Bulova 1942 -Non-Conforming

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on June 11, 2021 - 10:03am
Manufacture Year
1942
Movement Model
10AK
Movement Date Code
X
Movement Jewels
16
Case Serial No.
2795888
Case shape
Cushion
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

This one is for me quite fascinating; another "what the heck is that?" purchase. Based on the raised gold numbered dial, it would seem to be a Bulova Regulator, but the indices and seconds track don't match. Second hand appears to be the same as a Regulator, but is longer. Hour and minute hands match as well. There are 2 Regulators currently in the database; the one with a 1942 case date has a s/n variance from this one of 358.

The dial has a notch at the bottom that indicates it was refinished. The outer seconds track doesn't quite match the perimeter of the numbers on dial, which leaves a little more space between the track and crystal opening at the top. I'm thinking the refinisher used what they had on hand as "close enough".The spacing between dial numbers and crystal opening is equal all the way around. There is a little "play" in the movement at stem when in the case which allows a tiny bit of movement, allowing face to "shift" when case isn't snapped shut. After fussing with it for a bit, I got the face to line up perfectly, with the exception of the spacing at top due to uneven application of seconds track.

Case back is stainless and only has a s/n on exterior. Inside has standard Bulova New York markings that are really light and hard to photograph. Lots of service marks. Bezel is extremely clean with only tiny dots of wear on front corner high points under magnification.

The most curious feature is the movement. I considered the possibility this might be a "Medical Officer" with a swapped dial, but they appear to have used a 10AX movement, were lumed and had lumed hands, as did military issue with hack movements.

Subject watch is  a 1943 dated 16 Jewel marked 10AK. Some Bulova Military watches of this era had this modified 10AK movement marked as such and are referred to as 10AKCSH (Center Second Hack). This watch doesn't hack...is this an internal issue or is this a non-hacking "10AKCS"? Has anyone ever identified a non-hacking center second 10AK?

Could this be a prototype or distinct unknown third model in this case with a refinished dial? Is it a reworked Regulator? I have no idea. I do know I like it and it keeps nearly perfect time.

hacker1
hacker2
hacker3
hacker4
hacker5
hacker6
JimDon5822
Posted June 11, 2021 - 6:21pm

You are correct in that this is an interesting watch. The second track seems squished at the 12 o’clock with a bigger gap at 6 o’clock. This leads me to believe it is a redial most likely modified using a government surplus movement after the war.  Unless something shows up documenting this configuration I’m having to go with non-conforming.  

Geoff Baker
Posted June 11, 2021 - 9:38pm

I agree Jim, I don't think that dial is original to this watch. I too am leaning toward Non-Con

mybulova_admin
Posted June 13, 2021 - 3:18am

As you say, it certainly is an interesting watch, mainly because we haven't really seen anything like it from this period....which leads me to also think that along with the redial notch and mis-aligned minute track, it may have been pieced together to become a fully functioning watch. Very cool looking all the same.

Kathy L.
Posted June 13, 2021 - 10:32am

Really interesting one Bob!  I don't see a match for this one.