Hello, This is my first post on mybulova.com.
I would like to add my watches and will start here.
From what I can tell this is a Governor. The square symbol represents 1927.
?
Square
10 AN
15
96944??
Tonneau
Thanks to this site, I will consider repairing or getting it repaired. At the moment, it is "sort of" running. If I wind it, it works when you give it a little shake, then slows to a stop. I have a feeling it needs a bit of cleaning/restoration along with a new glass. Certainly not beyond repair and possibly worth it. It's unquestionalby appealing.
I have swiss genes and though I'll take apart just about anything, watches and their nomenclature are not in my experience.
A most fortunate man is in possesion of his grandfathers watch!! Most of us here agree that the watches with the most value are the ones that have been handed down. Governor looks right on the ID. The dial look like it might have some damage under the cracked crystal? Nice job on the photo's, for a first timer, you're doing just fine. Welcome to myBulova, glad you found us, and we're always glad to discover another Bulova lover.
Please take a couple minutes to add your watch to the database? Float over the "home" link on the home page and slide down and select "add a watch", I bet you'll figure out the rest.
I am not sure that this is a "Governor", If I remember right the Governor had a hinged case, and your does not appear to have been hinged, there are others here that are better versed on these 1920-30's watches than I am.
You have a good watch for restoration, and since it is part of your family, it would make a great project to restore. The movement date code is right for 1927, and we are not sure yet what the serial number stands for, but the case fits the era.
Welcome aboard!
Advice on replacement crystal?
There are two crystals available for this watch on eBay.
One is "extra thick"
The cost for either is relatively the same @ $15 + $2.50 shipping.
Is there a difference to the fit/function?
They are both advertised for the 1929 Governor.
[This watch needs: new crystal, movement cleaning/restoration, new dial and maybe new hands. Beside the family significance, Do you think it's worth investing time/$ into?] I'll probably restore it myself, since I am out of work and need projects that don't involve 'heavy lifting or looking up' - lol - broken neck.
In reply to Advice on replacement by Superbison
The thin style is what would have originally come with this watch, and you may want to invest in a digital calipers so you can measure the crystal yourself before purchasing one. The crystal sizes will very with the different models, and this one may not be a "Governor"
The "extra thick" style was used mostly on the '40's- '60's watches, so it all comes down to personal tastes.
Restoring a watch is a lot of fun, but unless you know what you are doing, you could really mess it up...many special tools are needed to work on movements, and if you want to learn the art of watchmaking, start with a few practice watches...junkers you can pick up on eBay for a few bucks...after you have mastered a few of those, then turn your attention to this one.
If you decide you don't want to try it, there are a number of quality watchmakers that are members of this site, and would do a super job of restoring this beauty for you.
A very interesting watch. As stated by others the movement dated to 1927 yet seems to have a serial number that predates watches with a 1926 10AN.
The case is another oddity. I have not seen one like this with the movement holder notches that hold the case back in place. Normally a hinge back.
The movement serial number really interests me as it is very close the the begining of the original 5000 LE series serial numbers. Is everyone else seeing 222365?
In reply to A very interesting watch. As by mybulova_admin
The second number looks to be an "8" to me, and the lack of a hinged case was what caught me eye.
The database has all kinds of "Governor's" in it from hinged cases to snap backs, from Yellow Gold to White Gold cases, and a assortment of dials...There is even a 2-tone in there like a "Richard"...We have a nice ad example, but sure have a varity of want to be "Governors". : O