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
bobbee
Posted September 9, 2012 - 6:27am

Although having an original band would be nice, a modern quality reproduction would probably last longer, and cheaper! Sending you a link via PM.

Basic and utilitarian, but it's a Bulova, and a quality bombproof piece, or the US Armed Forces would not have wanted them!

Any jeweler worth their salt should be able to get that case open for a very moderate fee, but stress to them how old and valuable it is to you first.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted September 9, 2012 - 6:34am

"Any idea how many of these were produced"

Quite a few.

An order was given to destroy the Watches before return to the US after the War (WWII), the theory being the mass influx of the timepieces would all but kill the domestic Watch manufacturing buisness. So much for following orders. 

Here's a clear shot of a Dial from TM 9-1575

 

mybulova_admin
Posted September 16, 2012 - 7:25am

OK, so after much discussion what's the call.

Military Issue?

bobbee
Posted September 16, 2012 - 8:30am

Unknown, as the back has no info, and no mvmnt info, thus no date either.

OldTicker
Posted September 16, 2012 - 8:32am

Unknown on this end.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted September 16, 2012 - 8:44am

non conforming

mybulova_admin
Posted September 19, 2012 - 4:55pm

In reply to by FifthAvenueRes…

MarK can you please expand on your Non-Confirming.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted September 19, 2012 - 9:47pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

admin,

The Dial is incorrect for Military issue and the Case dimensons are questionable for Bulova.

bobbee
Posted September 16, 2012 - 9:43am

We don't know that, Mark. It could be stamped "Bulova" everywhere on the inside, so until we receive more info on the case back and interior, it is obviously an "Unk".

Hagbard
Posted September 16, 2012 - 9:55am

I've still not been able to get it open.  What do you reckon - WD-40 or freezer?