My uncle gave me this watch this weekend that use to belong to my maternal grandfather.

Extremely small by today's standards and probably not collectible, but as the saying goes: "You can't buy sentimental."

I see that it's a 7AP calibre. Manual wind. 7795411 on the rear case edge and 10k gold filled on the other case edge. Some brassing evident on the 4 corners of the case back. 21 jewel adjusted movement. No jewelers marks on the inside case back so probably never serviced.

Would love to know the year manufactured and model name if available.

 

Up until 1946, Bulova used a symbol, usually on the movement, to denote the year of manufacture. In 1947 and 1948, they used the year (47 and 48). Also on the movement. In 1949 they use J9. In 1950, they started with an alpha/numeric code L0 for 1950. The date code after 1950 was on the outside case back. M for 1960, N for 1970, and so it goes. This information is available on the MY BULOVA website, and the link shown is from that website. You can find the date for yourself. Find out and get back to us, SVP.

https://www.mybulova.com/bulova-date-codes

 

Thanks for the reference, Canuk. One more photo. Forgot the movement.

 

The symbol seems to indicate 1937. See the callout.

 

Looks like 1937 based on the arrow symbol on the movement. Amazing. Still keeping accurate time after 82 years.

Will have to get it serviced.

 

Sorry, Canuk. I was typing my post as you were apparently posting yours. I appreciate your help.

 

You’re welcome. Intrinsic worth is one thing, but sentimental worth is an added plus. You have both with the Bulova.

 

Lovely art-deco watch!

I also have a Bulova from the same year.

 

Very nice example. I particularly like the detail of your case.

I'm trying to determine if mine is a President or Broadcaster, both of which came in 21 jewel in 1937. Appears that 1937 was the first year of production for the 7AP.

Is the model determined by the style of case?

Canuk, thank you for your added comments. I will treasure the watch and look forward to passing it on to my grandson some day.

 

If you return to the Bulova website, it is excellent. You might find more information about your particular model.

 

The Ranfft archive indicates that the movement in your watch is a calibre 735 Eta. Not made by Bulova, but possibly dressed up a bit by Bulova, adding the extra cap jewels. The Ranfft archive indicates there were two versions of the 735. The earlier one from circa 1935. Yours is the later version. Image from the Ranfft archive.

 

I could go on and on. Amazing how time flies when researching watches. I tried searching on the Bulova site by case number but did not get a hit. I looked at the 1937 ads and am leaning toward mine being a President model. But I did'nt see an ad for the President in a black dial.

I also took a look at Dr. Ranfft's site. What an amazing database of information. I'll have to get my watch up on the Bulova site to add to the references.

Thanks again, Canuk.