Vintage Croton Watch

Submitted by jobrien8771 on September 1, 2016 - 10:20am

I just joined this group because I found a vintage Bulova watch in my grandparents jewelry box and wanted to know more about it.  I noticed that it seems that many of the folks on the panel are  general vintage watch lovers, not just Bulova.  I think it's wonderful that you've taken the time do this for Bulova watches and what a great source of information and history.  I have also found in the hand me downs a vintage Croton watch probably from the 30's or 40's.  I learned from Croton rep that the company went out of business 20 years ago and the name was purchased and a new watch company formed however the history of these watches seems lost and certainly not as well organized as MyBulova.com.  Taking the watch apart it seems both companys had beautiful swiss movements very similar.  So I ask, why MyBullova and not MyCroton?  Is there room for Croton here or please let me know if there is some kind of VHS vs Beta thing going on here?!

Reverend Rob
Posted September 1, 2016 - 11:47pm

Hundreds, maybe thousands of extinct watch comapnies have done the same thing, producing watches that utilized Swiss movts. Even Breitling became extinct before they were rejuvenated. As to why one and not the other, this is a strictly Bulova site, and it makes and keeps it simple because of that. There are many other watch sites that encompass any and all, and they do a good job at it, but I think I speak for all of us when I say that the one brand keeps us busy enough. Bulova has been a household name for many years and continues to impress, although this site is kept vintage specific. 

Geoff Baker
Posted September 2, 2016 - 6:04am

Here's the 'back story' on the panel members of myBulova. Most important is the first member listed, Stephen Ollman and how he started myBulova.

http://www.mybulova.com/mybulova-panel-members

It all begins with just one Bulova watch. Now we have 8261 watches in our data base (all Bulovas) and hundreds of adverts that we use to document and identify watches like yours. By the way, your watch is # 8,250.

mybulova_admin
Posted September 11, 2016 - 2:24am

Hi Jo, both Rob and Geoff sum it up nicely. It was decided long ago to focus our efforts here purely on Bulova branded watches, even some of Bulova off shoot brands are limited to being added in an effort from muddying the waters.

I am however happy to chat with anyone who'd like a hand in setting up a site similar to myBulova.com.

Stephen