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.
The only issue is that I have to take it apart to reset the time as the crown pulls out.
Does the stem come with it or just the crown comming off of the stem?
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.
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_…
Do we know what these 'crystals' were made of back then? Sounds like plastic, but has worn well.
In reply to Do we know what these by krome
Original was most likely glass. It's possible to have been replaced.
My grandfather bought my father and his brother Accutrons somtime in the 70s. So,he was a Bulova fan of sorts.
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.
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?
The screw is near the rim, just below the stem.