Bulova 1943 -Non-Conforming

Submitted by nicoleehawley on
Manufacture Year
1943
Movement Model
6BC
Movement Date Code
L1
Movement Jewels
21
Case Serial No.
D428710
Case shape
Cushion
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

Found at a vintage store for $9. The band is not Bulova, I ordered it after I found the watch. Watch came with a cord band. Well worn but I think this watch is from around the 1940s. I haven't been able to find the exact model online, so I'm hoping you can help!

Front face
back case
gears
back case
back case
front face
nicoleehawley
Posted October 4, 2024 - 4:04pm

Please comment if you find any more info on this watch! 

Kathy L.
Posted October 4, 2024 - 4:14pm

Hi nicoleehawley, welcome to myBulova!  I believe you have a watch that is a mix of parts.  The reason I believe that is the case looks like an Academy Award "NN" which would have sold primarily between 1950-1952.  Your movement is a 1951. Like this one https://www.mybulova.com/watches/1951-academy-award-nn-9714   I have not seen this case in the 1940s.  So that leads me to think the back has been replaced with this 1943 caseback.  

So that would put yours as an Unknown or a Non-conforming.  I do not think we can ID as Academy Award because they did not come out until 1950 and after 1953 they were Martha Washington.  I am leaning toward Non-conforming do to the wide range between the movement date and case date.

nicoleehawley
Posted October 4, 2024 - 4:21pm

In reply to by Kathy L.

Thank you! This help a lot. Any idea if it’s worth anything? Not looking to sell because I love it! Just curious 

mybulova_admin
Posted October 6, 2024 - 4:05am

In reply to by nicoleehawley

Unfortunately as per the sites terms of use we do not provide evaluations on watches as there are simply too many factors to consider.

Kathy, do think it's at all possible the case is correct at 1943, but the movement is incorrect, or are you thinking this case was only seen in 1950-52 and as such can't have the correct Dxxxxxx (43) serial case back?

Kathy L.
Posted October 6, 2024 - 10:42am

In reply to by mybulova_admin

I have never seen this case in the 40's, only starting in 1950 as Academy Award.  Although occasionally the AA will have a 49 caseback or movement for release in 50.  So yes as such I believe this isn't the correct case back, especially with it having the correct 51 movement.

mybulova_admin
Posted October 7, 2024 - 6:10am

Kathy, I'm noting that the dial is also different from the AA "NN" examples we have. The AA "NN" have a stainless steel back, so if this case is from a AA "NN" then it has certainly been replaced with a similar fitting back from an earlier watch.

I'm on the fence in saying it might be a model that used this design in 1943, or as Kathy says it's a mix of parts and as such a non-conforming watch that we would'nt be able to ID correctly. 

Kathy L.
Posted October 7, 2024 - 10:35am

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Yes nice catch on the dial.  It looks like the AA "HH" dial to me.  Definitely a mix of parts IMO.

JimDon5822
Posted October 7, 2024 - 12:19pm

Non conforming seems to be right but nicely assembled.  

nicoleehawley
Posted October 7, 2024 - 1:39pm

thank you all for the insight! I saw it at a vintage shop and fell in love with it. I bought it for $9 !

 

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