jewelers show cases a couple of years until someone that could afford them came along. Now for the model name. Here is an ad from 1946 showing your watch. You have a very rare 1946 Bulova "Tuxedo" model. I have only seen one other of this model. In 1946 a watch costing $225 was an extremely expensive watch. Using the CPI 1948 $250 = to 1998 $3500.00.
Ebayer's are the last people id trust. I might as well as go to Craiglist.
Important items...not selling...figuring out if original band...have it serviced and photograph meachanism inside and put this puppy in a safe place.
I appreciate everyones enthusiasm for this timepiece. I restored my other grandmothers 1967 beetle about 10 yrs ago. It had 38k original miles..all original engine down to bolts on oil pan. Beautiful . never drove it over 45mph...got licks if looks.point veing i really do appreciate a collector item and find sentiment is more valyable than $.
Thanks again.
Very little tops an heirloom watch. Jewelry is so personal that it makes wonderful keepsakes but think of how important this was to your grandfather. Think of how many times a day he looked at this watch. You are most fortunate to have it.
I would service it and wear it, and be very proud of it.
Rare on ebay? Yeah, everything is rare AND art deco, it's remarkable! There are however, dozens and hundreds of totally honest and respectable sellers on the bay, I like to think I'm one of them. In all the transactions I've participated in over the years I really have only been disappointed a couple times.
In reply to Very little tops an heirloom by Geoff Baker
I agree, many eBay sellers do a great job representing their watches. They are the shinning stars of eBay, and I've got them saved in my favorite sellers list. We collectors often sell off some watches to be able to afford new ones, or just to pass them on to others. When I do it, its to be able to reach a world market, as there's very few watch shows on Oahu. I tried the flee market a few times, and often had offers of up to $25 for my 1929 Lone Eagle.
All in all, both part-time and full-time eBay sellers (collectors and folks who do this for a living) have found that by being open and honest, we get happy customers and good feedback.
All in all, eBay rocks, and is almost the only show in (my) town where I can purchase Bulova watches without taking a five hour flight to the next closest landmass.
No way to know for sure. I'm leaning towards Tuxedo, just a gut feeling. The band, being solid gold weave, may not have been melted down. We see a lot of these, broken or worn through many years ago, and it can be a tricky repair, that needs the touch of a goldsmith, so often the original owner puts it aside for future consideration. Then the band gets lost or melted because it is broken, or the bewildered great grandson walks into my shop saying he doesn't have the watch that goes with it. And on it goes.
In reply to This is what I see to date, by Geoff Baker