After seeing the 1944 Montgomery Ward ad listed on this site, I've decided to change the model from Aviator to Cadet. This is the most conclusive proof I've seen as to which model this is. Thanks to Jerin for providing the ad and Stephen for posting it. NOTE: The dial on this watch has been refinished and the numbers on the sub dial were left off by the refinishing CO. This seems to have added to the confusion as to the model of the watch. Confirmed with 1944 Montgomery Ward ad
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I have had two people contact me who also own this watch looking for info on it. I haven't been able to find much about it. All the watch maker who restored the dial could tell me was that it was a mid 1930's model. I would really like to know more about this watch as it was left to me by my uncle and was the watch that got me started collecting vintage watches. Any information will be appreciated.
Bob
Stephen, the case sure is a Cadet! I can't believe I missed that. I have only seen the movement when I took it to the watch maker for restoration. It was just a bunch of rust when I saw it. I will have to take it back so I can look again. Thank you so much.
Bob
I'm one of the guys that contacted Bob. I have the same watch as well. The 1944 Bruce is also very similar. Same case and bracelet as mine but doesn't have the numbers at every position on the face. I'll see what info I can find inside of the watch.
Rick
An Update:
Here is a picture of the inside of my watch. There is no symbol on the movement other than a small stamp "J9" which doesn't make sense as far as the pre-1950 dating chart chart goes. The back of the case only has a serial number consisting or numbers only (I beleive it was 6 or 7 digits and started with "2237..." or something like that), there is no 2 letter code as mentioned in the post-1950 dating scheme.
I took the watch to a repair shop and they wound it up and it seems to be working really well. All they say it needs is a cleaning of the case exterior and buff up the crystal.
I believe J9 does translate to 1949. I've seen a couple of these that use 'J9' not many but a couple. I think I'll update the Date Code chart to include it.
I'm not surprised that there is more than one model that has the same case....this might come down to the dial design.
In reply to I believe J9 does translate by Stephen Ollman
Stephen, I agree , I was thinking the same thing about the case when I saw the Bruce. Only difference I can see are the dials.
Bob
In reply to I believe J9 does translate by Stephen Ollman
Stephen, I'm not too sure about that. I found this picture of a 10bc movement from a 1949 watch that has J9 stamped on it. This is the watch ad that the picture belongs to - BULOVA GOLD FILLED FULLY SERVICIED AND CLEAN 1949
In reply to I believe J9 does translate by Stephen Ollman
Stephan, I just got my 1948 "Arnold" back today from the Bulova Watch guy and it also has the "J9" stamped onto the movement (10BC).... Bob
I've seen that face (or very similar) on other Bulovas with different case designs. I found this one earlier today. And this one as well