Bulova 21 Jewel Hand Wind 7AK 14KR 1947
Case Dimensions and features:
- Length w/o Lugs: 28.45 mm
- Length w/Lugs: 38.80 mm
- Width w/o Crown or Lugs: 20.90 mm
- Width w/ Lugs: 23.15 mm
- Depth: 5.70 mm w/o crystal, 8.85 mm w/crystal
- Lug Width: 16.10 mm
Crown: 5.20Dia mm, unsigned
Crystal: 21.45 x 17.95 mm, in case, Domed Acrylic
Case Inside Movement Flange: 24.95 x 18.15 mm (shaped to fit movement)
Dial: 23.05 x 17.95 mm
Inside case back inscriptions: Bulova; 14K Gold; New York. Faint watchmaker inscription
Outside case back inscriptions: 14K Gold; Bulova; 7731457
Movement: 7AK Hand Wind 21 Jewel Small Seconds; Cushion Shape; 25.35 x 17.60 mm
Engraving on Movement: BULOVA WATCH CO; U.S.A; 7AK; 21 Jewels; 47.
Notes: As I recall, this is the first Bulova I owned. I gave it to my sister some years ago, but she never wore it because she prefers larger watches. Since she had recently acquired a higher-end tu-tone Tissot PRX, I traded her for a blue dial mid 70s PR516 with integrated bracelet. She loves it, and I have my little Bulova back. I wear it, as it is actually fairly long on the wrist. If men will wear a tiny Cartier tank, why not.
I did an exhaustive search of the MyBulova database to ID this. At first I thought it was an Ambassador, as it is identical except for minor details to the dial. Then I found the Craftsman “B”, which appears to be the same in every way. I also found many 1947-48 His Excellency “GG” to “II” models, that have the same case in the photos. However, these indentifications were originally assigned fairly early on, like around 2013. I followed a couple of ad links, and I believe actual His Excellency “GG” models have a similar, but scooped out lug. It does look similar from an overhead view, but the difference can be seen in oblique. I think most, or all, of these to be Ambassadors. Correct me if I am wrong.
Welp... with the solid 14K I think you have the Bulova "Tuxedo".
Binghamton NY Press Grayscale 1946 - His Exc Group
Hi Plainsmen,
That surprised me, I thought that it could only be a "Tuxedo" if it had the solid gold bracelet?
In reply to Hi Plainsmen, That… by gmmy775
That statement certainly rings a bell from a previous discussion, in which we determined the lack of a bracelet meant rulled out the Tuxedo ID.
So we have a watch we ID'd as a Craftsmen back in 2015, which shows an advert detailing both the Tuxedo and Craftsman. Bulova Craftsman "A" for me.
The ad cannot be any clearer. Without a bracelet it is a 1947 Bulova Craftsman "A"
Ah... good catch boys.
1947 Bulova Craftsman "A"