After seeing the 1944 Montgomery Ward ad listed on this site, I've decided to change the model from Aviator to Cadet. This is the most conclusive proof I've seen as to which model this is. Thanks to Jerin for providing the ad and Stephen for posting it. NOTE: The dial on this watch has been refinished and the numbers on the sub dial were left off by the refinishing CO. This seems to have added to the confusion as to the model of the watch. Confirmed with 1944 Montgomery Ward ad
Rick, good job! that watch is just like ours! Same movement as ours, same dial as ours,15 jewels like mine. So if all three of these watches are Aviators then the difference between the two listed on this sight are wrong or maybe there different because they are listed as Aviator-A .
So here's where I think we are. My watch is a 1945 yours is a 1949. Now all we have to find out is what model they are. Cadet, Bruce, or Aviator. Now I'm leaning toward Aviator. What do you think ? Waiting to hear your opinion. You too Stephen and G J.
Bob
In reply to Rick, good job! that watch is by Bob Bruno
One difference I see between the ebay watch and mine (apart from the number of jewels in the movement) is that the ebay one has "Bulova 10K Rolled Gold Plate..." stamped on the inside of the case backing. I looked at mine when the jeweler had it apart and it is blank.
This is an interesting conversation Gents. The way I saw this discussion come to a dead still, was to call the watch an Aviator. I would like to have some proof of the origin of the Aviator from some kind of Bulova record, in order to validate the subject watch as an Aviator. Does anyone know the origin of the Aviator. Using the ads I cannot come up with a readable text that names any watch an Aviator. There are a couple of ads I would like you to consider. Take a look at 1941 AD 3. "Bulova Official Timepiece of American Airlines-Coast to Coast. Above the previous text there are three barrell shaped watches. I think the middle watch is pretty close to the "Cadet Shape" (Sellers on the eBay seem to call any watch of this shape a Cadet). I cannot read the text on the ad for the individual watches, but I have the urge to call this watch an Aviator. It looks to me me to be unengraved in the ad. In 1944 Ad 1 introduces the "Bruce" at the rediculous price of $39.75. The Bruce is never again seen in ads. In 1945 when the troops including my Dad were comming home from WWII, Bulova introduced the Lieutenant at $24.95 in an unengraved case. Immediately to the right of the Lieutenant in the ad is what I believe to be the engraved Bruce case re-named the "Cadet" at $25.95. So from then on, everyone mixes up the names because it's the same case but one is unegraved and one is engraved. I don't want to get into the dials yet. Just my humble opinion. An Aviator Ad would sure change my mind.
Wayne, That was a very well thought out argument against calling the watch an Aviator. I think what convinced me to call it An Aviator was seeing the Ebay closed auction that Rick Smith posted in the comment section . That watch is identical to Rick's and mine. The seller called it an Aviator and with out any solid proof of a different name, I went with it. I guess I thought it would be better than listing it as unknown. As stated I would be more than willing to change it if I could get a definitive answer to the name of this watch. I have a hunch Bulova had an abundance of this case before WWII. Then when the war was over they used them up. Changing number styles and dials. Thus we have the Bruce, Cadet and The Aviator. I agree with you about seeing an Aviator ad. So I guess the hunt continues.
Thanks for your input
Bob
In reply to Wayne, That was a very well by Bob Bruno
Great attitude Bob & a good topic. I have a 1951 10BC with a 2-4-8-12 dial & a 1952 10BT 1-12 dial, both of the same style engraved case. The 1951 10BC case is marked L1 on the outside caseback below the serial number, while the 1952 10BT only has case serial number on outside caseback. So the inconsistency continues to drive people nuts. Bulova was consistent with naming the case (with a few subtle name changes through the years) but named the dials in secret code like A B C NN & XX. I doubt that anyone has an accurate list of dial codes. Let's keep it going we may learn something.
Wayne
In reply to Great attitude Bob & a good by Wayne Hanley
Wayne, and everyone else. I am sending pictures and asking Bulova's case and bracelet dept. for information on the watch. Not expecting much as there websight says they have limited information on pre 1960 watches. Have to send it by snail mail so this could take awhile.
Bob
1942 Vintage Mens BULOVA 'Cadet' 10k Gold Deco Watch Check this out! eBay Item Number 2805635072 . Auction high bid $252.15. This seller dates the watch at 1942, but doesn't tell us what the date symbol is. Also calls this unengraved watch "Aviator/Cadet Range."
Wayne
In reply to 1942 Vintage Mens BULOVA by Wayne Hanley