Any knowledge on this antique watch?

Submitted by rherritz on November 20, 2010 - 12:32pm

I purchased this watch 20 years ago (at a jewelry store in Los Angeles), and was told it was a 1928 or 1938 model.  I plan to give this to my son, and would appreciate any information as to its actual year, model, information, and value. - thanks!

The top of the back has:

10k gold fillled

Boluva

L7

The bottom of the back has:

C238955

Wayne Hanley
Posted November 20, 2010 - 5:00pm

It is 1957 Bulova with a repainted dial. The L7 is the date code for 1957. Below is the same model with an original dial. The second picture is what the movement should look like.

I don't know what the model name of this watch is.  I like it & your Son should enjoy it. If anyone knows the model name of this watch please provide it. As far as value goes between $100 & $200, but to your Son it will be priceless. Thanks Wayne

 

rherritz
Posted November 21, 2010 - 10:16am

In reply to by Wayne Hanley

How or why would someone paint the face?  How would they keep the numbers and dots clean?

bourg01
Posted November 20, 2010 - 4:57pm

This Model is the "Craftsman" and is shown in the 1959 vintage ad posted on the site.

Regards Shawn

Stephen Ollman
Posted November 20, 2010 - 5:09pm

I concur with Shawn. Nice watch.

Bulova 1939 Craftsman

rherritz
Posted November 21, 2010 - 10:18am

Thanks...I don't know what to think about the repainted face...seems like that means it is no longer original, why would they paint the face?

Wayne Hanley
Posted November 21, 2010 - 3:56pm

In reply to by rherritz

rherriz

It is only my humble opinion that the dial looks like it has been refurbed. Any watchowner or watchmaker has a right to do whatever apeals to them if they own it. I have an after market case with a hot rod Bulova movement in it & I love the watch. The case was a found heavily damaged & the case was salvaged by my watchmaker. Shawn Bourget did magnificent work restoring a very hard to find case & provided the dial and movement that I requested. 

However, any purest collector wants to get original looking watches. Watches may look original, have had dials restored to specifications, and a period of 50 or a hundred years many have had components replaced.  If only these watches could talk. Some jewlers will tell you anything to sell their products. Some even tell fibs to make a sale, like dating a 50s watch to 1920s. Caveat Emptor.

Look closely at the dial of your watch and look for any imperfection on the paint lines and numbers and you should be able to tell yourself weather or not the dial has been refurbed. Here is a before and after pics of my customised watch.

It just shows what a PRO can do.

Wayne