My Dad passed this watch down to me. My research tells me this is a 1931 Gladiator but I am not 100% sure. I have included before and after restoration photos. I had it serviced, the crystal replaced and the face restored. The two tone design is a beautiful example of an art deco time piece. I have also included a photo of my Grandfather wearing it at an airport dated 1949. It’s profile on his wrist is unmistakable. The original watch came with a leather band. It now has a bracelet from the time period. My watchmaker had an inventory of old parts and bracelets. I enjoy wearing my watch and it always gets the “wow” comments.
Man... welcome Colorodo, what a great story and fantastic heirloom watch! I fell into loving these old Bulova's for the same reason. My dad gave me my grandpa's 1940 Bulova Ranger. I didn't know anything about it and found this site. The rest is history.
I'll look back through our stuff and see what I can come up with about your watch.
Hi Colorodo - welcome to myBulova. Many of us found this site researching family heirlooms. Congratulations on having this wonderful keepsake of your grandfather. My belief is that the value of the connection to him far outweighs any monetary value of this beauty.
I agree with my fellow panel members, it's a Gladiator.