Bulova 1945 -Unknown

Member for

12 years 10 months
Submitted by Geoff Baker on March 25, 2011 - 9:27pm
Manufacture Year
1945
Movement Model
10AK
Movement Date Code
Triangle
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
5864562
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Unknown watch in military themed display case. Watch case and dial are in nice original condition. Hands and numerals appear to have been lumed but do not glow now. Watch winds, sets and runs. Display case is in excellent condition for age.

Added 3/25/2011  -  Photos Updated 5/31/2023

Geoffrey Baker 1945 Bulova 1 Military Watch 5/31/2023
Geoffrey Baker 1945 Bulova 2 Military Watch 5/31/2023
Geoffrey Baker 1945 Bulova 3 Military Watch 5/31/2023
Geoffrey Baker 1945 Bulova 4 Military Watch 5/31/2023
Geoffrey Baker 1945 Bulova 5 Military Watch 5/31/2023
Geoffrey Baker 1945 Bulova 6 Military Watch 5/31/2023

Member for

14 years
mybulova_admin
Posted March 26, 2011 - 12:15am

Nighthawk?

Member for

12 years 10 months
Geoff Baker
Posted March 26, 2011 - 5:58am

Yes, I want it to be a Nighthawk too, but without a black dial, I'm not sure it can be......

- gb

Member for

12 years 11 months
FifthAvenueRes…
Posted March 26, 2011 - 7:53am

Not a 'NIGHTHAWK'.

Geoff, what does the Caseback look like on this watch?

*note how the 5 and 7 numerals encroach into the sub Seconds Chapter on the 'NIGHTHAWK' and also on the 'AIR WARDEN'. ( both smaller watches )

The Crown recess is another feature not seen on either model.

If this Watch could be dated post War it could possibly represent the use of a surplus ORD dept Dial and 15 Jewel 10AK movement, as the Dial more closely resembles an actual Military piece.

Member for

12 years 10 months
Geoff Baker
Posted March 26, 2011 - 9:04am

Movement clearly marked triangle (1945) but by June (well technically I guess August) the war(s) were over, would have left four months of production, and who knows how far into 1946 the movement supply could have lasted. Hmmmmm not sure I ever noticed the difference in the 9 either, this one is closed, all the others are open.

-gb

Member for

12 years 10 months
Geoff Baker
Posted March 26, 2011 - 9:08am

Case Back (swear I already did this.....)

 

Member for

12 years 11 months
plainsmen
Posted April 24, 2011 - 6:31pm

Wow.... how ironical... I just picked up the exact same watch and I have it under the What is it? section.

Member for

11 years 6 months
DreamWeaver
Posted October 12, 2012 - 7:16pm

I have one exactly like this as well...case #5863335. 1945 (triangle)15J 10AK. One of the small service watches is my guess. Interesting cases with a stainless back, gold plated bezel, and movement ring. Tight fitting arrangement....no room to spare!

Member for

13 years 7 months
William Smith
Posted October 12, 2012 - 8:37pm

Do you think these are "Military style", and this/these models were never "issued"?  The ad speaks to the general public, perhaps using a marketing ploy "designed for the men in service".  Have we ever seen this watch w/ "military issue" markings on the backs?  The display box also speaks of marketing ploy, a luxury in thin demand and unnecessary for "military issue" Bulova (simply marked "service" in lid).  Surplus? ....well maybe a run of the same/similar dial sold in a similar style case.   As for movement, Bulova could sell the same movement to the general public, couldn't they?

Member for

12 years 11 months
FifthAvenueRes…
Posted October 13, 2012 - 2:14pm

We see the 15 Jewel 10 AK and 16 Jewel 10 AKCSH in World War 2 Military issue Cases in documents of the era and several examples of the issued Watches are in the database.

Was this particular Case Military issue? No, not that I or any historian of Military horology is aware of. 

What's the story behind these Watches? I'm not certain but there are far too many to be random re-cases.