Bulova 1947 Military Issue

Submitted by bourg01 on November 14, 2013 - 2:19pm
1917-H
Manufacture Year
1947
Movement Model
10BM
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
32991
Case Serial No.
2380650 7197108
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Star
Crystal details
29.8 MM
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Here's another Bulova Military I've managed to pick up. It's a strange one though. Marked US, 1917-H on the caseback. Inside she's stamped Star Watch Case Co., Stainless Steel, 2380650, 7197108. This I find kind of odd, 2 serial #"s ??. I've dated it 1947 based on the 1st diit of the second serial #. Mark, Your thoughts on this?? Another odd thing is the use of a 15 Jewel 10BM movement that bears no date stamp of any kind.Until now I have never seen a 15J 10BM in any watch I've ever owned. The pristine dial is a NOS military issue that is identicle to the original, original hands and of course a NOS olive drab canvas band to finish. BTW, Have you folks been sleeping? I picked up 2 Rite Angle's last week, both under $60.00.

Bulova Military 1917-H
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Bulova Watch
Bulova Watch
FifthAvenueRes…
Posted November 16, 2013 - 8:31am

unfortunately I'm at 'UNKNOWN', wish We knew more.

airborne
Posted November 16, 2013 - 12:30pm

Seems like a Military issue for me

bourg01
Posted November 16, 2013 - 3:51pm

I'm all in, " Military 1917-H " as per the caseback.

DarHin
Posted November 16, 2013 - 10:45pm

A 10BM with a serial# in lieu of a date stamp?

Shawn, is the mvmt serial# gilt like the rest of the stampings or does it appear to have been added later?

bourg01
Posted November 16, 2013 - 11:14pm

In reply to by DarHin

It is gilt as the rest of the markings. It all appears to be original. I have looked between all the bridges and under the barrel and balance bridges but there is no date stamp as we know them to exist up to 1947. All we have is the movement ser.# and the 2 case serial numbers to attempt a solid date. I'm beginnin to think a 1943 movement in a from an original 1942  case but recased  in 1947. Purely speculation on my part, but this is how we find answers to unanswered question. Is this a possibility, I think so ,I have to wonder when Bulova 1st realeased a 10BM movement and that brings me back to the later 40's

William Smith
Posted November 17, 2013 - 12:10am

second serial number (7197108) may be some kind of parts number?  Which "part",  I don't know. Check number similarity to the "stock no" and "Ord DWG no" in your Philadelphia watch supply co graphic for your replacement dial.

 

With Bulova, who knows....but military specs may have been a little bit more "logical".    7198*** and 7197*** are just too similar and may have an unknown "parts" meaning and not necessarily a date.  

O, buy the way....hi gang.  Feeling a little better now...   :)

DarHin
Posted November 17, 2013 - 12:24am

I think you're on to something Will.

Oh, and welcome back!

 

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted November 20, 2013 - 6:45am

admin,

I see no evidence of that within the linked thread, only an opinion. The thread goes on to suggest 1917 was/is Star Watch Case Company's part number for the Case.

Wills' observation of the second 'seriel number' within the Caseback (7197108) being a Military part number leans more toward the Case being a replacement part.