Bulova 1953 Farragut

Submitted by kindakrazy on April 20, 2013 - 11:52am
Manufacture Year
1953
Movement Model
Neptune
Movement Date Code
Circle
Movement Jewels
21
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
5733993
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
Acrylic round dome
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

The watch still runs perfectly on time.  The wrist band appears to be the original with black leather inserts on the first 9 links on both sides and stamped Japan Pat. #2515817.  Per several ads I found, the watch is yellow rolled gold plate with a stainless steel back  Model 113Y Neptune.  L3 and serial number 5733993 are stamped on the back. Is there anyway to determine where this watch was purchased by the serial number.  I am trying to find out if my Father purchased this watch or possibly was given to him as a gift by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.  Per two certified jewelers I visited today, April 21st,  the face is brass and speckled effect is rust.  The crystal is acrylic round dome and suggested having it buffed and polished rather than replaced. Replacement may not even be available and could be costly. Both hesitant  to remove back to check for other numbers and believed the back appeared to have never been opened.  Employees at both stores said they wouldn't clean it if the watch was theirs.  All liked the unique style, antique look of the gold plating and the speckled effect on the face. Was told it is in very good condition for being 60 years old, very rare and valuable.  Found pictures of my Father wearing this watch from the '50's and 60's with the gold band as shown in the ads.  But pictures from beginning the early 70's with the band as shown in the pictures I have posted.  Have determined this was a farewell gift from the Goodyear Tire Store employees in Canton, Oh when he was transferred back to Cleveland, Oh. When my Father passed away in 1994, my brother got this watch and was given to me when he recently passed away. This watch has traveled to several cities in Ohio, Jackson, MI, Chicago, IL, Newport Richey, FL, Winston-Salem, NC, Union City, TN and now back in Chicago, Il.  Someday it will belong to one of my 5 grandson  to further add history and travels.

Bulova men's watch dated 1953 model Neptune style 113Y
Bulova watch
plainsmen
Posted April 20, 2013 - 12:16pm

That watch acutally might be the Neptune.

kindakrazy
Posted April 20, 2013 - 12:30pm

Thank you.  I believe this watch is the Neptune model per ads I found on this site dated 1955 and 1957.  I had received an email from Bulova Administration before I posted this watch verifying this watch was manufactured in 1953 by the L3 stamp on the back. Is there anyway to determine where this watch was purchased by the serial number 5733993.  Also, I  accidentially entered this watch twice and need to figure out how to delete one of the entries.

 

bourg01
Posted April 20, 2013 - 1:16pm

In reply to by kindakrazy

Tracking it to the point of sale is pretty unlikely. Only your Dad could say for sure. Good looking watch, popular style with collectors. You need to get the crystal replaced for it to be a real looker.

bobbee
Posted April 20, 2013 - 1:55pm

Certainly looks like the Neptune, the Ashford/Jordan had the pie-pan dial and Dauphine hands.
This has the watertite case, too.
Wow, very early one.

bourg01
Posted April 20, 2013 - 2:15pm

In reply to by bobbee

Not an Ashford, aside from the dial and hands the Ashford has a 10k RGP case with a snap back. I'm more on board with Neptune.

kindakrazy
Posted April 20, 2013 - 2:02pm

I am the lone survisor of my family now and was given this as part of a family collection when my brother passed away.  Have several watches I am trying to determine a history about to share with my grown children and grandchildren. Certainly will take to a reliable jeweler for the crystal replacement and cleaning.  I think this watch was a gift to my Father from  the Goodyear Tire store in Canton, Oh when he was transferred to a store in Cleveland, Oh  which happened in mid 1953.  Per the ads I found, the cost was $71.50 and don't believe my Father would have spent that much money for a watch during that period of time.  I am truly enjoying searching information for these antique watches one with an inscription dated 1939 in Lithuanian.

kindakrazy
Posted April 20, 2013 - 2:23pm

The only difference on the ads I found is the wrist band.  Mine had leather inserts and stamped Japan but the ads show yellow gold only. The back is stamped water-tite, stainless steel and anti-magnetic. I don't remember ever seeing my Father wearing this watch. I should look through old family pictures to find anything that might help me.  Thanks to all of you for your comments.  Keep them coming!

bourg01
Posted April 20, 2013 - 2:32pm

In reply to by kindakrazy

I wouldn't worry about the band as it's probably been replaced a few times over. I'm also thinking that if it was a gifted watch it would have his name and years of service engraved on the back. It could have been a parting gift from his freinds and co-workers.

bobbee
Posted April 20, 2013 - 3:31pm

 

                               1957 ad. All the blurb matches the watch case back.

                               I think the "whale" above the six is just an ink splodge.

    

kindakrazy
Posted April 20, 2013 - 3:35pm

I bet you are correct about being a farewell gift from co-workers in Canton, Oh.   Everything else from Goodyear Corp does have his name, dates and the Wingfoot emblem.   I sure wish I would have listened better and asked more questions when I still had that option.  Amazing that being 60 years old it still is running beautifully.