I have found the model on one of the 1945 print ads. It's called Bulova Arnold.
Fascinated by this website!
I am happy to hear you are fascinated with the website. The team over the years has put a lot work in building the site to be the best resource for vintage Bulova information. I agree that your watch is a 1945 Bulova Arnold noting that it appears the minute hand has been replaced with a different style one.
I am impressed by the minute details that avid collectors and horologist notice in the images. I'm a relatively newcomer to vintage watch collecting and am learning new stuff all the time.
I was curious about your comment regarding the minute hand being replaced. I found an image of another Bulova Arnold on Etsey. This watch had obviously never been restored or altered and it's hands were like the ones on mine. The cosmetic condition of mine is nice with no staining on the dial or patina, which led me to believe it might have been altered. But the image I found cause me to question any replacement that might have been done.
In reply to I am impressed by the minute… by tireland
Both hands should be the same style. Remarkable coincidence that you found another watch with the exact same hands as yours. Yours should look like THIS WATCH
In reply to Both hands should be the… by Geoff Baker
I am sending it to the Illinois Watch Company to have it serviced. I think it might have been over-wound by a previous owner. I don't know the odds of them having the correct minute hand, but I'm going to broach the subject when I get the estimate. Is there a resource for vintage parts like this?
In reply to Here is the image found on… by tireland
I think you found the missing pair. Your watch has the incorrect minute hand, this one has the matching incorrect hour hand...what are the odds?
In reply to I think you found the… by mybulova_admin
The "odds" indeed! The one I found on Etsey was $99.00. I don't think I want to pay that much for a minute hand. Plus, I fear it would be in rough shape. I guess if the Illinois Watch Company can get it running and keeping good time, I'll enjoy wearing it as it is. I picked it up at a flea market for nothing. Thanks for educating me on this neat timepiece!
Very nice - 1945 Bulova Arnold
In reply to Very nice - 1945 Bulova… by Geoff Baker
Thanks, Geoff. I've sent it off for repair. I think it might have been over-wound by a previous owner. I hope they can breathe new life into this wonderful "old timer!"