Bulova 1930 -Non-Conforming

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on February 1, 2023 - 9:56am
Manufacture Year
1930
Movement Model
10AN
Movement Date Code
Omega
Movement Jewels
15
Case Serial No.
1298619
Case shape
Stepped
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Star
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Here is a curious one I initially bought for the interesting 3 chain band, but decided to leave it intact as purchased. Case back is marked with a 5 pointed star and "10K Rolled Gold Plate". Inside is marked as "Star Watch Case Co, Stellar" with a very Bulova looking serial number starting with a "1", which corresponds with a 1930 date stamped and serial numbered movement. The inside of the bezel is also hand inscribed with the Roman numerals "8 6 1 9" which corresponds with the last 4 digits of case s/n.

It's missing the minute hand but is running for a full wind. Overall a really clean one with just a touch of case corner wear.

31STAR1
31STAR2
31STAR3
31STAR4
31STAR5
31STAR6
neetstuf-4-u
Posted February 1, 2023 - 10:21am

I'm not suggesting it is the watch advertised below in an ad Jim  recently found from 1935 (previously unknown Boone model), but it certainly looks very similar.

balt sun ad 1935

 

Geoff Baker
Posted February 1, 2023 - 9:19pm

A marriage say I, 1930 (movement date code) Non-Conforming

mybulova_admin
Posted February 3, 2023 - 2:29am

In reply to by Geoff Baker

Geoff, just checking you are saying the 1930 movement is making it non-conforming?

I'm on the fence with this one.

Geoff Baker
Posted February 5, 2023 - 8:59pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

No - I think it's Non-Conforming due to the star case. 1930 due to the omega date code movement

1955mercury
Posted February 2, 2023 - 7:35am

I found a little information. The above ad above says gold filled. According to this chart from NAWCC, Star Watch Case Company cases marked "Stellar" after 1924 were rolled gold plated. 

Star Watch Case Co.

 

Kathy L.
Posted February 2, 2023 - 10:42am

Nice looking watch and band.

Non-Conforming.

mybulova_admin
Posted February 3, 2023 - 2:33am

Bob, how well does the bezel markings on the dial match up with the inner case edging?

The advert is very close...a simple drawing render, but very close. There are some subtle differences, but overall I'm very close to IDing as a 'Boone'.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted February 3, 2023 - 7:24am

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Bezel markings on face are a spot on match, equidistant from minutes track on all 4 sides. It's a perfect fit.

mybulova_admin
Posted February 5, 2023 - 3:36am

In reply to by neetstuf-4-u

So dial and case have been married for a while. Looking at the inner corners. advert shows rounded, where-as subject has square.

I wasn't going to rule out the Star Case, as we know Bulova used their cases from time to time. The question is was this one of those times. Unfortunately we have no other 1931 Boone examples to compare.

I'm in for Boone, but understand if others aren't so sure. Majority rules.

plainsmen
Posted February 3, 2023 - 10:18am

Star Watch Co case puts us at Non-Con