Bulova 1949 His Excellency

Submitted by James Cook on July 2, 2018 - 12:51am
FF
Manufacture Year
1949
Movement Model
7AK
Movement Jewels
21
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
9528937
Case shape
Square
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

My 92 year old father gave me his watch he thinks he bought in 52 or 53. I know he had it in 53 from old photos. The case is Bulova as is the crown. But the face reads Bulova "movement" on it. Also the hands are blued. It runs fine And I'm thinking of having it serviced and given to him for his 93rd bday. I dare not try and open the case myself to look for more markings. Any info on this watch will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Jim Cook

1949 Bulova His Excellency watch
1949 Bulova watch
1949 Bulova watch
1949 Bulova watch
James Cook
Posted July 16, 2018 - 2:30pm

I took it to a local watchmaker today and he says it is the original 21 jewel movement and marked 7AK on the movement.
Does that help date it ?
The case has some corrosion on the edges but otherwise just needs cleaning and a new crystal. And I sure would like to know the " born on" date ! Thanks Jim

Kathy L.
Posted July 16, 2018 - 3:57pm

In reply to by James Cook

Did you get a photo of the movement?  It will most likely have a 49 or A9 or even a 48.  It is not unusual for the movement and case to be a year or two apart.  

James Cook
Posted July 17, 2018 - 2:07pm

Well, I took it to a local watchmaker for servicing and he popped the case off for me so we could see the movement. The photo I hastily shot is not well focused so not of much use. But the markings are Bulova, 21 jewels, 7AK, and 48. So I guess it was made in 48 and the Bulova case in 49. The only thing not original is the dial and maybe the hands which are blued.
My Father is 92 and can't remember where he bought it in 52. My guess is that since he was in the Navy in Florida at the time he bought it at the PX as refurbished. He's too cheap to have bought a brand new high grade watch. The original dial might have been water damaged..it was in Florida after all. Jim Cook

Geoff Baker
Posted July 18, 2018 - 6:17am

I just added the movement photo that Jim sent me. It's a bit fuzzy but I think it's clear  that it's a 21j . Perhaps when he picks it up from the watchmaker he can get a clearer photo but I think I've seen enough to update my tentative rating, still noting a replacement dial.

Geoff Baker
Posted August 13, 2018 - 5:34am

Update movement information per email from Jim.