Bulova 1943 Banker

Submitted by JP on January 26, 2012 - 2:09am
Manufacture Year
1943
Movement Model
10AX
Movement Date Code
Asterisk
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
327918
Case shape
Stepped
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
25.8mm long x 15.25mm wide
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Based on information on the forum about a similar watch, I think this is a 1940 Banker. I would like to have your opinions on it though.

JP

1943 Bulova banker
1943 Bulova watch
1943 Bulova watch
1943 Bulova watch
1943 Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
FifthAvenueRes…
Posted January 26, 2012 - 5:44am

Looks correct.

JP
Posted January 26, 2012 - 11:15am

Thank you. What does it take to get the 3 stars for confirmation on identity?

JP

NOVA
Posted January 26, 2012 - 11:20am

The best way to get three stars is to also post an excerpt from the ad showing your watch.  If they are a match--between the picture and any stated specs--the panel members will vote with three stars.  If your watch does not match the ad exactly, a discussion will ensue, and panel members will vote according to their own judgment of the merits of the various arguments.

NOVA
Posted January 26, 2012 - 11:22am

Here's an ad excerpt showing your style of Banker:

NOVA
Posted January 26, 2012 - 11:27am

Now that I look at your watch next to the ad, I'm not sure that it is a Banker.  The sides and steps look more rounded on yours.  Here's a picture of another Banker in the database.  It looks more squared off to me, but it could just be camera angle.

NOVA
Posted January 26, 2012 - 11:41am

We also have the Ben Hur to consider.  The case is a bit more rounded.  Although it does specify 21J.

JP
Posted January 26, 2012 - 11:49am

I took another look at the steps and they appear to be just a little rounded and not quite as sharply squared as the banker pic. Now the fun begins. Is it possible that the 15 jewels was a lower price option for the watch?

NOVA
Posted January 26, 2012 - 11:55am

Hard to say what is possible, since we have no official records, other than the ads we've managed to collect thus far.  We do occasionally conclude that a watch with a jewel count different from the one stated in the ad must, in fact, be that model, but it's not likely to get a three-star vote.

This case shape is tricky to pin down, because, in addition to the Banker, we have the Calhoun, Ben Hur, Ranger, and Chief, all within the same general time frame, and all with definite similarities.

And, of course, there could be others that we haven't seen at all yet.

 

JP
Posted January 26, 2012 - 12:03pm

In reply to by NOVA

Now I am having fun!! I am really excited and will try to dig for more information. I have a friend who's father was a master watch maker and a Bulova specialist who just passed away and my friend is going through all of the Bulova stuff to see what he may want to keep and I will acquire the rest including all of his ads and books. When this is done I may be armed with some new information to pas along to the group.

JP

JP
Posted February 17, 2012 - 7:23pm

Upon further inspection I think the original assesment of Banker i correct.

jp