Bulova 1947 Claire

Submitted by TexasLady on March 9, 2019 - 5:52pm
Manufacture Year
1947
Movement Model
5AB
Movement Date Code
47
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-none
Case Serial No.
H723056
Case shape
Tonneau
Case color
Rose
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

This is a Bulova Ladies watch in 14 KT Rolled Gold Plate 

Copper colored Dial with Black Numbers and Border.

1947 Bulova watch
1947 Bulova watch
1947 Bulova watch
1947 Bulova watch
1947 Bulova watch
Bulova Watch advert
TexasLady
Posted August 18, 2019 - 5:04pm

In reply to by Kathy L.

 Can I ask you why do you you keep asserting my watch is the Claire?

The band on my watch is: 

1) not the original to the watch

2) my watch has a telescope expansion band from the 1950's.

3) my watch is a 1947, not a 1948.

The illustration is a tinted drawing to emphasize the Pink Gold, and does not mention copper dial. 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted August 18, 2019 - 5:22pm

In reply to by TexasLady

It is impossible to evaluate the band without a photo provided of it. Did you add the band or is watch as purchased? The color drawing clearly shows a non-white tint to the dial with black numbers when compared to the presumably white gold watch next to it.

Copper dials w/ black face numerals/markers - pink cases

White dials w/ gold face numerals/markers - yellow gold cases

A fairly standard Bulova practice across many model lines and often not mentioned in the ad.

TexasLady
Posted August 18, 2019 - 5:47pm

In reply to by neetstuf-4-u

Hey Bob,

My watch is a 14K Yellow Gold filled with copper dial with black hour markers and RR border, not Pink Gold filled.

My watch was purchased without a band so I put the 1950's band on the watch temporarily, until I got my cord band.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted August 18, 2019 - 7:22pm

In reply to by TexasLady

That info puts a whole new spin on this discussion. Based on your photos and the dial, I assumed watch was pink gold. I think everyone else did as well. The fact that you added the band would also have been helpful from the get-go. As a 1947 - Original cord would have been Victoria and stretch would be Claire.

I find no examples of  either the Victoria or Claire with yellow case and copper dial. I hate to say it, but that combination suggests the possibility of a marriage of parts from two watches or a replaced dial.

At this point, watch could be either one or the other noting dial discrepancy, As it's on the transition line and original band style is unknown. Based on date, most likely choice of the two would be Claire as represented on stretch band.  The other choice is non-conforming due to the fact  face style doesn't appear to match the casing of known models.

Kathy L.
Posted August 19, 2019 - 1:10pm

In reply to by TexasLady

Yes please let me explain.  The ID process is fluid in that if new information comes to light a watch can be re-opened for review by the panel members.  While I was researching for the like watch I posted I found that this watch appears to have had a name band and name change going from Victoria to Claire.  Whenever an ID is given to a watch it creates a reference for future ID.  So we try to make the ID as accurate and consistent as possible given the ad information we have at the given time.  For the Victoria/Claire ID (for me) I have desided this is the best way to give an ID.  

44/45 or earlier Victoria

46/47 on original cord band Victoria

46/47 on original bracelet Claire

46 on replacement band or no band Victoria

47 on replacement band or no band Claire

48 on Claire

 

TexasLady
Posted August 19, 2019 - 2:26pm

In reply to by Kathy L.

I know this from my own  research and  ad findings however,  I have not found the 1947 Victoria ad in DB.  Did you post the 1947 Victoria?

The two watches, Victoria/Claire had:  1) Name change and 2) Band change.           

I just don't understand why you didn't post all your ads in the ad section and then bring it up in a sharing forum, and/or post your own watch.           

When I originally  posted my watch , I did not have all the ads we have now.

Your initial research was incorrect and incomplete regarding the dates (I supplied the 1946 ad for Claire, to validate Claire made during 1946, not 1947 as you asserted.  I was trying to assist you in getting the correct information so we could  progress forward. I was not being argumentative in any way.

2)  as your finding that from my photos my watch had the original  band---my band is not original to the watch,

3) You asserted my watch was 1948, but my watch is a 1947.

I believe when reviewing a previous ID'ed watch the panel members should have a more cohesive way of reviewing than the manner in which this was handled. And that the panel acknowledge the infomation from the watch owner/member.

Kathy L.
Posted August 19, 2019 - 4:32pm

In reply to by TexasLady

No I did not post the 1947 Victoria ad.  I have about 20 ads for Victoria and Claire and posting them all would be overkill.  So I chose a few that had important details or that had clear images.  Here is the 1947 Victoria ad, The Ogden Standard Examiner Nov 30, 1947. 

I did miss the 1946 Claire ad and did appreciate you sharing it.  I was then able to determine they were Christmas ads.  

I am sorry that you are unhappy with how this was handled.  We are all just volunteer enthusiasts donating our time and trying to do the best job we can for the members.  We are not always going to agree and that is ok as long as we all keep it fun, friendly and respectful : ) I thank you for adding your watch to the site and sharing your collection with us. 

I have no additional information at this time and will leave this post now to the panel vote.

mybulova_admin
Posted August 21, 2019 - 3:27am

All, thank you for your input. As usual with vintage Bulova watches not all ID's are straight forward and can only be worked out through continued disucssion and collaboration.

Having all the information up front re the presentation of a watch will help the panel narrow down the possible IDs. 

Based on what I've read through the various comments there certainly is a consensus that this watch is (as currently presented to the site) a 1947 Bulova Claire.

Whilst there is some conjecture over the case and dial combination, I'm going to ID this watch as a Claire. Panel members can then give this watch a 1,2 or 3 tick rating to not confirmed, tentative or confirmed. 

ritmikstef
Posted September 11, 2019 - 12:17am

Hi all,
I just posted a 47 looking just the same as TexasLady, but rose gold. I know nothing about watches, just did some research today on this little baby we had home from grandma and found this interesting thread. Maybe a Victoria or Claire like you said. Special bracelet looking original to me. Just wanted to share!
Greetings
Stèf