Bulova 1963 Diadem

Submitted by rhkilchrist on August 3, 2011 - 10:02pm
A
Manufacture Year
1963
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
-
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Ladies
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
rhkilchrist
Posted August 3, 2011 - 10:19pm

 This watch was given to me by my mother-in-law.  Due to illness she was unable to acurrately identify the year or model.  I am unable to locate ANY photos that come close to what I have.  The face is so tiny it is hard to get a good pic of this elegant little beauty.

I tries to remove the back but only the case with the crystal comes off, exposing the face.  The back has the numbers 322337 at the bottom and the top looks like a "G" (maybe) and 14K all appears to be underscored.  This is white gold.  2 diamonds at the top and 2 on the bottom and each link has a small diamond.

OldTicker
Posted August 3, 2011 - 10:47pm

The caseback is prior 1949 because there is no date mark stamped on the back, and the slender rectangle shape with the round dial looks to be mid to late 1930's or early 40's. If the case is hinged it would be late 20's early 30's

The movement will come out of the caseback, but may need some very gentle prying all the way around it with your fingernail between the movement (dial) and caseback. There will be a symbol stamped on the movement, usually along the edge that will date its production, which is key in trying to ID it.

If you are not comfortable in trying to remove the movement from the caseback, take it to a qualified jeweler for help.

Here is the link on date symbols and where to find them on this site. http://www.mybulova.com/bulova-date-codes

Greg

rhkilchrist
Posted August 4, 2011 - 1:31am

In reply to by OldTicker

 I do not see any symbols--the only markings on the movement are:  3AE(in a box), 17 SEVEENTEEN JEWELS, BULOVA WATCH CO., SWISS, UNADJUSTED, and BXW.  Very tiny watch...

mybulova_admin
Posted August 4, 2011 - 5:52am

There should be something there, a small date symbol for the1930s. See the date chart.

Having the year will help us narrow down our search. Certainly looks 1930s to me.

rhkilchrist
Posted August 4, 2011 - 10:36am

In reply to by mybulova_admin

 Possibly a circle after the M3--three years show the circle, '25,'34, '44?

mybulova_admin
Posted August 4, 2011 - 7:48pm

In reply to by rhkilchrist

What's the M3, is that stamped somewhere on the case or movement?

If it does have a circle date code then I'm going for 1934.

rhkilchrist
Posted August 4, 2011 - 11:00pm

 I cannot find any photo or info on this watch--

I know it is pretty old--did they make fakes 40 years or so ago???

OldTicker
Posted August 4, 2011 - 11:44pm

In reply to by rhkilchrist

Its possible that a jeweler put something together with spare parts, but if it is a early 1930's movement (circle stamp on movement)  it would fit in well with the watches Bulova produced during this era. (slim case, some with round dial features)

I looked through the late 20's early 30's ad's we have here on our database and did not find an exact match, but many similar case styles. You have to remember this site is a work in progress and we don't have any records or help from Bulova on the watches they produced. Id's are found/confirmed with ad's/info  members find and submit, that is why all data and documented info is important for an ID.

For now I would try to get a good close-up photo of the movement (use the Macro setting on your camera with good light if you have it)  enter it as a 1934 unknown in the database and look for 1930-36 Bulova ad's you come across at estate sales or antique shops and check back here, info will surface but it takes time and a bit of luck!

Greg

bourg01
Posted August 5, 2011 - 4:26pm

I would have to agree with Ticker on this note. The case is very much early 30's as is the dial. The movement pic with a date code would do the trick to date it properly.

My bet is the band is also 14K gold with diamonds also. In any case you have an heirloom piece that could never be replaced. I'd get it appraised and insured if I were you. The appraiser might even give you a decent picture of the movement if you ask for it, Also, if you do this, ask for the picture files, not a print.

rhkilchrist
Posted August 11, 2011 - 1:01am

 Thanks for the input.  I will have someone look at and appraise next week.  Yes, very small diamond in each link and 4 fair size on the case.