Bulova 1943 Bombardier

Submitted by Stinky_Sullivan on
Manufacture Year
1943
Movement Model
10BA
Movement Date Code
T
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
3034877
Case shape
Tonneau
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

yellow gold terraced case

10k rolled gold plate bezel

stainless case back

SN 3034877

17j 10BA movement with a T (1942) date code

This is a 1943 case with a 1942 movement.

This is one of two models. It’s either the Bombardier as shown in the 1946 ad or it’s the Attorney that’s added to the 1942 Brewster ad and speculated to be an error. I found nothing proving the Bombardier was made before 1946. Both the Attorney and the Bombardier have 10k yellow rolled gold plate case and a stainless back. The Attorney ad specifies 17j while the Bombardier ad does not specify. While this definitely has a silvered dial and raised gilt numerals as described in the Bombardier ad, the Attorney description doesn’t include the dial. But it could be assumed the dial is the same as the Brewster in the adjoining ad which is described as a yellow dial with black hands and numerals.

Was the Bombardier made in 1943?

Is the dial of the yellow gold Attorney the same as the Brewster?

1943 Bulova terraced case dial
1943 Bulova terraced case case back
1943 Bulova terraced case case back 2
1943 Bulova terraced case movement
mybulova_admin
Posted November 8, 2023 - 6:27am

Can you provide a link or include the Bombardier advert.

mybulova_admin
Posted November 8, 2023 - 5:40pm

I'm liking the Bombardier model for a near perfect case match.I think we can rule out the Attorney as the case is too different and the Brewster is always listed a rose /red gold. Looks like we may need to revisit a few Brewster IDs.

Stinky_Sullivan
Posted November 8, 2023 - 5:46pm

There is one instance where the Attorney is not listed as rose or red gold. Look at this 1942 Brewster ad

https://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/vintage_ads/bulova-ad-1942…

and you’ll see the description for an Attorney that is 10k yellow rolled gold plate. Assuming that Attorney has the same style case as the Brewster it’s listed under, it’s the same style case as this watch. But the Attorney description doesn’t say anything about the dial.

JimDon5822
Posted November 8, 2023 - 9:20pm

I think the match to the ad is good.   1943 Bulova Bombardier.   I did a quick Newspapers search and found Bombardier ads were first listed in 1944 which is close enough.   Love the engraving.

plainsmen
Posted November 9, 2023 - 1:54am

I think the Bombardier wasn't released.  The only ad we have I belive shows that.

mybulova_admin
Posted November 9, 2023 - 2:40am

Ok I'm convinced. Here's a 1944 advert for the Bulova Bombardier that looks to be a match (description wise) for the advert we have on site and referenced above.

The top advert below is dated November 2 1944. Note: "expansion bracelet/band with a leather center section" is a match.

My vote is to ID this and the other yellow Brewsters as a 1943 Bulova Bombardier.

1944 Bulova Bombardier

Geoff Baker
Posted November 9, 2023 - 9:18pm

1943 Bulova Bombardier

banker29
Posted November 24, 2023 - 4:08pm

I like the inscription on the case back.