Here is my Grandmother Eva's Bulova watch, recently found when my Mother began to clean out her former house. We believe it was purchased in the 1940's, or possibly the 30's. The movement date code (a square) seems to place it in 1936, but that is somewhat at odds with Internet comments regarding case codes, which indicate that 1st-character letters were not common until the 1940's.
From browsing the watches listed on MyBulova, I find it most similar to:
- 1942 Goddess of Time
- a watch listed as "Bulova 1943 - Unknown", but identified in a post by one of the Admin's as a model called the "Joy". [Grandma's has a similar 'rose gold' color, and similar hands and dial markings]
I do not know the vocabulary of case shapes, as offered in the MyBulova form's dropdown. I would call it 'square', but I welcome the correction of experts :-)
Here are the details I've gathered that may be confirmed by inspecting the pictures:
You have a wonderful 1946 Bulova Thelma.
Hello zspoppa, welcome to myBulova. I think it's wonderful that you have this little treasure from your grandmother. I'm a big fan of family heirlooms and watches are among the best as they are so personal. If you plan to wear or use this little beauty, please have it cleaned and serviced by a professional watchmaker.
It is the Thelma model from 1946. Bulova used some of their date codes twice, this being one of them. We date your watch to 1946 by the case style and the advert.
Thank you all for the quick responses, helpful info (the advert nails it for me), and kind encouragement.
Fun fact: by coincidence, my aunt (Mom's brother's wife) is named ... Thelma!
Thanks also for updating the listing title with the proper year.
Can a panel member please tell me how to edit the watch listing, to change 'Unknown' to 'Thelma'?
In reply to Thank you all for the quick by zspoppa