Hi, I just started collecting a few watches here and there - right now mostly Bulovas.
I found this one at an antique store and thought it had potential. It was pretty dirty and scratched, but I got a fair deal I think. The upper left looks bent in a little, must have taken a hard hit at one point - not sure anything can be done with that - but it's OK as far as I am concerned. Some of the deep scratches buffed out with a roto tool, and the dial was cleaned with Tarn-x, then gently cleaned with water mixed with dish soap. The dial was very dirty, and I'm happy with it now. I haven't disassembled and cleaned the movement yet, but it does run well and is very accurate!! I found a new crystal and will be installing it soon - it really needs it!! Lots of very deep scratches!!
My questions: Is this a 1946 Officer? I've looked all over the place, and thought it might be a Ranger or Cadet, but the lugs are slightly different. Once I saw a picture of the Officer on this site, I thought it looked like a match. The movement is a 15 jewel 10BC. The dial was in pretty bad shape - but after cleaning it looks pretty good. But the print is very bold, much bolder than other dials I've seen. Could this be an old redial? If this is an Officer, is the Officer a rarer watch? I looked all over the net and the only example I've see is on this site - why so few?
Thank you!!
Rolin
Before cleaning and after shot (but needs a crystal!!)
Dial before/after shot
THis does appear to be an Officer model. Here is the link to the ad on this site:
Thanks guys! So it is an Officer.
1) Is this a rare watch? I can't find another one on the NET except 1 picture on mybulova.com
2) (Keep in mind, I'm a noobie!) The dial is a rough texture, what is the coating? Paint?
3) The print on the dial is very bold - is that normal for this type of dial, or could it be an old redial?
Fifth, I first wiped the dial with a trimmed Q-Tip and soapy water (dish soap), but that didn't do much of anything - and I was very careful (probably too careful) because I didn't want to damage it. I've read Tarn-x will work well on older dials as long as you don't soak it too long. So I dipped it for 15-20 seconds at a time until I saw a reasonable improvement, rinsing with water each time - that took off most of the green and some of the darkness off the dial. There were still some dark spots that I wanted to clean off - so I carefully tested isopropryl alcohol and found it really cleaned it well. I got bolder and bolder because I found the dial was pretty solid and was able to go over the entire dial with alcohol. I avoided the printed area as much as possible. I then went over it with a Q-Tip and soapy water again for a final cleaning.
The end result is really amazing to me - didn't think it would work so well. I was so afraid I would ruin the dial, and if I went too far I'm sure I would have.
Rolin,
I own the only other 'OFFICER' currently on site, identical but with a Butler finish (Silver) Dial and different Hands, (need to update the pics) everything else is a match and the vintage ad confirms the ID.
It's surprising how much larger the Watch is when compared to the 'CADET's etc and Yes, they are not common..( I can hear the sock drawers opening)
You should add Yours to the database by using the 'add a Watch' link.
In reply to Fifth, is the crystal the by Rolin
In reply to 'OFFICER' Case dimension is by FifthAvenueRes…
In reply to Willy? The last guy who by WatchCrystals.net
In reply to Larger than the 'CADET' of by FifthAvenueRes…
Sir Mark,
GOOD! I MUCH... PREFER old crystals, vs. "Guessing..." Afterall, I could be wrong (it's happened a couple+ times, now...) and it's 500- 1000% faster and easier, for BOTH parties!
And incidentally... anyone can PM me with a request for my mailing addy... then send me 1 to 100+ and I'll match as many as I can. AND... if you assist with a NEW ID (or more?) I'll in turn supply the crystal/s at 50% OFF!!
And I'll also soon be adding 75- 100+ more Bulova men's crystals on eBay, BTW...
:-) Scott
In reply to I just received a refinished by EverydayCats
I was not sure if it was OK to mention names, so here it is:
They are located in Wilmington, OH. For the money they did a good job.
In reply to I was not sure if it was OK by EverydayCats
They do a wonderful job and they are more than welcome to have their name mentioned here.
Quality deserves promotion.
http://www.internationaldialco.com
In reply to They do a wonderful job and by mybulova_admin