Hi all - I found this lovely piece with my Dad's few kept items when he passed away 3 years ago. I am trying to gather finformation on it as I think it may have been myy grandfathers - and I may want to fix it and wear it. I have been trying to research the forums and I believe it was 1946/7 and it is either a craftsman or tuxedo. I am curious if this is the original band (my grandfather ended up quite poor and could have sold the original band if it was gold) and if anyone has any info on if it could be repaired not being a battery watch and not working as of now. I am also interested to know if it has value. 6663543 serial number and 14k on back.
Thanks for sharing your heirloom with us. The difference between Tuxedo and Craftsman was the band. Tuxedo was on solid gold mesh and Craftsman was on leather (see ad below). Based on family lore, and the fact it's presented on a metal replacement band; I would call your watch a
1946 Tuxedo "A" with replaced band.
We don't do appraisals - too many variables. Watch is worth at minimum gold weight. Take it to a jeweler that employs a watch maker for repair. I would if it was my Grandfather's. It may only need to be serviced (clean, oil, adjust). Repair will likely be less than or equal to gold value.
We have had debates in the past as to whether it is a Tuxedo; or if the gold band is missing makes it a Craftsman. It's really a toss-up. Based on the likely removal and sale of the band by your Grandfather, I vote Tuxedo with replaced band notation..
Thank you for your quick reply. I wish I knew how my Grandfather even got such an expensive watch for then, and it saddens me he had to sell the band. Maybe it was a service award, but then it probably would have been engraved,. Just thinking outloud, wish I knew more of the story there. I am going to see about getting it to work - the winder still turns. It just doesn't work. I also wonder if it can be cleaned up some. Or if the damage is too much. Thank you again.
Welcome to myBulova and thank you for sharing wonderful heirloom with us. The band will not be original and is what makes this particular watch either a Craftsman on a leather band or a Tuxedo on the solid 14K gold weave band. In the past we have given an ID of Craftsman if the watch does not have an original band just because there is no way of knowing. As to value we can't really say because there are too many variables but being 14K is does have value of course and is priceless for you as a heirloom. Parts for this watch shouldn't be too hard to find so a vintage watchmaker should be able to get it going for you.
1946 Bulova Craftsman "A"
Lucky for you he kept the watch during the dark days so it must have been a very special item for him. As presented, we have no way of knowing if this had the bracelet and since this does not include the original bracelet in my opinion this is a 1946 Bulova Craftsman A
Agreed with 1946 Bulova Craftsman "A".
Thank you everyone for the info. I have found out it was not my grandfathers, I was told he never wore watches. I am not sure whose it was now but appreciate all the info.