I just saw a mens Bulova watch for sale (doing my usual trolling for bargains) that had a checkerboard dial. It was quite striking - I've never seen one like it before. But then, I've not been collecting watches for very long, and I don't usually look too closely at the mens watches, I'm usually looking for shiny sparkly lady stuff. Anyway, this one really caught my eye. the seller didn't give too much info on it other than 1940's, 14K solid, exceptional condition, etc. Does anyone know what model it might be? I didn't give the link since the auction is still open. It's way above my price range, especially since my husband won't wear a watch, but it sure is purty... :)
They do look kind of nice, but were they original?
I don't recall seeing checkerboard dials in any of the advertising I've come across.
By the way, I have not been on the site since it was first started a few years ago and all I can say is WOW!
I'm definitely going to be spending a lot of my time here. I've been collecting (and buying and selling) mid century Bulovas for almost ten years and really could have used a resource like this in those early days.
Thank you for making it available. I hope I can contribute.
Cuad
In reply to Cuad, Yes they are original by FifthAvenueRes…
That's interesting, because the one I saw for sale on "the place I shall not name because the auction has not closed yet" has a slightly different case than the ones pictured above, and the checkerboard is two colored so it actually looks like a checkerboard. Maybe the ones pictured above are also two colored and I'm just not seeing it from the head-on shot? The one I saw is shown at a slight angle, so maybe the two colored checkerboard shows up more clearly at that angle? It is advertised as 1940's, but the photo of the back of the case isn't clear enough to read.
Nova,
1st observation is the condition of the Dial doesn't quite match that of the Hands.
Is it a redial? Is it a redial of the Original Dial?
Who would know and this is a prime example of why Collectors will shy away from redials, there's no evidence to prove what the original finish was.
Look for an ad or identical model to bolster the Watches existance, the bold contrast pattern was a very popular design in the mid late 50's.
P.S. There's something up with the Crown and/or stem unless the Watch is in the Set position?
Below is the design I am familiar with. The White sections appear textured, the Squares are cleanly defined with an edge and possibly raised, lowered or at angles to one another, uneven?
It would be nice to get an ID as I believe the Watches with this Dial are all related, or at least get a correct terminology for the Checkerboard / Chess Board.