This watch belonged to my grandmother (she passed in 1994) and I don't know much about it.
I have taken it to a couple of jewelers/watch people and didn't get much information except what was on the inside.
Marks that are on the inside: Swiss / 5AB / Seventeen Jewels / RS AF / BXW
On the inside 'side' on the back is: XVIXVI
On the inside of the back are jewelers marks for repairs with the earliest being 1952.
The band is expandable (no latch), and has 3 sections that say " pat pend multi size" - i do not know if it is the original band.
I want to be educated about the watch! So I am looking for any further information about the watch such as the exact year and what all the writing is.
* * * I did set the time and wind the watch (not much) and it kept exact time for 3 hours - until it was opened at a jeweler.
Cat,
If you don't know when the movement was serviced last or if it has been more than 5 years then you should get it serviced before wearing it. Dirt and dry oil WILL damage it.
If you take it to a jeweler they will most likely farm it out to a watchmaker so it's probably best to take it to a watchmaker. Go to NAWCC.org and you can look for watchmakers in your area. There are also watchmakers here so all you have to do is ask.
To Mr Smith - Thank you for the kind words!
I never thought of a watch as being 'art' but with your words, it makes sense.
The case is stamped 'Bulova 14k' so I don't know if it is plated or not.
Unfortunately I don't have any children - so no grandchildren - which is why I have marked the watch 'for sale' - I am not sure that my neice (husbands side) would appreciate it and would hate for it to get broken and/or tossed.
I have learned so much from this site - i just can't get over it!
THANKS!
T
To Darhin -
Thank you for the info about service - and on who to take it to. I am always a little hesitant to take things to be worked on by someone I don't know or that doesn't come HIGHLY reccomended. I take my vehicles to the mechanic 45 min away from home because he's that good and well trusted!
According to the inside back cover - the last time the watch was serviced was back in 1987 - which would be the last time since she passed in 1994 - and hasn't been worn by anyone since. It's been in a jewelry box and zip lock baggie.
T