Bulova 1947 -Unknown

Submitted by JethroBodine on
Manufacture Year
1947
Movement Model
5AB
Movement Date Code
47
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
H551139
Case shape
Oval
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
11mm x 11mm
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

This was my grandmother's watch. I am trying to identify the model. The rear case serial number and the movement date both indicate that it is a 1947 model. The band is flexible. The numerals on the face are gold leaf. The rear of the case indicates 14K gold. The lugs are rather plain, the bezel is scalloped on both sides. The minute track is gently curved on the edges and corners, not straight and square. The watch is not running. I would like to know if it is worth repairing and passing on to the next generation.

Front
Back of case
Movement
Kathy L.
Posted May 2, 2025 - 11:44am

Welcome to myBulova and thank you for sharing your grandmother's watch with us.  It is a lovely heirloom.  I do not remember ever seeing this model before so I will be searching for it.  It looks like the dial has been replaced as the minute track is the wrong shape for the watch and 1947 is the correct year.   Hopefully one of us can find a model name for you but it might end up being an Unknown.

Kathy L.
Posted May 2, 2025 - 3:59pm

I didn't have any luck.

Unknown for now

JimDon5822
Posted May 2, 2025 - 11:35pm

It is a great heirloom keepsake.  I have not been able to find a match to this watch.  I agree that the dial, and possibly the movement has been replaced at some point.  

mybulova_admin
Posted May 3, 2025 - 7:33am

Seems you've bought us a something of a mystery. I've not had any luck putting a name to this beauty. The case is unique enough that we should be able to find a match, alas nothing despite having plenty of adverts to peruse.

1947 Bulova unknown at this stage, but keep checking in, as you never know when someone might find a matching advert.

I agree with the others that the dial and or movement might not be original to this watch.

JethroBodine
Posted May 3, 2025 - 11:33am

Thanks to all for looking into this watch. I opened it up again after posting and took a few more photos, but I'm not sure on how to add them. The inside of the front case has an XI I II I scratched into it. The inside of the rear case has Bulova, 14K GOLD, New York embossed into it. Between Bulova and 14K gold there appears to be number M262 (or M362?) followed by a raised number 1. Please let me know if that helps in any way or coach me on how to add the new photos. Thanks again!

Geoff Baker
Posted May 3, 2025 - 9:14pm

In reply to by JethroBodine

The markings you saw are likely service marks made by the watchmaker when she/he serviced it. Generally that do not further the classification of the watch and are known only to the watchmaker that put them there.

Kathy L.
Posted May 4, 2025 - 9:38am

In reply to by JethroBodine

The easiest way is to add the photos into the comments.  You can also email them to admin.  I agree the other number you are seeing is most likely from it being serviced.

Geoff Baker
Posted May 3, 2025 - 9:15pm

1947 (by movement date code) Bulova Unknown (Non-Conforming?) 

mart1n888
Posted May 5, 2025 - 3:50pm

In reply to by Geoff Baker

Hi Geoff ! hope you are well! the H in case serial number design the year 1947. It does match the movement. So its a conform bulova.We just dont know the model name and make her only unknown.

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