Bulova 1951 Academy Award

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on November 12, 2021 - 5:30pm
Manufacture Year
1951
Movement Model
7AA
Movement Jewels
21
Case Serial No.
3463447
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

This is one I have never encountered before. 10K white gold filled with "X" shadow dial bearing yellow gold numerals and hands. We have so far documented this case for the Academy Award "Q" in yellow gold with "X" dial, the AA "T" in yellow with curtain dial and AA "V" in white w/curtain dial.

It appears this combination is a first for the database. My first inclination was that it was a put together, but then I found another on Lisa's site that is identical and apparently mis-identified as a AA"Q". Based on the curtain dial models, I have to believe this one is legit and had a specific variant letter.

Band was added by me. I received the watch on replacement leather. Running and keeping time.

Period ads (in color) Show this model in yellow as the Academy Award "Q" and none make mention of "also available in white". I found one ad from the Billings Gazette dated 1953 showing what appears to be the same watch depiction advertised as the AA"C". The "C" variant has to this point been associated with a women's watch. I have no idea if the ad is correct but thought I would mention it.

1951 (movement and case dated L1) Academy Award

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neetstuf-4-u
Posted November 12, 2021 - 5:34pm

aaq1951adaacad1953

mybulova_admin
Posted November 13, 2021 - 4:00am

I think it's fair to say that there was also a "C" in the mens version.

Knwing yellow version is the "Q", I think we can agree the "C" is white.

Would be nice to find another confirming advert one day.

1951 Bulova Academy Award "C"

Andersok
Posted November 13, 2021 - 7:13am

The "C" was also assigned to the ladies models. I'm not too sure it would have been assigned to the men's model when they all had much later letter variants.

I'm on the fence with "C", but good with Academy Award.

Kathy L.
Posted November 13, 2021 - 10:09am

I think the ad is a mistake, I have seen this with the "G" as well.  The price list and crystal catalog only indicate these variants were used for the ladies models.  I am good with Academy Award, no variant.  Nice find Bob!

1951 Bulova Academy Award

Kathy L.
Posted November 13, 2021 - 10:28am

We know the "Q" is yellow based on this watch having a string tag https://mybulova.com/watches/1950-academy-award-8302.  I'm not proposing we ID based on this but I am going to make an educated guess that this is the "II".  Based on the price list and crystal catalog.  Maybe one day we will find a 1950 price guide to confirm.

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neetstuf-4-u
Posted November 13, 2021 - 11:09am

Wow, good sleuthing Kathy. Based on the "Q, T, V, X & II", all  taking the same crystal (Q and II being a dead match CMX326-35F) and we have ID'ed all of them except the "II" is a pretty compelling process of elimination argument.

Well done! I'm not a big fan of ID based solely on crystal specs, but this in conjunction with the price list and confirmed ID on all other associated models is a pretty good argument.

JimDon5822
Posted November 13, 2021 - 9:08pm

1951 Bulova Academy Award unknown variant

mybulova_admin
Posted April 6, 2022 - 1:56am

So after reviewing the known models I believe this watch has a"V" case with a "Q" dial.

The style of case does match that of the "Q", however the "Q" was yellow gold. The only white gold version is the "V".

So we have a marriage of 2 AAs.

Geoff Baker
Posted April 6, 2022 - 9:46pm

I guess I rather favor leaving it ID'd as and Academy Award noting the possibilities stated above.