Bulova 1946 Navigator

Submitted by Stinky_Sullivan on October 17, 2023 - 10:31pm
Manufacture Year
1946
Movement Model
8AH
Movement Date Code
46
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
6215833
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

This is another model I’m not sure of the ID. It’s either the Navigator or Broker. We only have a 1943 Navigator ad but there are other ads in the discussions of the other Navigators. Member watches range from 1943-48. We have no ads for the Broker of this era. Member watches range from 1945-48. This is another case where the parameters and specifications for each model needs to be identified and some of the current ID’s need to be reevaluated. The 1941-43 Director is the same form factor but without engraving on the bezel.

Stainless steel case back
SN 6215833

17j 8AH movement
The 46 date code is difficult to see but it’s by the balance wheel

Silvered dial with raised gilt numbers and hands.
Dial is fully numbered except the 6 is displaced by the sub dial.

The bracelet matches all the ads for the Navigator and 

1946 Bulova Navigator or Broker dial
1946 Bulova Navigator or Broker dial 2
1946 Bulova Navigator or Broker dial 3
1946 Bulova Navigator or Broker profile
1946 Bulova Navigator or Broker case back
1946 Bulova Navigator or Broker 8AH movement
neetstuf-4-u
Posted October 19, 2023 - 9:02am

Nice ad find, Kathy! Agreed. By year and band

1946  Navigator

mybulova_admin
Posted October 21, 2023 - 4:19am

Navigator "B" also a match, but the advert doesn't go into detail.

(Hagerstown Morning Herald December 7 1945)

1946 Bulova Navigator

Stinky_Sullivan
Posted October 21, 2023 - 12:31pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

It may not describe the engraving on the bezel but it does tell us the “B” was likely because of the “stretch bracelet.” It also tells us the transition year to the Broker was 1946 or later. A December ad would most certainly indicate the model was sold the following calendar year. We have no Broker ads for this period so no real evidence that watches like this are the Broker. But we don’t have Navigator ads after 1945 either.