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
Bob
The 1944 ad is close, but take a look at the sub seconds dial, it has a numbered sub seconds bit. Your watch does not have numbers in the sub seconds bit. Your watch matches the Cambridge watch ad of 1946 detail for detail, no numbers in the sub seconds bit.
Wayne
In reply to Wayne, I had the dial by Bob Bruno
That explains everything. The only difference I saw between your watch and mine (picture on the first page of this thread) was that yours was missing the numbers on the bottom dial. Glad to hear you guys were able to pin it down to being a Cadet. Now if only I can figure out why I have a 17J 10BC movement when the others are 15. I've got my watch cleaned up and replaced the original strap with a new one. When I get back home in a couple weeks I'll post it on the website.
Rick
In reply to Cadet it is!!! Wayne by Wayne Hanley
Bob,
It took you long enough to change your watch from Aviator to Cadet. I bet you are glad you did!
1950 Vintage Bulova USA "CADET" 10BM 17j Thin Men Dress
Ended: Feb 18, 2011 312:29 PST
eBay Item No. 190500018977
Excellent Condition Cadets are going up!!!
Wayne
In reply to Bob, It took you long enough by Wayne Hanley
Bob
With the research done so far we know your watch was a cadet. But now it has the markings of a Cambridge. To avoid confusion to anyone trying to research a Cadet/Cambridge/Bruce/Lieutent make a note to the effect in the description that the dial was redone & and numbers were omitted from the seconds chapter. Or rename the watch to Cambridge.
Hey, guys, take a look at this post regarding these models: http://www.mybulova.com/node/2273
The first ad we have for the Cambridge is dated 1946. Could have been around before that, but we don't know. We do know that the Cadet was around before 1945 (date of the subject watch), and it came with at least two dial variations--one with numbers in the seconds track and one without (per the 1943 ads). So, you're redial is consistent with at least one known variation of the pre-1945 Cadet.