Bulova 1940 Military Non-Issue

Submitted by Hagbard on September 8, 2012 - 9:59am
Manufacture Year
1940
Movement Model
???
Movement Jewels
Unknown
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
-
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Crystal details
Approx 28mm Acrylic
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Case looks to be plated brass, no markings on case back or dial other than 'Bulova'.  Strongly resembles some of the military models aleady in the database, but has quite a different dial, and no caseback markings suggesting it's not an issued model.

Watch runs, and keeps good time.  Movement does not hack.

The caseback doesn't seem to want to come off, despite my best attempts.  if removal is necessary for identification then I shall persevere further.

edit: I've had to guess the manufacture year, as I can't save the watch without one.  I have no idea whether my guess is anywhere near true though.

Bulova non issue military watch
1940 Bulova watch
FifthAvenueRes…
Posted September 8, 2012 - 10:36am

The Caseback will unscrew, counterclockwise.

bobbee
Posted September 8, 2012 - 1:09pm

With a spanner, if you have no case back tool.

DarHin
Posted September 8, 2012 - 1:15pm

A crescent wrench with a paper towel over the back so as not to scratch.

For those who speak American spanner = wrench.

bobbee
Posted September 8, 2012 - 1:18pm

Crescent wrench?

DarHin
Posted September 8, 2012 - 1:40pm

Crescent is a brand of adjustable wrench. I suppose it would be analogous to a Brit saying "to hoover" whether they use a Hoover or a Dyson to vacuum the rug.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted September 8, 2012 - 2:39pm

monkey wrench.

Another method would be to lightly chuck the Caseback up in bench vise and spin the Case.

Grandma used to use a Door jamb in situations like these,..... never could figure that one out.

Hagbard
Posted September 8, 2012 - 2:40pm

I've tried a caseback tool, and the classic ball of duck tape and have had no luck with either.

I take it identification is not possible without a look at the movement then?

Any tips on loosening the caseback?  I'm loathe to do anything like soak it in WD-40 for fear of destroying the watch.

DarHin
Posted September 8, 2012 - 3:08pm

However you try to remove the back just be sure not to apply too much pressure to the lugs causing them to bend or even snap off. Keep in mind that the longer the wrench the more pressure you will apply with less effort so be very careful. If you do use wd-40 I would use a q-tip to use as little as possible. Let is sit over night or so to give it a chance to penetrate.

*** Use your best judgement when deciding to try any of the suggestions offered here. I'm not a watchmaker and I didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

bobbee
Posted September 8, 2012 - 3:48pm

Is a monkey wrench analogous to an adjustable spanner? "Lost In Translation"!
Love the "Grandma using the doorjamb" reference. Absolute howler!
Looks like an unissued "Ord. Dept. 10 AK".

Reverend Rob
Posted September 8, 2012 - 5:21pm

A monkey wrench is an adjustable coach wrench, similar to a pipe wrench. I have some real old ones around here somewhere. They were used to remove the wheel nuts on carriages and coaches.