This was my grandfather's watch and I was told it dated from WWII where he flew B-24 bombers over ETO but in my research it looks like it may be newer. The watch winds and keeps time. I am very interested in getting a replacement crystal for it so hopefully someone can point me in the right direction. This watch seems to be unique in how low the serial number is. All the ones I am seeing online are in the tens of thousands. I have not been able to get the back off to check the movement date code. Is there a special tool required?
Welcome to myBulova and thank you for sharing your grandfather's watch with us. What a special and wonderful heirloom for you to have, heirloom watches are the best!
I am not up on all the military watches but I know some of the guys will have some info for you. I did want to mention take care not to disturb the radium (lume on the hands and numbers). It is still radioactive and care should be taken not to disturb any loose particles that might get into the air. There are a couple of folks that sell crystals so you might be able to purchase one from them. Once the crystal is installed it will be safe to wear. Very well worth getting it serviced and restored so you can enjoy it.
ID wise, we would typically ID as a Bulova Military Issue 3818A.
We have several examples of this was in the database, ranging from 1960 to 1962.
Take a look under Bulova Models, then filter by Military Issue. There you will see several listings of your watch.
As far as seeing them sell the tens of thousands....one might sell for this price if it was the personal watch of someone very famous.
Exciting find, I do tend to agree with an early mid sixties date range. Either way an important family piece. I read somewhere on line that the MIL -W- 3818A was the last military watch produced by Bulova (not that everything I've ever read on line was true). Short of verification on date code I would tag it a 1960 model although it could be slightly newer.
1960 Bulova Military Issue 3818A
BTW Stephen - he meant the SERIAL NUMBER not the price.
PS - I had a chance last weekend to tour (crawl through is a better way of saying it) a fully restored B-24 Liberator - Witchcraft, am amazing aircraft.
In reply to Exciting find, I do tend to… by Geoff Baker
In reply to Exciting find, I do tend to… by Geoff Baker