Bulova 1946 Senator

Submitted by Fatah Rashidie on
Manufacture Year
1946
Movement Model
8AC
Movement Date Code
L2
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
6556027
Case shape
Tonneau
Case color
Rose
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I got this watch from my local auction and I am new to vintage Bulovas. Overall condition shows that it is quite good considering the bold indexes and railway markers. The dial looks like a 1945 Bulova Senator with a beautiful copper dial. However, at the bottom right of the caliber (8AC 17j) is stamped L2, indicating 1952 as its year of manufacturing. The case is 14KT Rolled Gold Plate as printed on the back case, along with a Bulova-signed crown. Is there a possibility that my Bulova is franken based on the model & caliber year difference? I'm curious about this model's year. Thank you!

Advert is from FifthAvenueRestorations

Front view
Side view
Back view
Caliber shot
Inside of the back case
senator advert from FifthAvenueRestorations
Kathy L.
Posted January 13, 2026 - 9:21pm

You have a very nice 1946 Bulova Senator with a movement replacement.

1946 Bulova Senator

JimDon5822
Posted January 13, 2026 - 9:57pm

Based on the case date of 1946 I would classify this as a 1946 Bulova Senator.   This became a Spencer in 1947 according to ads in the DB.   The movement is most likely a replacement based on the 1952 date code. 

Fatah Rashidie
Posted January 15, 2026 - 12:10am

That is insightful. Does that mean the Senator line changed its design after 1947? I'd love to know more. Thanks for the confirmation!

Fatah

mybulova_admin
Posted January 14, 2026 - 2:28am

I'm comfortable to ID as a Bulova Senator, noting the very likelihood of a movement swap.

A 1946 Bulova 8AH seems correct.

Fatah Rashidie
Posted January 14, 2026 - 11:51pm

Great, thank you for the correction! I thought it was either 8AH or 8AD for the correct movement. At first, I was quite sure it had a movement swap because the 8AC movements were produced starting from 1949(?) CMIIW. 

Fatah

neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 14, 2026 - 1:13pm

1946 Senator with a replaced movement.

Fatah Rashidie
Posted January 14, 2026 - 11:44pm

Thank you for the confirmation! I also had the same thought when the dial was quite wobbly as I pulled the crown.

Fatah

glpflorida
Posted January 17, 2026 - 10:03pm

I have the same watch.  What size strap does it use?