I'd like to invite everyone to post their top 5 methods/criteria of identifying a vintage Bulova watch.
I know you may have more than 5, but I want to gauge from the myBulova members what the 'general' feeling is for correctly IDing a watch.
Please do not reply to anyones post as this is not up for debate or discussion at this time. I just want the methods that 'you' use.
From this list I will compile the top methods and then put it to the members of the myBulova.com website for debate and fine tuning, with the hope that we will can finally put together a set of standards that we can all work to when identifying a vintage Bulova watch.
Please list you top five (5) methods/criteria in order of priority.
Criteria for identifying a watch:
1. Match the case with an ad or a watch in the database (however, the more questionable or unconfirmed IDs we put in the database, the less we have that as a reliable source)
2. Match the date and movement (within reason, but doesn't have to be exact match; jewel count and dial variations do not override a case match; date of ad or watch in database does not have to be same year as my watch)
3. Dimensions of case and crystal (very useful when there are multiple, similar cases)
4. Pay no attention whatsoever to the box it was sold in
1. Comparable picture ad's
2. Info from watch, (movement, year, jewel count)
3. Details of watch in comparison to others (shape, crystal type& size, lug details, ect)
4. Comparable watches from here and other sources
5. Noted characteristics from the evolution of the watch (hinged cases, dust covers, styles from the era)
You have to look at the watches that other manufactures were making at the time also, it seems they all stole ideas from each other and you will find many watches look the same except for the name.
1) Post a pic and let the professionals decide
2) Ads, database
3) similarity to other ID watches
4) Crystal dimensions and then narrow by the group it fits combined with ads, other id'ed cases
5) Post a pic and beg for help
No. 1 is a no brainer for those of us that dont have the knowledge of the models or styles but in use is usually the second step as I look at the ads first.
1. Check for a match in the ads.
2. Check on-site data base.
3. Check my personal data base
4. Movement jewel count, date code & case date code were stamped on to tell manufacture date.
5. Consultation with a peer that I believe is knowledgeable in the subject matter.