Bulova 1933 Bernard

Submitted by plainsmen on October 12, 2022 - 9:10pm
Manufacture Year
1933
Movement Model
10AN
Movement Date Code
Square Shield
Movement Jewels
7
Movement Serial No.
710730
Case Serial No.
3030829
Case shape
Cushion
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Here we go again, a 7Jewel movement in what would seem to be a high end watch of the time period.  The watch and Maxim bracelet ironically match the Lone Eagle and the Bernard of this time period, but the 7 jewel throws me.  Also... Inside case Serial number 3030829 and the outer case Serial is 226218.  Annnnd the movement is dated "square sheild" for 1931.  So.... Your guess is as good as mine on a 1931-1933 watch.  Thinking maybe the Bernard as the ad doesn't really say the jewels, so if a 7 jewel watch had to have a name I'm think Bernard rather than Lone Eagle or Trident. 😄

1933 Bulova Bernard 10-12-22 IC

1933 Bulova Bernard 10-12-22 hinged

1933 Bulova Bernard 10-12-22 Maxim bracelet.

1933 Bulova Bernard 10-12-22 F
1933 Bulova Bernard 10-12-22 L
1933 Bulova Bernard 10-12-22 R
1933 Bulova Bernard 10-12-22 M
1933 Bulova Bernard 10-12-22 B
1933 Bulova Bernard 10-12-22 Ad
mybulova_admin
Posted October 13, 2022 - 6:12am

I would say that the dial and hands are not original to the watch, as it might be a little late for the radium dial and hands in a 1933 watch. 1931 is close to the final years of use.

The case is a match for the 1933/34 Lone Eagle. It may also be a match for the above Bernard advert. I wish we had a better advert to confirm.

The pricing for the Bernard of $24.75 certainly suggests a 7 jeweled movement. The Lone Eagle uses a 15 jeweled movement and was priced at $39.75.

I would also say that the dial has been cut down to fit the case, as the correct dials have rounded corners and not cut as we see above.

Based on the movement and case combo I would be inclined to go with a Bernard, but throw the dial and hands into the mix and we end up as Non-Conforming I believe.

Geoff Baker
Posted October 13, 2022 - 8:38pm

Agree with Stephen, Non-Conforming.

plainsmen
Posted October 13, 2022 - 11:58pm

Non-conforming?  A Bulova 10AN dated 1931, in a Bulova 1932 /1933 case I wouldn't say is non-conforming.  We leave that for sure enough frankens.  Albeit maybe a different BULOVA dial is in there, I still feel this watch is as legit as some others we name that are 3 years off.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted October 14, 2022 - 7:57am

I'm inclined to go for Unknown for now. Putting aside the dial question, It could be a  Bernard and could be a Lone Eagle case.

Kathy L.
Posted October 14, 2022 - 10:24am

I am also inclined to go with Unknown with noted replacement dial.

Geoff Baker
Posted October 15, 2022 - 9:28pm

Panel members, votes please?

mybulova_admin
Posted October 16, 2022 - 6:06am

The reason I think we can't use Unknown, is that I doubt we'll ever find a match for how this one is presented. The best we could do is ID as a Bernard, noting the likelihood of a dial and hands swap....but then we still have a 1931 movement in 1933 case.

JimDon5822
Posted October 21, 2022 - 9:06am

I am inclined to think of this as a Bernard with a replaced dial and hands.  

Kathy L.
Posted October 21, 2022 - 10:00am

I am good with a Bernard ID noting dial replacement.  The case and band in the ad are a good match.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted October 21, 2022 - 10:10am

Bernard works, noting dial