old Bulova watches

[yngvai]

I found these in some old stuff that my grandmother left. I went to Bulova's website to try and find out if they're worth anything. Their site says the model number is under the 6, but these watches just say "Swiss" there. On the back the numbers 7696052 is on the one with what looks to be the orignal band, and 9264179 is on the one with the replacement black strap. Both say 10K rolled gold plate, so I can't imagine they're worth much. They look like delicate ladies watches.

I apologize in advance if the pictures are too small. I scanned and blew them up, but I don't know how they're going to look when I post them.

TIA.

[pacifichrono]

Both watches are gold plated (not solid gold or gold filled), and neither is in great condition. I'm sorry to say neither would likely fetch over $50 on eBay, and maybe a lot less. They are surely worth more as family heirlooms than they are on the market.

[yngvai]

OK, I appreciate the info.
Thanks again!

[Ray MacDonald]

Both watches are gold plated (not solid gold or gold filled), and neither is in great condition. I'm sorry to say neither would likely fetch over $50 on eBay, and maybe a lot less. They are surely worth more as family heirlooms than they are on the market.
I agree with Tom unfortunately. Your Bulovas look like 1940s models to me.
Bulova made many watches during this time period so they are not rare or particularly valuable. Ladies' watches are less collectible than men's when it comes to vintage.
However Bulova parts are still quite available if you want to get them fixed and running. They would make nice family heirlooms for you and your descendents.

[JohnF]

Hi -

I'll also agree with the others: they're going to be worth more as heirlooms than you'll be able to get for them on eBay or elsewhere.

If you decide to keep them, you'd best get them cleaned up and checked by your friendly neighborhood watchmaker, then store them properly until, for instance, a great-granddaughter might appreciate getting one for her 21st birthday. Take pictures before and after and show them to the recipient when you give them the watch, with perhaps a history of Bulova.

I did that for my brother and my second-youngest sister last year, and they loved getting watches made in their birth years with a history about the watch (a Gruen and a Kienzle). I'm doing the same with two other brothers and my step-mother this summer (two matching Sturmanskies and a 70-year old Gruen...).

Makes great gifts, and who knows, maybe you'll end up with someone in the family who will become a watch freak as well! :-)

And Ray points out correctly that Bulovas are pretty easy to get parts for, since so many were made. Makes life easier than getting parts for 70-year old Gruens...

JohnF

[pacifichrono]

I did that for my brother and my second-youngest sister last year, and they loved getting watches made in their birth years with a history about the watch (a Gruen and a Kienzle).
JohnFThat's a great idea, John. Thanks for the reminder.