Bulova 1945 Director

Submitted by Geoff Baker on September 19, 2011 - 3:27pm
Manufacture Year
1945
Movement Model
8AH
Movement Date Code
Triangle
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
54067
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Yellow
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Solid 14k beauty from 1945. Can't think of anything else to say, it's grand!

Added 9/19/2011  Photos Updated 5/31/2023

Geoffrey Baker 1945 Bulova 1 Director 5/31/2023
Geoffrey Baker 1945 Bulova 2 Director 5/31/2023
Geoffrey Baker 1945 Bulova 3 Director 5/31/2023
Geoffrey Baker 1945 Bulova 4 Director 5/31/2023
William Smith
Posted April 11, 2012 - 8:12pm

Great watch.  Slight dial variation from same-period Douglas ads. Ads in 1946, 1947, and 1949 all show Arabic numerals at 3, 9, and 12, while subject dial has all numerals sans the 6. 

plainsmen
Posted April 11, 2012 - 8:22pm

For some reason that top and bottom bezel just don't look right to me for the Douglas?

NOVA
Posted April 11, 2012 - 8:47pm

There are lots of ads showing this model, most of them under the Douglas name, with one in 1949 showing it as the Ambassador.  There's also an undated post card in the watch database showing it as the Brigadier.  None of the ads, under any name, show this dial.  They all show the same dial with the slash style markers for everything except the 3, 9, and 12.

The ads also don't say anything about a solid 14k option, so maybe this dial goes with this case, and we just don't have the ad that shows it.

bourg01
Posted April 11, 2012 - 9:38pm

In 14K gold, I doubt it's a Douglas. The case style says Douglas but as we have seen with a few others, The gold versions have had different model names, The Tuxedo and Craftsman come to mind as does the Duncan and Excellency models. Plains makes a very good point about the caseback being different from any Douglas as well. I will also point out that the size/shape of the hood and length of the tang lug also differs from the Douglas. The lug tips are also more rounded than a Douglas. 10K Gold filled Douglas is shown below.

Hope that helps, IMO, 14K is Unkown till an ad is found, Regards Shawn

bourg01
Posted April 13, 2012 - 3:11pm

Hey Geoff,

Take a look at the 1946 ad with the American Eagle, looks pretty close to me though there isn't any reference to the gold content of the case. 3rd ad over in the 3rd row from the bottom.

William Smith
Posted July 28, 2012 - 3:34pm

The case backs differs from other Douglas in DB, and reference to ad for solid gold in link below. Lists of Douglas variants from 1954/55 indicate price structure which doesn't support existence of a solid gold model.  see http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1946-douglas-1629

William (Scott) provided a grany 1945 Douglas ad - clearer version below-click on image for full ad.

I'm thinking one tick unconfirmed...but researching first

William Smith
Posted November 19, 2012 - 9:48pm

Plains pointed out slight differences in bezel.  I'm seeing the outer ends of the lugs in subject watch more "rounded" than other non-solid gold Douglas on site and in the ads. Other Douglas ads/watches are more pointed at end of lugs. Subject case back has a slopping area at it's perimeter, compared to other Douglas. See comparison below:

Douglas from model list don't' have an entry consistent with a solid gold price.  Thinking this is named something else and we just don't have the ad?  Shawn notes "close" to 1946 American Eagle but I couldn't figure out which ad.

 
DarHin
Posted November 19, 2012 - 10:18pm

Defintely Douglas-ish. The horizontals appear narrower (top to bottom) than the Douglas' and also there's the solid gold case.

Unknown.

bobbee
Posted November 20, 2012 - 5:04am

Agreed unknown.

Just come across a solid 14K Alexander, identical to the early 1940's RGP model, dated 1946.

William Smith
Posted November 20, 2012 - 8:12pm

Hopefully we'll find an ad.  I'm changing to one tick for now, based on all this.  I remember that no ticks is the same as no vote, and if I'm questioning the current ID, I feel I need to rate as it's now listed. Not an "Upgrade or Downgrade" LOL....just my opinion of the way it's currently entered. 
I'm go with unknown now, but realize the potential we loose the "Douglas-likeness" in the unknown abyss..  but such is the system.