NOS (New Old Stock )1954 Bulova model 38179-Y. I think it's the missing link! If this watch watch was 1949 it would be an Excellency. If it was 1950 or '51 it would be an Academy Award. But here it is - WITH THE HANG TAG - and no name on it, just the model number 38179-Y (Yellow). Watch is presented in it's original clam shell transitional AA display case, with it's original band and raised quad crystal. Original Bulova guarantee booklet and polishing cloth complete this amazing package. Why didn't our friends on 5th Ave give this beauty a name - What can the mystery be?? What will we name this watch?
Added 6/18/2013
Photos Updated 4/9/2022
The latest Database ad to show this Watch occurs in 1951 naming it the 'ACADEMY AWARD' "ZZ" http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/vintage_ads/bulova-ad-1951-4.jpg
We have an example dated 1953 also belonging to Mr Baker here http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1953-academy-award-zz-1756
but, then there's that lawsuit agreement dated 1952 thing.
In checking a 1950 price list I don't see the Model number listed, what I do see are Model numbers followed by a Model Name.
At this time it is 'UNKNOWN' what Bulova named this Model in 1953 and 1954
found this academy award with interesting link
http://www.mybulova.com/node/2172
http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/233/449/103916/
The case was found in favour of bulova on may 15th 1956.
another interesting read, with links to the AMPAS case but you all probably read it before.
http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1953-academy-award-zz-1669
that looks just like mr bakers watch and one of your members who used to be a lawyer says it did not mean bulova had to stop advertising the watches just in a certain way.
ad from the link above dates to july 1953
even has the AAMPAS copyright to show they are complying with the lawsuit stipulation.
In reply to Another piece of the puzzle by FifthAvenueRes…
[quote=FifthAvenueRestorations]
Another piece of the puzzle confirming there will be no 'ACADEMY AWARD' Series Watches post 1952 ala Lawsuit agreement dated the same.
[/quote
What an absolute fairy story.
All proof shown by other members that include links to the actual court findings shows that Bulova was merely stopped from advertising in a certain way, and examples of AA's that have case and movement dates for 1953 all point to the absolute truth that Bulova were selling AA watches well into the late 1950's.
How you can mention the lawsuit without showing the parts that prove your statement show you never even looked at it.
Here is the court stipulation that meant Bulova just had to stop using the names "Oscar", Academy Award" and images of the figurine without showing that it was with the AMPAS's permission!
Here is a July 1953 advert that uses the legend "(C) A.M.P.A.S." to keep in line with that stipulation.
Best to keep to facts, eh?