Hi there, I received this watch as a gift a few years ago. My understanding is that it had been recenty restored, but the crown popped off the first time I tried to wear it and it's been sitting in a drawer ever since. I tried my best to follow the instructions for identifying dates, movement model, etc., but please forgive me if I missed anything obvious or got anything wrong. Very much appreciate any help understanding what this is, when it's from, and if it has any value (and is worth repairing). Thanks!
Your watch is a Chesterfield. A very nice looking watch! It does look like the movement was probably replaced when the did the service with a 1949 movement (which I have added for you). It is correct in being 21 jewels which is nice but off by five years to the case. As far as value we don't do that but I will say that in my opinion with it being 14K I think it would be worth the cost of a repair so you can enjoy wearing it. And with it being 14K you could sell it fairly easily I would guess. This is from linebook 1955-1957_LineBook_BAWD0127 Page 31
1954 Bulova Chesterfield
In reply to Outstanding! Thank you so… by andrewjpeerless
Well done, Kathy! I sifted through ads and the database and as close as I could come was the apparent "ladies version", being the Dolly Madison "M". I was sure I had seen an ad for this one somewhere, but began to second guess myself when I found the "Dolly" ad. Took a break and lo and behold, you found it!
Agreed, movement was likely replaced when watch was restored. It is the correct movement (except date) in a seldom encountered and style unique model with correct dial and hands, so I have no problem with the ID.
1954 Chesterfield, a first for the database
Is it worth repairing? IMHO, Absolutely.
A first for the database is always exciting. Thanks for adding your amazing watch.
I agree with the above comments with regard to movement replacement and worth repairing. If it is just the crown coming out chances are it's a minor issue, but still a good opportunity to have it serviced.
1954 Bulova Chesterfield
Wow... I'm blown away by all this information and by the quick research of this group. Thank you again for your time and for all this detail.
I appreciate the disclosure that you don't weigh in on the value of pieces such as this, and I'm wondering if you can recommend any resources of where I can get a rough idea of value. It sounds like I should probably get this insured and so I'll need some round numbers to give to my provider.
Thanks again!
In reply to Wow... I'm blown away by all… by andrewjpeerless
I believe jewelers will give appraisals for insurance values. It is a good starting point. In looking at some of those I think they come in a little high compared to the sellable value but that also depends on the watch. Again that is why we don't do evaluations here because there are too many variables :)
In reply to Thank you, Geoff! I live in… by andrewjpeerless