Early 1940's(based on the 1942 case-back inscription). I don't currently own many Bulovas from this period and the pear shaped date marker(if thats what it is) doesn't appear to me to be an exact match for the ones I saw listed on the site. I was struck by the case serial number of 0000473. None of the others I own start with 4 zeros, so I thought this might be an early production unit. Possibly an Ambassador model, but I am unsure. Yellow gold filled case. Dial has a grey background silver numbers and indices along with black accents and a sunken seconds dial. All three hands are a similar silver color matching the dial. I really love the style and color combination of this watch. Its actually in pretty good physical shape for its age. It sets and winds fine, but runs about twice as fast as it should so it definitely needs a service/repair.
Questions: Is this an Ambassador or different model? What year is the movement? What does the "AAA" on the movement indicate? Does the case serial number indicate it was the 473rd of this type of case produced?
Thanks in advance for any info!
Nice watch. The movement date code is 1939 and case s/n starts with a "0", so the watch is an early 1940 (low s/n) that apparently sat in a jeweler's case until purchased in 1942. It's a beauty.
1940 Ambassador "C"
I will change the date above for you. Ad snippet dated 1939
Thanks so much! Great information! I thought that the shield-shaped code stamp was the closest, but wasn't sure it was an exact match to this. Appreciate the serial number info as well!
1939 Bulova Ambassador "C" is a good match. Wow that is a low serial number. love the engraving.
Are we dating by movement or by case?
I think we've agreed to date by case in this era (1940's) when possible. I agree with 1940 Bulova Ambassador C (with we colloquially call an 'exploding dial').
Agreed 1940 Bulova Ambassador C. Missed the serial number which was so obvious. LOL .