Bulova 1960 Diadem

Submitted by npiacente on February 2, 2019 - 3:15pm
A
Manufacture Year
1960
Movement Model
3AE
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
31237
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

I bought this watch a few years ago and have no background on it.  Took it to a jeweler who gave me the movement and jewel details inside.  He said the case has diamonds on it and thinks it’s from the 30s, but wasn’t sure.  The serial number on the outside of the case is almost impossible to read so my entry above is just a guess.

1938 Bulova watch
1938 Bulova watch
Kathy L.
Posted February 2, 2019 - 4:34pm

Welcome to myBulova!  Thank you for sharing your lovely watch.  

When you took it to the jeweler did you happen to get a photo of the movement?  I'm not finding a record for a 3AE.  Doesn't mean they didn't make one but I am not finding one to verify it was made in the 30's.  There would be a date stamp also that would help us verify the watch date.  

npiacente
Posted February 2, 2019 - 4:44pm

I did not get a picture because he did it behind the counter.  I guess I could take it back.  I’m kind of uncomfortable trying to do it by myself 

Kathy L.
Posted February 2, 2019 - 5:27pm

Yes I don't blame you.  I have looked in the 30's, 50's, 60's and 70's and didn't find a match yet.  I haven't seen anything like this in the 40's so skipped over that decade.  If you are able to get a photo of the movement and while it is open the inside of the case back that would be helpful as well.  

Kathy L.
Posted February 2, 2019 - 6:01pm

After doing a little looking on eBay I found several watches with 3AE movements.  They are in the 60's which is what I was leaning toward on your watch.  If this is the case your movement will have a M# for the 60's, say M7 for 1967 or an N# for the 70's etc.

mybulova_admin
Posted February 8, 2019 - 7:17pm

Kathy, good call on the decade. At this I thought 1930s (has that classic look), but I think you are correct.

Looking through the avderts, whilst I can find a match I'm thinking its from the 'First Lady' series.

Bulova 1960 watch advert

Kathy L.
Posted February 9, 2019 - 12:13pm

Yes I agree with it probably being a First Lady.  The dial and gold stamp is what made me think 60's.  After finding a few with that case shape and movement from the 60's that kind of confirmed it for me.  Hopefully he can get a photo of the movement to know for sure but it looks like it might stay unknown in any case.

Geoff Baker
Posted February 9, 2019 - 8:06am

I didn't see any matches either, I'm thinking late 50's early 60's Unknown.

Geoff Baker
Posted February 16, 2019 - 8:28am

Panel - any suggestions how to classify this little gem?

Kathy L.
Posted February 16, 2019 - 11:09am

TexasLady's 1962 American Girl "Q" has the 1963 3AE movement.  That with the others I saw on eBay span between 1963 and 1967.  I would suggest putting it at 1960 Unknown unless they are able to get a photo to confirm the date stamp.