Bulova 1938 Lady Bulova

Submitted by rkastens on
D
Manufacture Year
1938
Case Serial No.
8009326
Case shape
Square
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

American Girl Bulova watch in original green display box estimated to be manufactured in 1928 or 1938 based on case serial number 8009326.  Gold 10k filled case with owner's initials "EK"? engraved on back of case. Also stamped Bulova with possible shield or triangle mark on back of case.   One small diamond at top and another at bottom of front of watch in silver mounting.   Extra links for Ensign 1/20 12 KT gold filled watch band.   Believed to have belonged to paternal grandmother. 

Jan-02-2026_1
Jan-02-2026_2
Jan-02-2026_3
Kathy L.
Posted January 2, 2026 - 12:02pm

What a lovely heirloom!  Congrats!  Your watch is a Dolly Madison like this one https://mybulova.com/watches/1941-dolly-madison-4101 with the original band or a Lady Bulova "D" like this one https://mybulova.com/watches/1939-lady-bulova-d-6806 depending on the jewel count of your movement.    The American Girl case is an mis match but still a nice case for it.

1938 Bulova Dolly Madison "E" (if 21 jewel movement)        OR

Lady Bulova

 

1938 Bulova Lady Bulova "D" (if 17 jewel movement) 

Kathy L.
Posted January 2, 2026 - 3:49pm

In reply to by Kathy L.

If it has a 21 jewel movement then I believe it is a 1938 Bulova Dolly Madison "E" although the dial is different that was fairly common.  If it has a 17 jewel movement it will be a Lady Bulova.

rkastens
Posted January 2, 2026 - 4:39pm

In reply to by Kathy L.

I am not comfortable opening the case.
Someone else (Kathy) has already said it's a "Dolly" because of the 2 instead of 4 diamonds. 
 
The serial number looks like an "8" to me. 

rkastens
Posted January 2, 2026 - 12:36pm

What does an American Girl watch look like?

I have other inherited watches... perhaps the watches are in the wrong boxes. 

1955mercury
Posted January 2, 2026 - 1:42pm

In reply to by rkastens

Hi rkastens. The light green boxes with the pearl button latch typically were used with the late 20's and early 30's ladies Bulovas. The American girl that came in it would have looked like this:

American Girl

Kathy L.
Posted January 2, 2026 - 3:45pm

In reply to by rkastens

There were a few different variants of the American Girl.  This was a popular one in the late 30's.  And yes the serial number is how we date these in the 30's.  The first number indicating the year.

American Girl

Is there any chance you feel comfortable opening the caseback and taking a photo of the movement?

rkastens
Posted January 2, 2026 - 12:38pm

So can you confirm 1938 based on serial number only?

Thanks for prompt replies! I wish I found this panel years ago. 

Kathy L.
Posted January 2, 2026 - 3:54pm

In reply to by rkastens

Yes it is based on the serial number.  Are you sure it starts with an 8?  Could it be a B?  If it is an 8 it is 1938, if it is a B it is 1941.  Same model as it was sold in the late 30's and early 40's.  Also seeing the movement would be very helpful as this watch has two models depending on the jewel count of the movement.  A Dolly Madison "E" if 21 jewels and a Lady Bulova if 17 jewels.