Bulova 1934 -Non-Conforming

Submitted by Murray Bollen on
Manufacture Year
1934
Movement Model
10AN
Movement Date Code
Circle
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
10AN
Case Serial No.
7166027
Case shape
Stepped
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

GF stepped case, curved with filigree engraving down both sides, plain on bull horns.  Silver face with gold numerals on 12,2,4,8,10. Non-standard Crown.  Sub second at 6, was originally believed to be square border and centre circle.  Movement 15 Jewels with 10AN noted, with "O"  or "0" designation.  Case 10k GF with serial 7166027.  This has done my head in with the number of engraved stepped case units from this era, however I'm sure there are experts out there who will ease my stress and anxiety over ID'ing this little gem TIA 

UnkFront 19Nov25
Unk -side_19Nov2025
10ANMovt_19Nov2025
Case_19Nov2025
Case_Serial_19Nov2025
mybulova_admin
Posted November 19, 2025 - 5:23am

Case serial number indicates 1937 which is correct, but the 10AN movement dates to 1934, so more than likely not original to the watch. The watch would have probably housed a 10AE movement.

1937 Bulova American Clipper "E"

neetstuf-4-u
Posted November 19, 2025 - 7:39am

Interesting watch and a real ID challenge. Case date is 1937, movement is 1934. The engraving on lugs comes to a point, which seems to indicate case is for the Ben Hur model, like THIS ONE. American Clipper engraving went to lug ends fully. like THIS ONE. Hands match Ben Hur as AC used stick hands.

Dial does appear to be American Clipper. Interestingly, AC was 17J and Ben Hur was 21J. I think what we are looking at is likely a "marriage of convenience". 

Based solely on the case, I would at this point call as

1937 Ben Hur

 noting possible dial and movement swap.

Murray Bollen
Posted November 20, 2025 - 7:09pm

In reply to by neetstuf-4-u

Do I see what ostensibly appears to be a 3rd step in the case on the Ben Hur which the American Clipper doesn't appear to have?

This one did my head in. Perhaps it should be reclassified as "Frankenstein" or "Heinz 57" 

JimDon5822
Posted November 19, 2025 - 5:36pm

I tend to agree with the Ben Hur model with a possible swapped movement and/or dial.   I don't recall seeing one with an even hour marker dial but it is possible knowing Bulova.    I can send you the missing ratchet wheel if you PM me your address.  No charge.  It looks complete otherwise.  

Geoff Baker
Posted November 19, 2025 - 8:58pm

1937 Bulova Ben Hur is a better match, the engraving on the AC goes to the end of the lugs. Agree that the movement (and dial) is replaced.

mybulova_admin
Posted November 20, 2025 - 9:02pm

Point taken about the case lugs and engraving. 

Based on the mismatch of parts, I suggest we ID as non-conforming, acknowledging the comments already made about the watches various components.

GuyMontag
Posted November 20, 2025 - 10:10pm

Just in case you were not aware, it is missing the ratchet wheel and click.