Bulova 1939 -Unknown

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on
Manufacture Year
1939
Movement Model
8AE
Movement Date Code
Shield
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
9436814
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Here is a curious one that seems out of place in the style timeline. Short rectangular curved case with a yellow gold back. Movement and case both dated 1939, but the watch looks like it should be mid to late 1940's (President-like). Lugs look like they should swivel, but are fixed. Case and band show VERY  minimal wear, but dial looks like someone overcleaned it. No matter, it's cool, keeps time and looks good on the wrist - as received. I find one other example of this watch here. That one is a 1940 with a stainless back and currently listed as Unknown.

39curious1
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neetstuf-4-u
Posted April 1, 2023 - 8:44am

Here is a photo of the underside of the case ends. I've  never seen anything like this. The "roll" on top side is a thin piece that extends past case body and is attached to blocks underneath with the lugs attached to the sides as well as case body. Judging by side and top photos of the other example, they are the same. If the "blocks" underneath the hood were the original lug attachments, the hood would cover the lugs.I can't see any signs of this being a jeweler mod and believe it's factory, as everything is smooth, well finished and gold plated. Odd, I wonder if this was an experimental model that was never produced in large numbers?

wierd case end 1939

I have reached out to Denupnorth (owner of the other example) to see if he is able to offer any insight.

denupnorth
Posted April 2, 2023 - 4:19am

Hi,I am in the process of moving and everything is still boxed up.I do not have an internet connection yet(at workSHHH!!)As soon as I find it;I assume I still have it because I have never sold any of my watches I will check and get back to you.Could be a few days though.

Kathy L.
Posted April 1, 2023 - 12:31pm

Very interesting but agree with Unknown

Geoff Baker
Posted April 3, 2023 - 8:26pm

1939 Bulova Unknown

JimDon5822
Posted April 3, 2023 - 9:12pm

I could not find anything on this one.   Unknown for me.

denupnorth
Posted April 5, 2023 - 4:16pm

Hey Bob,I put it in the mail on monday the 3rd.Might take a while to get to you though.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted April 14, 2023 - 3:42pm

Arrived today, thanks Denis! Watch is identical to subject watch with the exception of case back being stainless (1940) instead of yellow gold plated (1939). Same peculiar lug attachment. If this is a modification, it was done at / by Bulova

denis1

1940                                                                      1939

denis bob

denupnorth
Posted April 15, 2023 - 11:56am

I told you it was in pretty rough shape.I wonder if they changed the name(whatever it was )when they went to the stainless steel back.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted April 15, 2023 - 12:15pm

It's not that bad; dirty dial, lots of plating wear and it just runs "a little fast".....( hands spin like a windmill when wound)  :o). Even so, it is an important step in identifying a name.I suspect this one was like the Corrigan. 1939 gold back - 1940 stainless back - same name. After having it in hand, it's obvious the unusual casing is factory and identical to mine..

catangen
Posted March 25, 2025 - 11:49pm

I believe i haev a nice NOS dial for that watch !in fact i think i have 2.