HELP - purchase a watch to remember my deceased father

wagudc · Jan 24, 2021

Part of the motivation for suggesting Bulova is because they used date codes on the outside of the cases.

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

A 1948 will have 48 stamped on the outside. Mostly they will be small rectangular watches from that era. However, that was the main style in the US in those days. Here is my 1949 Bulova:

wagudc · Jan 24, 2021

For the 1979 watch, see:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/birth-year-watch-1979.19961/

Also, there is a very representative 1979 reissue watch:

https://www.timex.com/q-timex-reiss...ssue-38mm-Stainless-Steel-Bracelet-Watch.html

amcclell · Jan 24, 2021

wagudc
Part of the motivation for suggesting Bulova is because they used date codes on the outside of the cases.

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

A 1948 will have 48 stamped on the outside. Mostly they will be small rectangular watches from that era. However, that was the main style in the US in those days. Here is my 1949 Bulova:

My 1942 President says "Hi"

Uscjake87 · Jan 24, 2021

I always find these posts interesting. 2k to 3k and 1948 or 1979. Radically different timeframes in watchmaking. If you do not like dainty small size watches, then you should skip 1948. 1979 will get you a lot better options for sizes, but then the styling will be different. There are plenty of Omega and Rolex in this price range for 1979. I have a 1983 Rolex Oysterquartz that I really enjoy despite haters of quartz watches. I serviced it, and likely will never service it again as the quartz modules are pretty reliable. Examples of this watch can vary from 2k to 6k depending on dials, etc. Mine is inherited with lots of bumps and terrible polishing so I suspect I could find a similar one in the 2k to 3k range. Be wary of going with obscure vintage brand automatic watches if you intend on it being a long time keeper unless you pay a small sum that you are willing to lose. I buy sub $1000 vintage watches more for enjoyment and if I can't find parts then it isn't a huge loss.

apsm100 · Jan 24, 2021

I think your first vintage purchase will likely not be "the one". You won't truly know what you like or dislike until you live with one. So plan ahead for that, buy something relatively inexpensive to start with, learn the ropes, find a grail, work towards that, rinse and repeat.

Or like others have said, buy a brand new piece and be done with it. 😉

Dr No · Jan 24, 2021

Dan S
Not only are people dishonest, they are also ignorant. And not only on eBay.

Sometimes both.

😉

kennyklee · Jan 25, 2021

wagudc
For the 1979 watch, see:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/birth-year-watch-1979.19961/

Also, there is a very representative 1979 reissue watch:

https://www.timex.com/q-timex-reiss...ssue-38mm-Stainless-Steel-Bracelet-Watch.html

Ohh, this Timex Q reissue is a no brainer as part of collection. Thanks for the suggestion.

kennyklee · Jan 25, 2021

wagudc
Part of the motivation for suggesting Bulova is because they used date codes on the outside of the cases.

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

A 1948 will have 48 stamped on the outside. Mostly they will be small rectangular watches from that era. However, that was the main style in the US in those days. Here is my 1949 Bulova:

I like the idea of having a really vintage style that’s not usually worn by the masses.

wagudc · Jan 25, 2021

K kennyklee
I like the idea of having a really vintage style that’s not usually worn by the masses.

Bonus for you, low demand = low price. Check out the mybulova website. Hamilton and Lord Elgin are other good American companies for wristwatches from the 40s. The tank style (rectangular) were quite popular in the 40s. Antique and pawn shops are good places to look.

Here is a cool recent find by @DaveK, although 10 years too old.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/art-deco-ish-bulova-needs-an-id.124570/#post-1682587

DaveK · Jan 25, 2021

wagudc
Bonus for you, low demand = low price. Check out the mybulova website. Hamilton and Lord Elgin are other good American companies for wristwatches from the 40s. The tank style (rectangular) were quite popular in the 40s. Antique and pawn shops are good places to look.

Here is a cool recent find by @DaveK, although 10 years too old.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/art-deco-ish-bulova-needs-an-id.124570/#post-1682587

Thanks! The jury is still out on this over at mybulova.com. I spotted and translated the 1938 date code of a crescent moon, but one of the panel members on mybulova observed that what I thought was a scratch is also the 1939 date code shield. This is one of the problem with wanting a watch from a specific year,

lindo · Jan 27, 2021

I am not an advocate of birth year watches. You should buy a watch because it appeals to you – if you buy a watch simply to have an example of one made in your birth year, there is a risk it will end up sitting in a drawer.

I have absolutely no interest in buying a vintage watch from my own birth year, because watch styles of that period do not appeal to me.

However buying a watch that you intend to wear every day in memory of your dad is really meaningful. I did it soon after my dad died, using his small inheritance to buy a new Rolex that I otherwise could not afford. I loved that watch: every time I saw it on my wrist I enjoyed the way it looked, and I remembered my father.

If I had tried to find a watch from his birth year I would have ended up with a compromise that would have become a curio in the back of my watch drawer.

Sadly, the Rolex was torn off my wrist a year later in Naples by a street thief (who I would take great pleasure in kneecapping even all these years later).

NikolShep · Jan 27, 2021

Similar to great suggestion to consider modern reissue of the1948 Seamaster, you may consider 1948 or 194X modern reissue models from Tissot and Longines. For example, see below. Good luck with your hunt!

HELP - purchase a watch to remember my deceased father

wagudc

wagudc

amcclell

Uscjake87

apsm100

Dr No

kennyklee

kennyklee

wagudc

DaveK

lindo

NikolShep

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