Bulova 1953 Academy Award

Submitted by Kathy L. on October 23, 2019 - 1:08pm
NN
Manufacture Year
1953
Movement Model
6BC
Movement Jewels
21
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
5462962
Case shape
Tonneau
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
Tonneau
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

I picked this one up for the transitional AA case.  Not sure if Bulova was lazy on this one or someone took it apart and didn't put it back together correctly.  This would appear to be the original case and booklet by the information inside.  

The case is date stamped L3 and the movement L2.  It was purchased in June, 1953 and has the model #6131 in the booklet.  

1953 Bulova watch
1953 Bulova watch
1953 Bulova watch
1953 Bulova watch
1953 Bulova watch
Bulova Watch advert
Kathy L.
Posted October 23, 2019 - 1:21pm

Geoff Baker
Posted October 23, 2019 - 9:47pm

Kathy, I have NEVER seen this case....ever. I'm fascinated that it seems paired with a 1953 "DON"T CALL IT AN ACADEMY AWARD" watch. We have named 1953 watches as Academy Award, here's an example. I submit this as a 1953 Academy Award. Please add this case to our case thread as well?

1953 Bulova Academy Award

Kathy L.
Posted October 24, 2019 - 12:02pm

In reply to by Geoff Baker

Yes I found it super interesting as well and grabbed it for $20.  I think you are right.  They didn't want anything to scream AA but they are still in the 1954 accumulated price lists as AA.  The watch is the "NN" case and dial.  I can drop a closer photo of the watch in the comments.  I wanted to highlight the interested case in the post.  

neetstuf-4-u
Posted October 27, 2019 - 4:38pm

1953 Academy Award it is.  "NN" works for me. Nice snag Kathy!

Geoff, I have one of these clamshells as well. I'm under the impression (don't remember why) that this was the transition case for the earliest AA models and produced (for AA models) prior to rights being approved to use the Oscar image and AA handle.. Goddess instead of Oscar and non-AA text on inside of lid with the curtain design inside and out. I have only seen 2 of these, mine and this one.

There is now the possibility this is the last of the AA boxes, modified after the AA rights were rescinded? A new mystery.....After mulling it over, I have to believe this is a correct box for a 1953 "Don't call it Academy Award". It makes the most sense of the 2 scenarios.

But then again, maybe they were used early and late in the AA line.....I'm getting an OCD headache.

Geoff Baker
Posted October 27, 2019 - 10:10pm

I would submit that this was first an Academy Award case and once the contract with the Academy ended (it was not as a result of a lawsuit) it was repurposed for continued use, but let's talk about the watch......

1953 Bulova Academy Award NN

Kathy L.
Posted April 11, 2022 - 11:20am

Now that we have the January 1953 price guide I am inclined to question if this is a Martha Washington "C".  Purchase date per the booklet was June 1953, model #6131.  

price guide

Geoff Baker
Posted April 11, 2022 - 9:21pm

I might be convinced but the first question I have is whether or not the serial number of the watch presented is written in the guarantee booklet. If not it's possible the booklet was added later?

Kathy L.
Posted April 11, 2022 - 9:37pm

In reply to by Geoff Baker

Yes this one is really on the boarder and could have been sold as either I think. The serial number was not in the booklet, just the model #, date of sale and a service date and jeweler.

Geoff Baker
Posted April 12, 2022 - 9:18pm

Case is possible Academy Award, the guarantee booklet could have been added later to enhance the value BUT it's dated 1953. I'm going with you Kathy, 1953 Bulova Martha Washigton C