Help with a vintage Bulova.

[RobMc]

I picked this up at a yard sale today. The date code on the back is A9. I'm unfamiliar with the A code. The Bulova date code page lists A as a 1940 code for Bulova ladies watches, but this is clearly a mans watch from the era. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[gatorcpa]

The closest one I could find looks like an “Engineer” model from 1949.



https://mybulova.com/bulova-models-1940s?year=1949

I think 1948 was the first year Bulova used date codes on the back of the case and on the movements. Before that, it was only on movements.


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

I think to answer your question, we need to find another Bulova Engineer watch to see if it also has an “A9” code on the back.

And here we go!

https://mybulova.com/watches/1949-engineer-10923
https://mybulova.com/watches/1949-engineer-10923
Could the code be “49”, not “A9”?

Hope this helps,
gatorcpa

 

[TexOmega]

nice watch especially the case styling

 

[RobMc]

gatorcpa

Looks like an “Engineer” model from 1949.



https://mybulova.com/bulova-models-1940s?year=1949

I think 1948 was the first year Bulova used date codes on the back of the case and on the movements. Before that, it was only on movements.


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

I think to answer your question, we need to find another Bulova Engineer watch to see if it also has an “A9” code on the back.

And here we go!

https://mybulova.com/watches/1949-engineer-10923

Looks like the code is “49”, not “A9”.

Hope this helps,
gatorcpa

helps a lot! A couple of things though. 1) the case back on mine is slightly different. My case back is totally flat, the case back in the picture is beveled and shaped around the stem. Mine is not. 3) that date code if 49, mine is A9. I'll get a movement pic when I get home in a few. I know slight variants on watches from this era are endless.

 

[TexOmega]

If it has a battery inside, it could be a reproduction from the 90's

 

[RobMc]

Took some shots. Crap picture, but the movement is stamped J9. Which is 1949.

 

[gatorcpa]

Same movement as Engineer. Probably had a different name, but no one remembers anymore.
gatorcpa