Bulova 1953 American Girl

Submitted by SwansDove on
G
Manufacture Year
1953
Movement Date Code
L3
Case Serial No.
358160
Case shape
Square
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

This is the first vintage watch I bought. I tried to look for it since watching The Queen’s Gambit since its release in 2020. Though the one I got vs the one in the TV show are two different models, I’m at least happy that the one I got is an American Girl (unsure of the model though), complete with the safety chain. I got this off Etsy and it was fully serviced when I received it. I was able to find the box so I can now display it or keep it safe when not wearing.

Question: I’ve been told that it can be worn as a daily piece, but I’ve noticed that when I do, sometimes, my wrist gets sweaty. I do get nervous because vintage mechanical watches aren’t waterproof/resistant, so what can I do if I still want it to be a daily piece to wear, but not let it get damaged due to my sweat?

Thanks!

Close up on watch face
Watch in Box
Back of watch
Side of watch
SwansDove
Posted November 8, 2023 - 9:32am

I forgot to mention this: The first two photos of the watch in the box are mine, and the last two showcasing the back of the watch and the side of the watch were from the listing off Etsy. 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted November 8, 2023 - 10:00am

Very nice. Your watch is an

1953 American Girl "G" as seen here

Interesting note: Did you know that we (at mybulova) helped Bulova Corp ID the watch that Beth's mother gave her in the show? There was a lot of freeze framing going on and some of our panel members figured it out. Once we identified it as an American Girl "K" they (Bulova) contacted our very own Panel Member Kathy L and borrowed her watch (CLICK HERE) to send to the factory to spec it for re-issue. 

Kathy L.
Posted November 9, 2023 - 11:19am

Very nice American Girl, congrats on picking one up.  Yes it is a close match, the one in the series was yellow and faucets on the bracelet as well.  I have both and they are both beautiful models.  Good question on wearing it all the time and sweating.  I would say it could be a slight risk but maybe one of the guys will be able to give you a firm answer on that.

1953 Bulova American Girl "G"

Geoff Baker
Posted November 9, 2023 - 9:16pm

Congratulations on finding a nice vintage Bulova. I agree that it's a 1953 Bulova American Girl G, maybe not the same model that Beth got in QG but a really nice example of the American Girl lineup..

Water is dangerous to mechanical water more from an immersion or soaking perspective than the dampness of sweat. I'm careful around hand washing but unless you sweat what my wife calls 'buckets full' I doubt you're in danger. Impact is risky to mechanical watches so if your work is hard manual labor I recommend not wearing it to work. As with all vintage watches, a COA (Clean, Oil Adjust) every 3-5 years, depending on how often you wear it is always a good investment.

JimDon5822
Posted November 9, 2023 - 9:18pm

1953 Bulova American Girl "G" is a good match.