Bulova 1940 Alden

Submitted by GVP on April 7, 2011 - 3:30pm
Manufacture Year
1940
Movement Model
10ae
Movement Date Code
Omega
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
-
Case shape
Tonneau
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
NOVA
Posted April 7, 2011 - 3:39pm

Could you post the crystal and case dimensions for this watch?  There are so many cases similar to this one, it would be helpful to know if we can use dimensions to distinguish between them.  Thanks.

NOVA
Posted April 7, 2011 - 5:35pm

I'm referring to these similar models:

Revere – 1937, 1938, 1939

Alden – 1940, 1941

Craftsman – 1940

Alexander – 1942

Stamford – 1942

Commodore – 1943 (ad shows engraved model, but there could have been an unengraved version)

Unknown model – in “bulova-ad-1943-3” (model name is not readable)

GVP
Posted April 10, 2011 - 7:42am

Lug to Lug = 40.5mm  

Width = 25.5mm(not inc crown)

Depth inc back/top bezel = 7.6mm

Crystal = 24.1mm x 17.8

 

 

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted April 10, 2011 - 8:10am

 - 'CRAFTSMAN' would be 21 J.

 - 1943 'COMMODORE' - engraving would justify a different model name, as We have 'ALEXANDER' and 'STAMFORD' covering 1943 as Our plain Bezel entry (?)

 - '42 'ALEXANDER' and 'STAMFORD' would be a model name change in that Year (from the 'ALDEN') - unless We have them prior?

 - 'REVERE' is not seen in 1940 - model name change/upgrade in 1940 (to the 'ALDEN').

 

 Leaving 'ALDEN' in 1940 and '41.

NOVA
Posted April 10, 2011 - 9:42am

In reply to by FifthAvenueRes…

That's an interesting analysis--maybe complete and correct, maybe not.

The dates I listed for the various models are just the dates of the ads that we currently have and do not necessarily reflect the only year(s) each model was produced.  Also, given that these models are pre-1950, the only date available is on the movement, rather than on the case, so, if we use date alone for ID, we may be identifying a watch based on a movement that was not original to it.  That's why I believe, that, given their similar case shape, dimensions may be helpful at some point in determining which model one has.  I've noticed a bunch of these case shapes for sale on eBay recently.  This question may require some attention in the future.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted April 10, 2011 - 10:29am

Analysis based on the Date and Model information given above, correct.

NOVA
Posted April 10, 2011 - 12:08pm

In reply to by FifthAvenueRes…

Maybe, maybe not.  You are still just using one watch, one ad, one date on one movement to make the ID.  It may or may not be right.  More evidence is needed, and my guess is that, over time, we'll have it.

As for identifying models solely on jewel count (see your comment above),  I think we now have enough examples where that distinction didn't hold up.  Take, for example, the recent discussion regarding the late model President.  

Bottom line is, what can it hurt to compile dimensions and use them as another source of information to help distinguish these similar models?  That's all I suggested.  Hard evidence should be superior to guesses and suppositions.

shooter144
Posted April 10, 2011 - 12:20pm

In reply to by NOVA

I think what would help a great deal is to be able to ID a watch with what we have but be able to note in the data base that it isnt a solid ID...that would certainly help keep numerous watches from being solidly named wrong based on one ID. Not sure of the best way this could be done but I'm sure someone will have an idea.

NOVA
Posted April 10, 2011 - 1:04pm

In reply to by shooter144

Agreed.  We need a way to give a tentative ID.

And to clarify, I'm not saying that the watch that started this post is not an Alden.  I never meant to imply that.  I simply am trying to figure out how to distinguish these similar models and thought that starting to compile dimensions might eventually be of use.  I think it is a very sound working theory that this watch is an Alden.  I'm just trying to help solidify that ID as well as assess various watches in my own collection.