Bulova 1938 Knickerbocker

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on
Manufacture Year
1938
Movement Model
6AE
Movement Date Code
Arrow
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
8006497
Case shape
Tonneau
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Not quite sure on this one. Great case details on a cool chain band that looks to be correct period. It's a perfect fit on my wrist. Light high point wear on band, watch case is really crisp and near perfect. Recessed crown with center groove pronounced. Watch came to me running and clean as seen. Presented at auction as a "large face ladies watch"....Nobody paid attention :o)

I find only one like it in the database that we declared as an engraved version of Kirkwood in 2020.. That one is 2 years earlier and has a different dial. Dial on subject watch is a perfect fit to case opening viewed straight on.

1938 Kirkwood?

KIRK1
KIRK2
KIRK3
KIRK4
KIRK5
KIRK6
mybulova_admin
Posted April 19, 2025 - 6:04am

Seeing a difference in side lugs. Kirkwood example has holes in the lugs. Compare this to our watch which does not have springbar holes that run all the way through the lugs.

Bulova 1936 Kirkwood

Engraved version of a 1938 Bulova 'Knickerbocker' ??

1937-38 Bulova Knickerbocker

neetstuf-4-u
Posted April 19, 2025 - 12:14pm

Knickerbocker is certainly a possibility, good ad find, Stephen! Case shape and dial configuration look to be a better match than Kirkwood.

The lug through holes are a clue, but the dial seems to be the deciding factor. I will agree

1938 Knickerbocker

and if  so, a first for the database.

JimDon5822
Posted April 20, 2025 - 8:18pm

The ad looks to be a match excp the engraving.  I think an engraved version of the Knickerbocker makes sense to me.   

plainsmen
Posted April 22, 2025 - 8:10am

I think engraved  Knickerbocker.  We have so many examples of the late 30's showing a pile of these models being presented in both engraved/smooth bezels.