Hello, this was my grandfathers watch passed down to me from my parents. The pocket watch still runs, and I am looking forward to learning about this particular Bulova Pocket Watch. I have no knowledge what so ever in this area. On the inside case there also appears to have scratch marks of initials and dates in various places. I am assuming these were professional watch adjusters that took care of his timepiece. I did take a movie of it's movement, not sure if that is allowed. Also the big hand has either been replaced or the rolled gold plate has worn off.
Thank you for your time, moonlightsharon
Hi Moonlightsharon, welcome to myBulova. The arrow indicates 1937, and it looks as if the minute hand may have been replaced with another style at some point. Possibly a Douglas model, I'm still checking ads.
If you want to run the watch, I strongly recommend getting it serviced by a certified watchmaker. Running a dry and/or dirty watch will result in serious wear. The service, or CTR, should include full disassembly, cleaning in industry standard fluids without ultrasonic, (ultrasonic strips plates and damages mainsprings) and re-assembly, lubrication with synthetic lubricants and adjusting and regulation. Jewellers used to have watchmakers on site in the store, but it is not so common these days. If you take it to a jeweller, I recommend asking if it will be sent out, or done on premises.
Thank you Reverend Rob, I will do some serious search's for a certified watchmaker. Thank you so much for your advice.
Thank you once again, MoonlightSharon
If I might ask another question for the Bulova Board what is the little key called and what is it for exactly?
Thank you Sharon
Oh, I always just assumed it had something to do with the watch. It's been in the same box since I was a little girl. thought they belonged together. Isn't that interesting. Well to me anyway, smile. I guess that's why I couldn't find anything about it in all my researching.
Thank you Reverend Rob.
moonlightsharon
plain Case is the 'CHESTERFIELD', although the Jewel count is advertised as 15.
'TUXEDO' is advertised at 17Jewels, yet the Case is engraved.
ad is 1939 http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/vintage_ads/bulova-ad-1939-8.jpg
'DOUGLAS' is advertised at 21 Jewels with an engraved Case.
ad is 1938 http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/vintage_ads/bulova-ad-1938-8.jpg
is it the Case enhancements, the Jewel count or the Dial which maketh the Model.
?
Hi moonlightsharon, welcome to myBulova. I don't think there are many things more personal than a pocket watch and having your grandfather's is very special. Wristwatches are worn and looked at many times throughout the day but a pocket watch is handled constantly. Those wear marks on the back are from your grandfather slipping this watch in and out of his pocket, the clip and short chain make me think he kept it in his trousers pocket as opposed to a vest pocket. Congratulations on having this amazing keepsake.
Mark (et al) - I think for most watches the case is the foundation of the ID and would label this the Chesterfield. The dial, I think, is correct.