Bulova 1949 Conrad

Submitted by Geoff Baker on July 18, 2016 - 9:16pm
Manufacture Year
1949
Movement Model
8AE
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
2319887
Case shape
Square
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

1949 New Old Stock Bulova Conrad, at least I think it's a Conrad. Hand written hang tag bears the number 38781 which matches up in the price lists to the Conrad model. Also matches other Conrads in the data base. All Original including band, period clam shell display case and outer cardboard storage box. A9 date code on both case back and movement.

Added 7/18/2016 Photos Updated 6/4/2023

1949 Bulova Conrad 1 Geoffrey Baker 6/4/2023
1949 Bulova Conrad 2 Geoffrey Baker 6/4/2023
1949 Bulova Conrad 3 Geoffrey Baker 6/4/2023
1949 Bulova Conrad 4 Geoffrey Baker 6/4/2023
1949 Bulova Conrad 5 Geoffrey Baker 6/4/2023
Andersok
Posted July 19, 2016 - 7:51am

Geoff, I could not find the Conrad listed in the pricelists with model 38781; that number corresponds with the model name 'Taft'. I found no ads for the Taft model, and I had always thought of the Conrad as a rose gold model with a leather strap, but there is one ad that looks to show a yellow gold version with a strap. Could it be possible that the gold expansion band is what makes this case style a Taft?

Geoff Baker
Posted July 20, 2016 - 6:11am

Ken, I think I may have jumped the gun on this one. We have a dozen or so adverts and a dozen or so watches of the Conrad model. Exactly ONE ad and ONE watch show a numbered dial. Regarding the band vs strap question, again every single advert shows Conrad mounted on a strap. The band on my watch however does seem to be tapered to fit the inward curve of the lug so it looks like it might be original. I doubt I'd lean toward Taft as we have no real tie to the price list, the hang tag being hand written. I wonder if I punched the number wrong into the price list work book as the Conrad is 38731 and this tag is 38781?

Here's the other numbered Conrad, interestingly enough I found it this morning while updating two watches that had photos mixed up.  http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1949-conrad-6619

William Smith
Posted July 30, 2016 - 2:28pm

I'm good with (yellow gold) Conrad.  The watch record Geoff linked shows same dial, as does that ad from Mexico publication.  They yellow part is inferred from the Mexican ad, but with that dial, I doubt it would be rose gold case.

The band may not be original, as we don't have conrad ads w/ band (all leather???), regardless of gold /dial color.