This watch was found in my late great grandmother's jewlery case. The back of the watch says:
14K GOLD
BULOVA L2
185292
The movement is a 5AD, with 21 purple jewels and it corresponds with the L2 dating on the case. The crown is a replacement, and says "Elgin."
Any information you can share would be greatly appreciated! I am in love with this sweet watch, and would like to know more of it's story. And I know there's a mason charm (as shown in one of the pictures) that doesn't belong to the original watch. I just don't have the heart to remove it yet. :)
Still wondering about the case style, because that seems to be the trickiest part to determine!
In reply to Unfortunately, the "winding by DarHin
Not Necessarily DarHin,
Back in the day, Watchmakers would, at times, use whatever crown thay had on hand as a replacement for a worn one...whatever would fit. I have seen many watches over the years with crowns that were mismatched to the original movements inside.
Still could very well be a BULOVA movement.
In reply to Not Necessarily DarHin, Back by timerestoration
In reply to Hence, "..strongly indicate by DarHin
My opinion is that your watch is probably all bulova except the crown which is marked Elgin. As time has passed, watchmakers have become few and far between and vintage parts hard to find, it's a very good bet the original crown was lost and replaced with an Elgin because that's what someone had that fit.
I wouldn't try removing the movement yourself. Even with my experience these are tiny and delicate and can be easily damaged.
As per ID, my guess is one of the Dolly Madison models, if it's 2 tone, white/yellow then perhaps one of the Goddess of Time models.
'Is it possible for me to open the case to inspect the movement without damaging it, or should I leave that to a jeweler? Now I'm curious. lol'
It is possible, the Case will open at the 6 O'Clock position, note the small tang on the Caseback below the seriel number.....a fingernail should work.
The Movement and Dial will remain in the back. Pull the Crown to the set position and use it to lift the movement from the back, as noted these calibre Movements are very small and delicate, use caution.