Bulova 1939 Ambassador

Submitted by krome on
C
Manufacture Year
1939
Movement Model
10AE
Movement Jewels
21
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
9193929
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

This watch was pulled from my grandfather's belongings.  I finally got around to doing some research on it and I believe it is a 1939 AmbassadorC.  It keeps perfect time if wound daily.  Grandfather retired as Chief Engineer at KPRC(NBC) Houston and had fixed watches and clocks all his life.

1939 Bulova Ambassador C
1939 Bulova watch
1939 Bulova watch
krome
Posted March 27, 2016 - 5:47am

The only issue is that I have to take it apart to reset the time as the crown pulls out.

 

JP
Posted March 27, 2016 - 12:46pm

Does the stem come with it or just the crown comming off of the stem?

krome
Posted March 27, 2016 - 12:59pm

Crown and stem come all the way out when pulled.  I have had the same issue with a much newer watch , so probably not a difficult fix.

Geoff Baker
Posted March 27, 2016 - 5:17pm

Hello krome, welcome to myBulova. I think it's a fine thing to have your grandfathers watch. I hope you have fond memories of him as you wear it. We always recommend that mechanical watches be serviced by a professional watch maker every couple years, depending on how you use it.

I also agree with you assessment that it's an Ambassador "C" model. Here's a link to a nice advert showing a watch like yours. The only difference is the hands, I suspect yours were replaced sometime along the way.

http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/vintage_ads/Bulova_AD_1939_…

krome
Posted March 28, 2016 - 12:18am

Do we know what these 'crystals' were made of back then?  Sounds like plastic, but has worn well.

Geoff Baker
Posted March 29, 2016 - 5:30am

Original was most likely glass. It's possible to have been replaced.

krome
Posted March 28, 2016 - 12:21am

My grandfather bought my father and his brother Accutrons somtime in the 70s.  So,he was a Bulova fan of sorts.

Reverend Rob
Posted March 29, 2016 - 2:28pm

The setting lever is loose, or possibly damaged. If you tighten the screw below the stem when seen from the back, it should correct the problem. If not, you'll have to take it to a reputable watchmaker. It would be a shame for the stem to fall out and be lost. As Geoff has already mentioned, it is a good idea to have the watch professionally overhauled. A dirty or dry watch will damage itself through running. 

It is an interesting Dial, not one I've seen before. I'd agree with Ambassador C. 

krome
Posted March 30, 2016 - 4:10pm

I pulled it out just a bit today and it moved the hands.  So, it still functions.  Which screw should I tighten to capture it?  Also, you guys have a favorite reference on oiling mechanical movements?

Reverend Rob
Posted March 31, 2016 - 10:52am
 

The screw is near the rim, just below the stem.