Bulova 1943 -Non-Conforming

Submitted by WMVI on
Manufacture Year
1943
Movement Model
10BA
Movement Date Code
X
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
4127219
Case shape
Tonneau
Case color
Rose
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
Curved acrylic
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I'm having trouble identifying this watch. Looks like a lieutenant or Ranger but the dial/hands are different. Appears to be original bracelet. Rose gold over sterling case with stainless steel back. Rose gold filled bracelet. Dial is also Rose gold toned. The only mark I can find is an X which probably indicates 1943 unless I'm mistaken.

Front
Another angle
Caseback
Movement
mybulova_admin
Posted November 2, 2023 - 7:10pm

Both Ranger and Lieutenant models had 15 jewelled movements. Your's has 17. The dial and hands are not typical to either model, so suggest a movement/dial/hands replacement.

I'm still reviewing the reference material we have available to see if I can find a variation or model match.

mybulova_admin
Posted November 2, 2023 - 9:00pm

The dial and hands are a match for this Bulova Cadet. Stilll searching.

The Bruce also uses this dial/hand combination.

1948 Bulova Cadet

plainsmen
Posted November 3, 2023 - 4:27pm

Yeah at first glance I thought Cadet as well.

JimDon5822
Posted November 3, 2023 - 8:54pm

I believe the Cambridge was the 17J version but with an engraved case and traditional dial.   I am not sure if this is a full factory model or a replaced dial and movement so I willl defer to Unknown for now. 

WMVI
Posted November 3, 2023 - 9:01pm

Thank you so much for all your research! As a watchmaker myself it certainly didn't "feel" like a redial but obviously it's hard to say for sure as of now. I really appreciate all of your efforts!

neetstuf-4-u
Posted November 3, 2023 - 9:22pm

Case appears to be a match to Cadet "B" (Rose gold w/no engraving). The only dial match I find for rose gold dial  is the Bruce "B" that is unengraved.. Ad dates to 1944.

44brucead

My first thought was a transplanted 1943 Bruce "B" dial and movement into a 1944 (by s/n) Cadet "B" casing. Only issue with this is the movement is 17J .

The alternating number/dot dial seems to present itself beginning in the engraved 1947 yellow gold Cadet "D". Still looking. This style casing was used in multiple models in the same time frame and they can be pretty confusing. 

Geoff Baker
Posted November 4, 2023 - 9:20pm

I've been back t tis fellow a couple times and can't justify a proper model name. For now I'm going with Non-conforming (movement/dial swap)

Kathy L.
Posted November 5, 2023 - 9:51am

I am at Non-Conforming as well as it seems to be a replacement dial/movement and the case has several models it could go with.

mybulova_admin
Posted November 7, 2023 - 8:12pm

Panel, final thoughts, unknown or non-conforming?