Bulova 1944 Navigator

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on February 14, 2019 - 5:26pm
Manufacture Year
1944
Movement Model
8AH
Movement Date Code
Triangle
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
4412819
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

This one appears unique to any I have encountered. I purchased it convinced it was a Director with a refinished or swapped dial. However, once I had it in my hand, I think it's original and seems to be a undocumented Navigator. I find no reference to a black face Director, they all seem to be 2-tone copper when cased in rose gold.

Case is Rose gold, as is the Band. The face is a reverse of any Rose Gold watch I have ever seen. Face is black with copper hue rose gold numbers and seconds tracks, which are an exact color match to the case. It also has a slight curve that matches the case. Face condition suggests it isn't a redial. It is age spotted with some light scratches that appear old.

I find two ads in the short ad section (currently on top of Pg.5) that seem to substantiate my thoughts. Both of these ads show a Navigator with no case engraving. One lists as Rose  (Pink ) gold, but shows a light face. The other lists no color but depicts a black face. I'm wondering if there were a few variants, being yellow with engraving that is normally seen and perhaps two variants without engraving in rose gold?

Hands are yellow gold, which may be replacements. But did Bulova even produce or use Rose Gold Hands? I would say not, as normally the face would be copper and sport black hands, while a standard black  dial normally had white gold (or yellow) hands to match the case.

Currently keeping perfect time.

 

1944 Bulova Navigator watch
1944 Bulova watch
1944 Bulova watch
1944 Bulova watch
1944 Bulova watch
Bulova Watch advert
Kathy L.
Posted February 14, 2019 - 6:18pm

That is a beauty!  Looks like a match to the Navigator to me and with the rose gold band what a great find.  Certainly is cool with the black dial and rose numbers.  I just noticed two rose gold mens watches yesterday that had burgundy colored hands but not rose plated, most likely painted. 

1944 Navigator 

Kathy L.
Posted February 14, 2019 - 10:08pm

Found this one in an annual report.  Looks like rose gold hands?  Not common but a wonderful combination.

Reverend Rob
Posted February 14, 2019 - 10:25pm

Looks like a Navigator to me...

Andersok
Posted February 15, 2019 - 6:22am

I agree, looks like Navigator is a good match.

Geoff Baker
Posted February 16, 2019 - 8:06am

I would also go with Navigator. Nice looking watch Bob.

1944 Bulova Navigator

 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted February 16, 2019 - 9:00am

In reply to by Geoff Baker

Thanks, Geoff. I would like to also note that upon examination under magnification, the dial is copper or copper plated. It appears it is reverse printed from the norm. The black is overlaid paint with the numbers, seconds tracks and naming showing the bare face. Is that possible?

jabs
Posted February 16, 2019 - 8:21am

1944 Bulova Navigator is good vote