Bulova 1952 American Girl

Submitted by CADouma on
CC
Manufacture Year
1952
Movement Model
Swiss
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
D918036
Case shape
Square
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

Added some additional pictures of the movement. Hopefully this helps. Sorry if the picture quality isnt that good, these were taken with my IPhone.

 

The box the watch is in identifies it as "The New American GIrl Bracelet Watch Bulova". It has the price tag still of $75.00. I believe it to be from 1952 as it indicates L2 on the back. On the watch face it says Bulova at the top (below the 12) and Swiss at the bottom (below the 6) The back also indicated 14K GF. The bracelet indicates 1/10, 10K, GF. It's shape is square with a diamond pattern on the bracelet. It has what I believe to be white gold diamond shaped adornments with diamonds on both sides of the face. The watch still runs. I can't read the movement symbol (not a strong enough magnifying glass around). And not sure where to look for crystal dimensions. I also can't get a good enough picture of the insides to show you, but provided what I have. We found this watch amoung my Mother-in-laws things when she passed away. It's in excellent condition and I don't believe it was ever worn. 

 

 

Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Bulova Watch
plainsmen
Posted January 28, 2014 - 6:17pm

Welcome!  Beautiful ladies watch here.  It does look like an old "sock drawer" type watch.  Meaning someone got it and then because it was either to cherised to wear or they wanted to "save it" it sayed in someones sock drawer not warn for decades.

I think your absolutely correct this is an American Girl.  They were pretty distinct during that period with the solid type bracelets.   I think maybe the "BB" seen below in an ad from 1957?  Close to it anyway.

 

OldTicker
Posted January 28, 2014 - 7:24pm

I would agree with the Plainsman's call, American Girl BB and a great example.

The American Girl series were all Bangle style watches and it looks to be in excellent shape!

It is a nice family heirloom and if you do decide to wear it, I would have a qualified watchmaker (there are many members here that fit that description) service the movement so it will continue to preform for generations to come. Sitting in a sock drawer for 60+ years will cause the oil used to lube the delicate parts to dry out and become useless causing major damage to the staffs & jewels if it is run much.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful discovery!

Geoff Baker
Posted January 29, 2014 - 5:56am

How cool is this? A true family treasure, thanks for sharing it.

American Girl 'BB' is my vote. Lovely example. These watches were very popular in the 50's. There was also a "Canadian Girl" model.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted January 29, 2014 - 7:12am

There's no mention of the Case colour in the ad and these were available in both Yellow Gold and White.

'AMERCAN GIRL'

was '52 the first Year for this bangle style? I think so.

Reverend Rob
Posted January 29, 2014 - 10:35am

American Girl.

I've never come across a white one in this version, it would look very classy, I bet. 

CADouma
Posted January 29, 2014 - 4:19pm

Thank you all for your comments, it's been so much fun to see and learn about what we have. It truly is a beautiful watch. Unfortunately I don't have the danity wrists to wear this imazing watch. Our goal is that we would like someone to have it that would appreciate it. I have a niece that I think would enjoy it and take care of it, but my husband wants to know the value of it. Does anyone have any idea? I so appreciate your help and expertise.

Reverend Rob
Posted January 29, 2014 - 5:45pm

You're very welcome, but we don't do valuations here. You could try comparing  it to similar vintage Bulova ladies watches on eBay, or other watch and jewellery auctions. 

mybulova_admin
Posted January 30, 2014 - 5:07am

A perfect match for a Canadian Girl "CC", if your watch has a 21 jewel movement, if not then back to the drawing board. Any chance of a picture of the movement?

Not sure if there was an American Girl equivalent.

Bulova Canadian Girl "CC"

William Smith
Posted January 31, 2014 - 3:34pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Rob  Based on the file name for the ad graphic, it's a 1958 ad?   OP has now also reported 17 jewels and Canadian Girl CC is listed w/ 21

I'm thinking a tentative American Girl "BB" may turn out to be incorrect, but may also convey more "tentative" info about subject watch...... but I siad "I'm thinking"....

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted January 30, 2014 - 6:36am

The 'CANADIAN GIRL' and the 'AMERICAN GIRL' are one and the same, the U.S. / Canadian border determining which. The subject having came and being presented in an 'AMERICAN GIRL' box would lean heavily to the 'AMERICAN GIRL' side.

Why do We need to determine a variant? In this Case We cannot with 100% certainty and when all is said and done the Model remains the same.