Bulova 1937 -Non-Conforming

Submitted by Philip W on
Manufacture Year
1937
Movement Model
7AP
Movement Jewels
21
Case Serial No.
7712171
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Case appears to be a 1937 Ambassador; the 21 jewel 7AP movement would seem to confirm this.   However, it looks like it has acquired the dial from either a 1940s Minute Man or American Eagle.   Either way, it’s in beautiful condition. 

Front
Caseback with serial number
Inside caseback
Movement
mybulova_admin
Posted August 20, 2026 - 4:27am

Possible movement swap if the case is 1937 and the movement is 1939.

The front bezel and back case are the original set.

Case looks to be a match to the Minute Man, but they had 17 jewel movements, so can't be that.

1937 Bulova Minute Man watches

mybulova_admin
Posted August 20, 2026 - 4:30am

Minute Man "E" does have engraved side according to this advert.

1938 Bulova watch advert with Minute Man "E"

And another good advert showing a Minute Man with engraved side.

1939 Bulova watch advert

Philip W
Posted August 20, 2026 - 9:48am

If it helps, lug to lug is 42mm, width (without crown) is 41mm, lug width is 14mm. 

Philip W
Posted August 21, 2026 - 7:58am

Seems that the Minute Man with that dial had a smooth case and S/S caseback. The ads above with the MM engraved case have an Arabic dial. 

Makes me think that mine is an Ambassador (also the ref numbers) with the MM dial. 

Philip W
Posted August 21, 2026 - 10:02am

1940 ad shows Minute Man with the Roman dial and smooth case, 17 jewels. Mine is 21

Philip W
Posted August 21, 2026 - 10:04am

1940 ad shows Minute Man with Roman dial, smooth case, and 17 jewels. Mine is 21 jewels.