Bulova 1943 Navigator

Submitted by jujulu on June 7, 2015 - 9:00am
Manufacture Year
1943
Movement Model
8AE
Movement Date Code
X
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
3192738
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Our watch was part of a large inheritance. No other knowledge of it exists amongst the relatives. My husband and I have been attempting to identify by online research. I have been the most successful by finding a close match in your forums. The evidence introduced in the thread leads us to believe that our watch is possibly the '48 Broker. We read a brief "how to" on measuring the crystal and/or the bezel. However after attempting to do so, we feel our numbers will be inaccurate. Instead I am hoping that my pictures can serve as an alternative and the before mentioned forum thread as a substitute. Like I said, I did find a close match in the forums and perhaps this can be used for comparison. I'm including the URL for the thread, just in case it helps. In the very least, check the thread so the research can pick up where the panel members left off.

My inspection and opinion of it's condition:

Crystal (appears and feels more like plastic) is significantly scratched, engraved details on the crown have been worn down in some spots, missing the minute hand hand, missing lever for adjusting speed, damage to the movement is preventing it from operating as designed, gold is in fairly good condition but needs a good shinning up, and the entire case needs a thorough cleaning. 

Thank you for your time and knowledge shared with me.

Jenna Lute

http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1947-broker-2535?page=2

 jujulu 1943 Bulova navigator 6 8 15
1943 Bulova watch
1943 Bulova watch
1943 Bulova watch
1943 Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
donegd
Posted June 7, 2015 - 10:55am

Hi Jujulo

welcome to mybulova. 

If i'm right in seeing engraving on the lugs , It certainly looks like you have a nice example of a 1943 Broker. the X on the movement is the mark for 1943 and as the case serial number starts with a 3  that also signifies that the watch is a 1943 model.

There are members on this site who repair /restore watches , if you want to bring this one back to life again. Just look in the site index and I am sure you will find someone who can help you.

jujulu
Posted June 7, 2015 - 11:25am

In reply to by donegd

Thank you for solving our mystery so fast! It has been all of 15 min since I posted my ID request. I've actually become very intrigued with Bulova and discovering all the various distinguishing characters used in IDing them. We inherited several Bulova watches, but this one is my favorite. Thank you for the tidbit on restoring it, I'm going to do just that. It may have been intended as a mans watch, but I know it will look very nice on my wrist,(once I convince my husband I should keep it, hehe).

bourg01
Posted June 7, 2015 - 11:35am

I believe this was the " Director " in 1943 and renamed " Broker "  in 1946. Also came in rose gold plate.

donegd
Posted June 7, 2015 - 12:01pm

bourg01

There is one in the db 1944 named  broker, and the director does not have the engraving on the sides of the bezel or on the lugs as the one above has

bourg01
Posted June 7, 2015 - 2:59pm

In reply to by donegd

I have all three, plain rose gold bezel with copper dial, plain yellow gold bezel with butler (silverish) dial and yellow gold engraved bezel with butler dial. There is a 1943 ad naming the rose gold os the Director. Variants perhaps but no ads to support that. Perhaps the 1944 Broker in the DB should be reviewed again.

JP
Posted June 7, 2015 - 1:23pm

It is, or ,will be a very lovely watch and can certainly be worn by a woman as well as a man. Welcome to the world of Bulova. I must warn you, however, this current interest in Bulova watches will become passion and turn into the dreaded disease we all know as Bulovitius from which there is no cure.

JP

donegd
Posted June 7, 2015 - 3:25pm

Hi bourg01

You could very well be correct, all l was going off was the data in the site db.  Your comment about reviewing the model backs up what l said last week regarding the 1937 minute man l had put on db  it is classed as unknown but the spec of the watch is all minute man and there are at least 4 of the same known to the members/panel.  I think it is about time that the watches  on the db should be looked at by the panel and be scrutinised and if need be re catogorized . I know it may take some time but l do think it should now be done to stop, and avoid confussion as to which particular model any watch should be named.

Again l do appriciate there will always be some bulova's out there that are yet to be identified, but there are many now in the db which should be checked and renamed if necssary

Regards

George

bourg01
Posted June 7, 2015 - 7:17pm

In reply to by donegd

Hi George, 

We all agree and do put many up to be reviewed a second time as we find them. You brought this one forward and I have motioned it for review and it has been 2nd'd by another member. We're not perfect by any means and we continue to improve older thoughts and data. As you say, it's a huge task but aided by members like yourself with observations and comments we'll continue to improve.  

regards, Shawn 

Geoff Baker
Posted June 8, 2015 - 9:52am

In reply to by donegd

George, your point is well taken. At this time we have over 7000 watches in our database, so a systematic review would be a daunting task. The Panel that votes for ID's on the watches as they are added also has methodology for re-examining mis-identifed watches. We do not always agree unanimously and as you know, our members don't either. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

bobbee
Posted June 8, 2015 - 4:43am

Good comments all round guys.

1943 Navigator.