Also, what to call it! Senator? Or Spencer?
I primarily collect Elgin wristwatches from the late 50s/early 60s, just before Elgin went under in 1964. Last week I bought another one, and the seller threw in a bonus - A little Bulova.
At first, I didn't think much of it - not my style, not my brand. Then I thought, 'I might as well see what it is', so I started poking around on the 'Net, and found this place. A Senator, from 1942. Well, that's kind of interesting.
What else do I find, but a long discussion - several, in fact, about this very model. And I saw pics of the same case in rose gold, but with a copper-colored, exploding numbers dial. "Wow, that's really cool" I thought.
Next thing I know, I see one on Ebay 'Or Best Offer". I made an offer, and got it! And it's even cooler in person than in the pictures! I tried to date it, and I'm slightly stumped. The movement is an 8 AH
And down there by the balance, it has a square. Okay, 1946. But on the same little upraised bit, there's a '53'. So, can I assume that it's really from 1946, and the '53' is related to something else?
Anyway, my first Bulova!! (not counting the clapped out, brassy parts watch in the second picture). Even though I need another brand in my collecting like I need a hole in the head, I've found myself searching the Bulova listings on Ebay. I suspect I'm getting hooked. Oh, well....
HAHA!! Welcome... my name is Plainsmen and I'm a Bulovaholic.... (HIIIIII PLAINSMEN!!)
Heh... well you saw what debate we've had running on that bad boy for a few months now. Still dunno...
These old Bulova's have some nice mysteries we all can have fun working on and we absolutely welcome the help and the conversation guy...
The factory datestamp on the 8AH is always in the same vicinity and the Square is the symbol used in this era - 1946 (as '36 would be too early for the movement design).
'53' would relate to something else as a 1953 datestamp would be L3.
L = 1950
3 = Third Year
Read the debate then name it as You call it, the Second watch You show is a 'SENATOR'.
In reply to Shooter, Ever since Plains by FifthAvenueRes…
In reply to Elgin Doug. Been there. I by geezer_D
Uh-oh! That sounds familiar.
After getting the beater (see second picture) all I was thinking was 'Maybe I could find a working version of this one'. Then Fifth Ave. Restoration's 'Restoration 101' thread caught my eye, and I was inrigued by the rose gold model he showed.
Then I discovered Bulova made a model called the 'Douglas'. Well, after all, that's my given name, so I figure I need one of those.
Then there's the original Senator, and the original Spencer.
Then there are all the variations and related models....
Next thing you know, I'll need more watch storage and another income!
Hi Doug and welcome, I collect Elgin too, also Hamilton, Gruen, and one Omaga. I've decided to concentrate on some high end watches since I have most of the more affordable one's I wanted. Then all of a sudden bam! There's another beautiful Bulova for sale or auction! Hence half my collection is Bulova.
Bob B