Bulova 1934 Kirkwood

Submitted by johnrbell on November 17, 2023 - 8:55am
Manufacture Year
1934
Case Serial No.
439434
Case shape
Octagonal
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Front Photo
Angle Photo
Movement
Markings
Serial?
Kathy L.
Posted November 18, 2023 - 10:49am

I believe your watch looks like a 1934 Bulova Kirkwood, like this one https://www.mybulova.com/watches/1934-kirkwood-6651?page=1 and like this 1934 ad

1934 ad

Although your watch and this watch are engraved and the ads only show an non-engraved case, it was pretty common in the 30's for a model to come in an engraved and non-engraved case and different dials.

Kathy L.
Posted November 18, 2023 - 11:31am

In reply to by johnrbell

This ad is your watch with the correct dial and band.  So your watch is all original.  The ad does not have a name unfortunately to confirm Kirkwood but that is still what I am thinking.  It was more expensive with the matching link band.

ad

neetstuf-4-u
Posted November 18, 2023 - 9:55pm

Well done, gang!

1934 Kirkwood looks to be on the money!

plainsmen
Posted November 19, 2023 - 3:30pm

Wow.. great example and to have the original bracelet with it is rare rare!  The Kirkwood.

1955mercury
Posted November 19, 2023 - 4:02pm

That is an amazing example of an original 1934 Bulova Kirkwood Johnrbell. Is there a story behind it and how you happened to acquire it? 

johnrbell
Posted November 19, 2023 - 7:13pm

In reply to by 1955mercury

My Grandfather passed a few years ago and my Grandmother gave this to my father. 

His father, my great grandfather was Hugh Bell, which matches the "HB 2-51" that looks to be scratched inside the case. 

According to my dad, if this was his Grandfather's it was most likely won in a card game at a bar, and he scratched his initials and date into it when he got it. He was known for writing his name/initials on everything. 😅

I reached out to my Great Aunt who is still alive. She said:

"Initials could be my fathers, Hugh Bell, also my brother Bud was Hugh Bell. Bud was about 20 at that time in 51, and My brother John 22. No significance to 2-51 that I can think of. Both brothers were in the military at that time."

 

1955mercury
Posted November 19, 2023 - 7:35pm

In reply to by johnrbell

Very interesting Johnrbell. I love the knowing the history and stories behind these great watches. They're just as interesting as the watches.

You should write a note with that on it and store it with the watch. One day that story will be forgotten. 

johnrbell
Posted November 19, 2023 - 7:50pm

In reply to by 1955mercury

I like this idea. I think I'll find a case and something to hold it all.

I'd also love to have it appraised, but not sure where in the NJ/NY/PA area I should look.