Bulova 1944 Knickerbocker

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on November 2, 2021 - 10:27am
Manufacture Year
1944
Movement Model
8AH
Movement Date Code
X
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
4398218
Case shape
Square
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

There have been several debates over this watch, as it appears to change names several times in a short period from 1941 to 1949. 

The result of previous discussions based on available ads and documented watches seems to be:

1941/43 - Comptroller  advertised on leather

1944 - ?

1943/46 - Knickerbocker (mesh band)

1947 - Clinton (mesh)

1948/49 - Chief (mesh)

In the later 3 versions, there seems to be ad overlap of the names, with the earliest version (Comptroller) being a stand alone advertised on leather with all names following sold on gold basketweave mesh bands. The first overlap seems to be in 1943, with the difference being the band.This example has a case date of 1944 (a first for the database under any name) with a movement dated 1943.

Based on the 43/44 date combination, I'm inclined to classify this one as a Comptroller on a period replacement band that has been on it a long time based on matching clean condition. Thoughts?

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Geoff Baker
Posted November 2, 2021 - 10:05pm

I guess I can go either way Knickerbocker or Comptroller but might lean ever so slightly toward Knickerbocker as it is mounted on a band as opposed to a strap.

JimDon5822
Posted November 3, 2021 - 8:52pm

I am good with either but agree with Geoff a lean towards the Knickerbocker. 

Kathy L.
Posted November 4, 2021 - 12:37pm

I am good with either as well but Knickerbocker makes sense.

 

mybulova_admin
Posted November 10, 2021 - 4:00am

Here are some previous comments.

  • 1943 Comptroller, 17J, leather strap, sub-dial number - unsure, plain 7
  • 1945 Knickerbocker, 17J, basket weave band, sub-dial numbers - yes, plain 7
  • 1946 Knickerbocker, 17J, basket weave band, sub-dial number - unsure, plain 7
  • 1946 Knickerbocker, 17J, basket weave band, sub-dial number - no, plain 7
  • 1947 Clinton, 17J, basket weave band, sub-dial numbers - yes, curved 7
  • 1948 Chief, 17J, basket weave band, sub-dial numbers - yes, curved 7
  • 1949 Chief, 17J, basket weave band, sub-dial numbers - yes, plain 7

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  • 1943 - Comptroller (17J, yellow gold filled case, gold hands and numerals, leather strap)
  • 1945/46 - Knickbocker (17J, natural gold, basketweave band)
  • 1947/49 - Clinton (17J, yellow gold, basketweave band)
  • 1948/49 - Chief (17J, yellow gold, basketweave/seed band)

 

1943 Comptroller adverts states 10K Gold Filled case (https://mybulova.com/watches/1943-comptroller-730)

1945 Kickerbocker watch entry shows 10K Gold Plate case (https://mybulova.com/watches/1945-knickerbocker-5886)

Subject is 10K Gold Plate which leans towards a Kickerbocker. That is if the basket weave band is not a determining factor.