Bulova 1951 Thayer

Submitted by Stinky_Sullivan on September 15, 2023 - 12:13pm
Manufacture Year
1951
Movement Model
10BRC
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
3877539
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

1951 Bulova Duo Wind “F” or Thayer
Stainless Steel case back
L1 date code
SN 3877539

17 jewel 10BRC movement
L1 date code

This is one of the most frustrating identifications. This is either the Duo Wind “F” or the Thayer. I can find no difference between them. Which ever one you think it is, please explain why it’s not the other.

Both the Thayer and Duo Wind “F” ads are included in the pictures for your convenience.

1951 Bulova Duo Wind or Thayer dial
1951 Bulova Duo Wind or Thayer case back
1951 Bulova Duo Wind or Thayer movement
1951 Bulova Duo Wind ad
1951 Bulova Thayer ad
mybulova_admin
Posted September 16, 2023 - 6:35am

I've always looked at it this way. Duo Wind came first, then Selfwinding and then Automatic. Do others see it this way?

Based on 'SELFWINDING' being on the dial of the subject watch I'm leaning towards a Bulova Thayer.

Stinky_Sullivan
Posted September 16, 2023 - 8:15am

I know our info on Bulova isn’t complete but the last Duo Wind ad we have is from ‘52 and the first Thayer ad is also from ‘52. So I’m good with saying it was a name transition.

If what it says on the dial is the distinguishing factor, then there are 3 Duo Wind and 2 Duo Wind “F” member watches that need to be changed to Thayer.

JimDon5822
Posted September 17, 2023 - 8:39pm

I am showing the earliest ad for Thayer in May of 1952.  Being this is a 1951 watch but missing Duo Wind on the dial this might be a transition period watch.  By year I think Duo Wind F but by dial configuration Thayer.   I will lean toward Thayer with Self Wind on the dial.  

Geoff Baker
Posted September 18, 2023 - 9:12pm

1951 Bulova Thayer is a good ID.