Bulova 1942 Dolly Madison

Submitted by tkm3rd on
Manufacture Year
1942
Movement Model
6BD
Movement Date Code
L9
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
C588376
Case shape
Cushion
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
-
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

This submission for identification runs on a Bulova 6BD Swiss movement, marked L9 (1959). The case is s/n C588376, 10K yellow gold filled bezel, stainless steel engraved back. It is on a "Rose" branded bracelet with 10K gold filled tops (USA).
 I was unable to find anything in the database - either ads or photos - which looks like it. I'm anxious to see what the panel makes of it. The watch is in good shape, and is a pretty little thing. 

Front
6BD movement
Inside back case
Exterior rear case with engraving
Full watch
neetstuf-4-u
Posted June 5, 2026 - 6:06pm

Very nice little watch. I started looking in the time frame of the movement and found nothing either. I then started down the rabbit hole of dating by s/n. Some ladies Bulova models in the 1940's were dated by the first letter A=1940, B-1941, etc. This combined with no case date stamp leads me to believe this one is a 1942 with a replaced movement and dial. The only case match I find in the database or linebooks is

Mary Lou

 - Like THIS ONE and THIS ONE.

Kathy L.
Posted June 5, 2026 - 6:40pm

For me this would be a Non-Conforming watch due to the over 10 year gap in the case (1942) and the movement/dial (1959).  The lugs on the case look different to me than on the Mary Lou and so far I have not found a match to the case.  

Kathy L.
Posted June 5, 2026 - 6:49pm

The case is a Dolly Madison which because it seems to be unique to that line I would be ok with IDing it as such noting replacement movement/dial.  1942 ads

1942 Ad

1942 Bulova Dolly Madison

neetstuf-4-u
Posted June 5, 2026 - 7:45pm

Well found, Kathy. After seeing your ad finds, I agree the lugs are different and the ads line up with case date.

1942 Dolly Madison with replaced movement and dial.

tkm3rd
Posted June 5, 2026 - 10:17pm

Wow, thanks all. It was a stumper for me.

JimDon5822
Posted June 6, 2026 - 8:07pm

1942 Bulova Dolly Madison works for me.