Bulova 1944 Military Miss

Submitted by timeless on April 18, 2018 - 7:10pm
Manufacture Year
1944
Movement Model
7AM
Movement Date Code
Circle
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
4075489
Case shape
Square
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
16x16 mm square
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

Additional info:

  • Black dial with lumed arabic numerals & lumed hands.
  • 10k rolled yellow gold plate on sterling bezel
  • Stainless back

Engraved inscription on back: "JIM TO NANCY  12-25-44"

I believe the  '47 movement was a replacement at time of service in 1947 as per jeweler's marks in caseback.  It  appears same jeweler serviced watch again in '52.  I've included closeup of marks.

 

 

1944 Bulova Milatary Miss watch
1944 engraved back Bulova watch
1947 Bulova 7AM mov
1944 case service marks
Kathy L.
Posted April 18, 2018 - 7:22pm

Very nice!  This could be a Military Miss?  I have one in a light dial just like this.  Although if the movement has been changed I don't know how that affects naming a watch.  The panel will be able to say.  

neetstuf-4-u
Posted April 18, 2018 - 8:33pm

Movement appears to have a circle stamped next to  "Swiss". Circle code says movement is a 1944. Case s/n starts with a "4", so watch is indeed a 1944 and most probably retains the original movement. I suspect you are misidentifying the "17" for "17 jewels" as a "47"

For a couple years during WWII, some watches were made of Sterling as a base metal instead of steel to show support for the war with the idea that the steel was more important for the war effort. It was more of a feel good move to make civilians feel a part of the war effort than anything else. Add that to the name with the armed services connotation - excellent patriotic marketing.

We recently ID'ed Kmlow's identical watch (w/white dial) as a tentative "Military Miss", I think this one is spot on to the ad. 

Nice watch, love the band! 1944 Military Miss

timeless
Posted April 18, 2018 - 9:01pm

OMG! How did I miss that one!

You are absolutely correct. I never even looked at the circle, but that "47" was glaring at me, which is of course a "17".  

I have a number of sterling based war era watches, mostly Gruens, that are gold filled on sterling. Limited supply was a very real issue at the onset of the war. 

 

Kathy L.
Posted April 19, 2018 - 1:49am

In reply to by timeless

My mind always wants to read the 17 as a 47 almost everytime I see it.  I find these sterling based watches interesting.  I have a couple now as well.  Really like this beauty.  A black dial in this era is on my short list.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted April 18, 2018 - 9:20pm

Movement symbol in initial description changed to "circle" for you. Been there, done that - Bulova induced tunnel vision   :o)

timeless
Posted April 18, 2018 - 10:09pm

Thank you!  :  )

jabs
Posted April 19, 2018 - 4:46am

1944 Military Miss

plainsmen
Posted April 19, 2018 - 2:29pm

Military Miss!

Reverend Rob
Posted April 19, 2018 - 4:31pm

Military Miss.