Bulova 1937 -Unknown

Submitted by poor_mans_tahiti on
Manufacture Year
1937
Movement Model
7AM
Movement Date Code
Arrow
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
None found
Case Serial No.
7145351
Case shape
CornerCut
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
13.5 x 13.5mm
Watch Description

This watch appears to be a 1937 model based on the "arrow" symbol on the movement. There are no other date codes on the movement or case. The 10K Rolled Gold Plate/Gold Filled watch case has a corner cut shape (square with cut corners (CornerCut shape). Case back has the serial number 7145351 and is marked B-10K ROLLED GOLD PLATE. The watch has gold pencil hands and the dial has alternating gold arabic numerals and stick indices. The 17 jewel movement grade/caliber appears to be 7AM (inside a rectangle). I looked through the 1930s watches here but could not find a match.  The Case measures 18.7mm wide not including crown. The lug width is 9.5mm and the lug to lug measurement is 24.8mm. 

Front
Dial
Movement
Case Back
Inside Case Back
Kathy L.
Posted November 8, 2024 - 2:34pm

It looks like a Nightingale missing the seconds hand.  

1937 Bulova Nightingale

poor_mans_tahiti
Posted November 8, 2024 - 5:08pm

In reply to by Kathy L.

It does appear to match the Nightingale in that ad photo. The only puzzling thing is that it appears the Nightingale is marketed as a nurse's watch and the seconds hand would be necessary for this purpose. As you mentioned, it appears to be missing the seconds hand, but on close inspection I don't see any means of attachement for a seconds hand on the post where the other hands are mounted. I'm not an expert on this but just curious. Interestingly, it seems like the Nightingale didn't have much design continuity over the years.

Kathy L.
Posted November 9, 2024 - 12:26pm

In reply to by poor_mans_tahiti

Ok yes that is interesting.  I do not have the watchmaking experience of some of the guys so maybe they can say if this could have been a repair or if it is not possible.  I will go with Unknown at this point with that info.

JimDon5822
Posted November 8, 2024 - 9:04pm

Definitely matches a Nightingale case.  I also do not see a center second pinion to attach the second hand.  The dial and case look to match so I don't think it is a frankenwatch.  That being said the dial of the Adele which has a similar case but different lugs is a match to this watch.     I could not find a match to case and dial.  Unknown. 

1955mercury
Posted November 9, 2024 - 2:04pm

The 7AM movement is not designed for a seconds hand. The 7AMC movement is the one that has a center seconds hand. Like this one.

 

 

1955mercury
Posted November 10, 2024 - 6:49am

In reply to by Kathy L.

I've seen the photos of your watch's movements Kathy. I can't explain why they are stamped as 7AM. The "C" in a movement model means it has a center seconds hand. The center wheel and pinion for a movement with a seconds hand is Bulova part #3 and Bulova didn't make a part #3 for the 7AM movement. The gear train bridge for a 7AM is not machined to accept the extra parts needed for a center seconds wheel. The sweep seconds intermediary wheel for a sweep seconds hand is part #91 and Bulova didn't make that part for a 7AM movement. The sweep seconds pinion is part #92. That part is not made for a 7AM movement either. I don't have an explantion for why the movements in your watches are stamped 7AM. 

Kathy L.
Posted November 10, 2024 - 9:43am

In reply to by 1955mercury

It is a very strange thing.  Thanks for part details that is very interesting and makes it even more interesting.

Geoff Baker
Posted November 9, 2024 - 8:32pm

I can go either way Unknown or Nightingale, leaning more toward Unknown as well.