This is a model I have been hunting for quite a long time. This is a 1941 Bulova Watertight. It seems that all ads prior to 1942 has the spelling as WaterTIGHT rather than TITE. This watch and several of the others in the datebase under WaterTITE have WaterTIGHT on the dial. I was able to secure an original box and case with both showing this as a Watertight model. It appears it came in two models. Stainless with applied markers and yellow gold plate with lumed markers and hands. Based on this I believe we should add Watertight to the model listing for the watches from 1940-42 that carried this name and a second Watertite listing for the 1942-50's models.
The watch is a top loader with a 10KT yellow gold plated case. The top has a gold plated crystal ring that is removed to access the movement. The dial is white with lumed arabic hour markers and lumed pencil hands. I did not open the watch so I do not have the movement info. I suspect it is a 15J as indicated by the 1942 ad I found. When I do open it I will be sure to update the listing but at this point I do not want to risk opening it.
Wow Jim, that is a fantastic package, well done!
1941 Bulova Watertight
Jim,mine is a 1941 model,stainless steel with the applied gold indices,BULOVA nameplate and says WATERTITE (also applied gold).
In reply to Jim,mine is a 1941 model… by denupnorth
I can't explain the variances but I have the box and ad to confirm Watertight. I definitely seems like 1941 was the pivot year and there are some later ads but it was not uncommon for Newspapers to use older ads. Based on the box and case clearly showing Watertight I believe it deserves its own model name listing.
Yeah, I can't argue your logic Jim, I think you're right. 1941 Bulova Watertight
That's what I meant to say,1941 must have been the crossover date naming new ones watertight.I also agree that with the name change there should also be a different category for WATERTIGHT
Yes I agree it should have its own model name as well.
Very nice indeed, I concur with your logic as well.
1941 WATERTIGHT
Does anyone happen to know what crystal this watch takes?. It is like finding hummingbird's teeth. I have this same watch, but it needs a crystal. I can locate the larger ones for the seabees and watertites, but these are another matter. They are press-down types and must fit over the ring on the case and then the bezel ring presses over the crystal. Very tough to find. The inside dia. is 24.90 mm and the outside dia. is 26 mm. The serial number on the caseback of mine is 1110574.
In reply to Does anyone happen to know… by DogfaceNobody
I've taken a look through the few catalogs we have on site but had no luck finding one for the Watertight.
Sorry I do not know the crystal numbers. I take my crystals and use 800 and 1000 grit sandpaper to refinish the scratches out and then finish it off with polywatch. Works magic.