Bulova 1944 Military Issue

Submitted by JimDon5822 on October 13, 2018 - 12:08am
Manufacture Year
1944
Movement Model
10AK
Movement Date Code
Circle
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
92577
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
Extra Thick Domed Plastic Crystal
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

This is an incredible military watch.  It is a 1944 Military Issue Ordnance Department with a 10AK movement.  It has a circle date code for 1944 and has a dust shield.  THe screw back is marked ORD. DEPT. U.S.A. OF-92577 BULOVA WATCH CO.  The dial is a dark brown with applied luminous hour markers and a printed white minute track and sub second register.   The crystal is extra thick and tall.  Currently it is not working and needs a new balance pivot.  The best part of the watch is the wonderful trench art engraved cuff bracelet.  It appears to be stainless steel and on one side has engraved mountains and palm trees and "Marianas Islands".  The other side has two volcanos and palm trees with "Tinian" and the date "45".   I am really excited about getting this restored and running again.  

1944 Bulova watch
1944 Bulova watch
1944 Bulova watch
1944 Bulova watch
1944 Bulova watch
JimDon5822
Posted October 13, 2018 - 12:10am

Here is the bracelet.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted October 13, 2018 - 7:50am

Very cool. The Marianas Islands Campaign included Tinian and Saipan. After taking Saipan, the 2nd and 4th Marines did an amphibious invasion of Tinian in July of 1944, and the US occupied and used captured Japanese air bases on the island as a jumping off point to bomb the Japanese homeland until the end of the war. Chances are good this was made from captured steel during the occupation and owned by a  Marine or Seabee (Navy Construction Battalion) member.

Kathy L.
Posted October 13, 2018 - 11:57am

Very cool watch indeed!  Thanks for sharing, love the band.  

JimDon5822
Posted October 13, 2018 - 11:16pm

I was able to pull a balance off of a parts watch and got the watch running.  I decided to remove the thick bulky crystal with a new one although I will keep the old one and see if I can get it clearer. I can't decide if I want to get new hands or leave the old dirty ones on it.   Tough decision but the patina on the hands matches the numbers. I kind of like the worn look.

 

Reverend Rob
Posted October 14, 2018 - 1:56am

That dirty lume is Radium, so do be cautious if you are removing it or the hands. We have discussed this elsewhere, but the Radium has a half life of 1601 years, so it is as hot today as the day it was applied, for all intents and purposes. 

Geoff Baker
Posted October 20, 2018 - 8:35am

From the perspective of historical importance, this is a remarkable piece. I would say that this one was most likely worn by an American Serviceman that saw some sort of action during the Marianas campaign. I'm not sure I would do any restoration to this one, given it's past.

In terms of ID I will suggest it be ID's as "Military Issue"

1943 Bulova Military Issue

JimDon5822
Posted October 20, 2018 - 11:11pm

 thank you for your comments .   What makes it even more historical is the fact that in researching this I found that back in 1945 the atomic bomb took off from Tinian.   Since this is dated 1945 it is highly probable it was a witness to this historic event .  

Kathy L.
Posted October 20, 2018 - 10:52am

I agree with Geoff.  This is a wonderful piece of history.

1943 Bulova Military Issue

mybulova_admin
Posted October 26, 2018 - 9:21pm

Wow, what a fantstic piece. I also agree with Geoff also, leave it just how it is now. It's a true servivor and has probably seen some amazing events in human history.

I really like the hand engraved etching on the bracelet....that just makes this watch so much more amazing and historical.

1944 Bulova Military Issue