Bulova 1943 Commander

Submitted by Kathy L. on April 12, 2018 - 8:37pm
Manufacture Year
1943
Movement Model
10BL
Movement Date Code
T
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
3213869
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Hello,  This is a 1942 based on the 10LB movement which I think may have only been used in 1942 and the T date symbol.  It has a 10KGP bezel, sterling base and stainless back.  This is a differenct case than I am used to on the ladies watches of this time period so I will have to figure out how to get the dial out later to take a photo of it.  Looks like an original band from the time but it is in bad shape so I will put a leather one on it and it needs a good cleaning.  It is a 14mm band width and 34mm lug to lug and 27mm without the crown across.  The Commander from a 1940 ad is the closest model I can find with what looks like the same case, numbers, hands.  The Apollo from a 1947 ad is pretty close as well but has different numbers.  Looking forward to hearing what you all think it might be.  Thanks, Kathy

1942 Bulova watch
1942 Bulova watch
1942 Bulova watch
1942 Bulova watch
1942 Bulova watch
Bulova Watch advert
Kathy L.
Posted April 12, 2018 - 8:42pm

Here is the Apollo 1947.  Looks like the same case and hands but the numbers are different.

Kathy L.
Posted April 18, 2018 - 1:21pm

Here is the same movement and dial that I found on ebay so I am thinking this was a model and not a redial or refinish.  If it isn't ok to post these please delete them for me.

Kathy L.
Posted April 12, 2018 - 8:52pm

And a dark dial that looks like the same model and year also found on ebay when I searched for 10BL.  I didn't buy these in the comments just thought showing them might help IDing the model.  

Kathy L.
Posted April 19, 2018 - 3:23pm

Decided to keep this one after all and I quite like it now that it is cleaned up and after putting a new strap on it.  It is a small mens watch with a 14mm band which fits my wrist size nicely.  I like the patina on the dial and it is running well which is a plus.

mybulova_admin
Posted April 13, 2018 - 10:53pm

Dating this to 1943, based on the case serial number. Having a 1942 movement would be normal.

mybulova_admin
Posted April 13, 2018 - 11:27pm

Closest I can also find is the Bulova Commander.

Kathy L.
Posted April 17, 2018 - 2:53am

With the ads plainsmen just posted maybe it is an Apollo?  The last one has the numbers like this one.  

Kathy L.
Posted April 17, 2018 - 3:03am

Maybe it is an Apollo after all.  Here is an ad plainsmen post tonight.  The case is like the first one and the face like the last.