Bulova 1945 -Unknown

Submitted by Galileo72 on February 2, 2011 - 5:04pm
Manufacture Year
1945
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
5403967
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I inherited this watch from my grandfather, who owned a jewelry store and repaired antique watches.  I don't even know  if it is a genuine Bulova.  I stated the year as 1950 because it was required to complete this listing, but I have no idea.  I would certainly love to learn the manufacturer year and model (and if it is genuine).  If anyone would care to share that information, I would be grateful!  Best regards~

Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
FifthAvenueRes…
Posted February 2, 2011 - 6:19pm

Genuine Bulova - I've seen this model before recently, it's a little earlier than 1950 and Military.

Pre or WWII era, late 30's - mid 1940's and the Red center sweep Seconds hand possibly indicates Medical?

The Military models were not named but were known by numbers. ie: A-11 etc

The model You show has been seen in a similar Civilian version named the 'Water Tite' although the Hands and possibly the movement were different.

WWII ordanance Watch shown below for Dial numeral and Hand comparison.

mybulova_admin
Posted February 2, 2011 - 6:16pm

Galileo, have you been able to take the back case off to see what date code is stamped in the movement?

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted February 3, 2011 - 11:01pm

admin

Further research confirms My belief that this Watch is indeed an authentic early WWII U.S. Military timepiece, the lack of any Ordnance dept spec markings on the caseback dates it to pre November 1940:

"In the early stages of WWII, there were Government issued watches that had no markings."

"In 1940, the Ordnance Department published the requirements for military watches. The list includes pocket, wrist, and stop watches. Note also, that there was a provision for watches produced before 1940 to be retroactively marked if they were serviced."

The screw on Caseback shown below would be a U.S. Ordnance Dept spec requirement which was issued on Nov. 12, 1940.

* text in quotes and images above courtesy of www.olive-drab.com and www.antiquevintagewatches.com

ML

 

 

mybulova_admin
Posted February 3, 2011 - 11:32pm

Nice call Mark, its nice to see an actual military time piece. Its interesting to see the style of hands they used. I guess they wanted a style that allowed alot of radium to be applied for night time ops.

Galileo72, feel free to update your watch to 'Military' model.

Can we narrow down a date with the movement?

vintagebulova.com
Posted February 5, 2011 - 2:29pm

This is unlike any military Bulova that I have ever seen.  I'd be very interested in seeing any documentation that shows that this particular model was indeed military issue.

 

Jay

vintagebulova.com

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted February 5, 2011 - 4:19pm

Good luck finding actual documentation Jay but Historical Militaria reference indicates it is pre Nov 12 1940 Military.

 

 

mybulova_admin
Posted February 5, 2011 - 6:53pm

As Mark, says above, as it has the red center sweep hand is it possible that this is military medical officers watch which would be far less common issue?

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted February 5, 2011 - 7:19pm

unclear at this time admin.

I suspect the movement will be a 10bcc (center seconds)  non hacking  (Ordnance dept requirement), which is also seen in Navigation pieces (5th example down in prior post).

The sub second Dialed examples are most likely post Nov 1940 10AK's.

The lack of any Ordnance Dept requirements (screw on back and markings, large Crown ect) on the OP's watch suggest it pre Nov. 1940.

DarHin
Posted November 15, 2012 - 8:46pm

Interesting.

William Smith
Posted January 19, 2013 - 9:42pm

In reply to by DarHin

Yes it is interesting, and still Unknown....nice watch.  Unknown and undocumented year - short of style dating.  Should the date be changed to reflect first digit of case SN (1945)?  Number of digits in case SN consistent w/ others of time period.  PM sent to watch owner, but it's an older record.