This is a top loader with a 10BA movement and a sweep seconds hand. The case is almost identical my ‘45 Watertite.
There are 2 versions of the 10BA. One has a sub seconds and the other has a sweep seconds. Both versions use a split or solid stem depending on the model. Differentiation can be made by the presence of the exposed gold tone wheel over the train bridge. The model with that wheel has the sweep seconds. Without the wheel is the sub seconds version. This movement has an X date code indicating a 1943 date.
The hour and minute hands are identical to my ‘45 Watertite except these hands lack the lume. These hands could have been used on multiple models with or without lume as it’s called for. Another possibility is that they are replacement hands that never had the lume applied. My conclusion is that this model did not have lumed hands as this is not a lumed dial. I’m not suggesting lumed hands are only with lumed dials. This dial has a very minimalist look to it so unlumed hands would fit the design.
I would be inclined to say this is some variant of Watertite except I found no version of Watertite that’s completely lacking numbers on the dial. I’ve also searched the member watches for all models using the 10BA movement. None of them have a dial resembling this one. The case is 9/16 or 14mm between the lugs and the crystal is 26mm.
Things I note:
- The dial looks to have been cleaned where-by the minute track has been removed (and possibly other identifying markings).
- These hands would have been lumed at some point.
- Lumed hands on this style of dial dosen't seem right to me (Maybe that's just me)
- I'm curious why there is not typical case serial number.
Nothing in any adverts,
1943 Bulova unknown (based on movement)
In reply to Things I note: The dial… by mybulova_admin
If you look at my ‘45 Watertite, the case is exactly like this one. The only number is stamped into the inside and it’s only 3 digits. The dial is practically pristine. If you were to see it in person, you’d see there were no minute marks. I’ll try to add a picture from my laptop. It won’t work from my phone. No idea why.
In reply to Bulova called those style… by 1955mercury
In reply to I think illuminated hands… by Stinky_Sullivan
In reply to The only hands Bulova made… by 1955mercury
I don’t doubt this is a Watertite. The case is a match. There are 10 member Watertite’s between 1941 and 1945 and only 2 have a normal serial number. The others only have the 3 digit number stamped inside the case.
The entire dial is out of place for this era. I don’t know if it’s a refurbished or transplant from another model but it’s not a Watertite dial.
The simplest explanation is that this is a ‘43 Watertite with a replacement or refurbished dial. The case, movement, and hands are all correct for a Watertite.
In reply to 1943 Bulova Unknown and… by Geoff Baker
We also classify a watch "Non-conforming" when parts are from different era's or are more than a few years apart, ie a mix match of parts. It also means that we'll never be able to truely indentify the watch as presented.
I suspect that your watch originally started its life as a Watertite, bur with the introduction of a part (the dial) from another time period it would not be correct to ID as such.
Other members may have a different view.
In reply to We also classify a watch … by mybulova_admin