The watch still runs perfectly on time. The wrist band appears to be the original with black leather inserts on the first 9 links on both sides and stamped Japan Pat. #2515817. Per several ads I found, the watch is yellow rolled gold plate with a stainless steel back Model 113Y Neptune. L3 and serial number 5733993 are stamped on the back. Is there anyway to determine where this watch was purchased by the serial number. I am trying to find out if my Father purchased this watch or possibly was given to him as a gift by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. Per two certified jewelers I visited today, April 21st, the face is brass and speckled effect is rust. The crystal is acrylic round dome and suggested having it buffed and polished rather than replaced. Replacement may not even be available and could be costly. Both hesitant to remove back to check for other numbers and believed the back appeared to have never been opened. Employees at both stores said they wouldn't clean it if the watch was theirs. All liked the unique style, antique look of the gold plating and the speckled effect on the face. Was told it is in very good condition for being 60 years old, very rare and valuable. Found pictures of my Father wearing this watch from the '50's and 60's with the gold band as shown in the ads. But pictures from beginning the early 70's with the band as shown in the pictures I have posted. Have determined this was a farewell gift from the Goodyear Tire Store employees in Canton, Oh when he was transferred back to Cleveland, Oh. When my Father passed away in 1994, my brother got this watch and was given to me when he recently passed away. This watch has traveled to several cities in Ohio, Jackson, MI, Chicago, IL, Newport Richey, FL, Winston-Salem, NC, Union City, TN and now back in Chicago, Il. Someday it will belong to one of my 5 grandson to further add history and travels.
Thank you. I believe this watch is the Neptune model per ads I found on this site dated 1955 and 1957. I had received an email from Bulova Administration before I posted this watch verifying this watch was manufactured in 1953 by the L3 stamp on the back. Is there anyway to determine where this watch was purchased by the serial number 5733993. Also, I accidentially entered this watch twice and need to figure out how to delete one of the entries.
In reply to Thank you. I believe this by kindakrazy
In reply to Certainly looks like the by bobbee
I am the lone survisor of my family now and was given this as part of a family collection when my brother passed away. Have several watches I am trying to determine a history about to share with my grown children and grandchildren. Certainly will take to a reliable jeweler for the crystal replacement and cleaning. I think this watch was a gift to my Father from the Goodyear Tire store in Canton, Oh when he was transferred to a store in Cleveland, Oh which happened in mid 1953. Per the ads I found, the cost was $71.50 and don't believe my Father would have spent that much money for a watch during that period of time. I am truly enjoying searching information for these antique watches one with an inscription dated 1939 in Lithuanian.
The only difference on the ads I found is the wrist band. Mine had leather inserts and stamped Japan but the ads show yellow gold only. The back is stamped water-tite, stainless steel and anti-magnetic. I don't remember ever seeing my Father wearing this watch. I should look through old family pictures to find anything that might help me. Thanks to all of you for your comments. Keep them coming!
In reply to The only difference on the by kindakrazy
I bet you are correct about being a farewell gift from co-workers in Canton, Oh. Everything else from Goodyear Corp does have his name, dates and the Wingfoot emblem. I sure wish I would have listened better and asked more questions when I still had that option. Amazing that being 60 years old it still is running beautifully.