Bulova 1935 -Unknown

Submitted by savich13 on
Manufacture Year
1935
Case Serial No.
Unknown
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Rose
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

No markings on back or when back is open according to jeweler. Watch is being repaired now so only one photo available.   The selected year is a guess since it’s unknown and it’s a mandatory field 

Front
savich13
Posted May 18, 2026 - 6:15pm

Only one photo available since its at jewelry repair shop. Jeweler’s guess for model year is between 1930 & 1940. 

Kathy L.
Posted May 18, 2026 - 6:44pm

Hi savich13,  Welcome to myBulova and thanks for sharing your watch with us!  It is a beauty.  With no Bulova markings on the case inside or out this is what we classify as a Non-Conforming watch.  It is part Bulova and part non-Bulova.  

Non-Conforming

mybulova_admin
Posted May 19, 2026 - 6:28am

I'd like to see more photos when you get the chance to add them, before deciding if it is indeed non-conforming which we suspect that it is.

savich13
Posted May 27, 2026 - 6:26pm

It’s being repaired now so I’m not in possession of the watch. I’m waiting on jeweler for feedback on any markings. 

JimDon5822
Posted May 19, 2026 - 9:08pm

The first time I saw this watch I thought I had seen it before.   Found this ad in a 1945 Montgomery Ward catalog so I do believe it to be a factory model.    We have one like this already in the database as a Commentator.https://mybulova.com/watches/1942-commentator-8804

Unknown

 

mybulova_admin
Posted May 21, 2026 - 6:03am

Well that's nailed it, just looks like we need to update the year. There should be some date information on the case. A clear photo posted here would confirm.

194? Bulova Commentator looks to be the direction we are heading if we can confirm the 21J movement and case date.

A solid gold case would also explain the lack of obvious back case stamping.

1942 Bulova Commentator

neetstuf-4-u
Posted May 21, 2026 - 7:08pm

Commentator is a distinct possibility. Movement jewel number and date code from either the case or movement will need to be confirmed.

Kathy L.
Posted May 23, 2026 - 1:49pm

I am good with Commentator with confirmation of branding on the case.  Otherwise my vote remains Non-Conforming.

savich13
Posted May 27, 2026 - 6:32pm

What’s “non-conforming“ mean? Non-conforming to what?  
It’s being repaired now, initial opening of case did not reveal any markings or identification. Jeweler will disassemble watch and look for any identification markings.  I’ll provide update once I receive more information. 

mybulova_admin
Posted May 28, 2026 - 7:40am

Non-conforming is what we use when IDing a watch that either contains non-original parts like the movement, dial or case OR contains Bulova parts that don't correctly align with the model. In other words, we would never be able to accurately give the watch an ID, as Bulova never produced it as presented. Also, if the date of the parts used are years apart.

If the case on your watch is not stamped anywhere with BULOVA, chances are it's either an aftermarket case or a case from another manufacture that Bulova did not use.

At first glance it looks your watch might be all correct, but in order for it to be so, the case should have some stamping tying it back to either Bulova or one of the case companies they used.

It being a solid gold case could suggest it was made by another company for Bulova. It should still be stamped in some way.

I'm leaning towards it being a Bulova Commentator, year to be confirmed.