Bulova 1947 American Clipper

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on
Manufacture Year
1947
Movement Model
10BC
Movement Date Code
46
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
7559057
Case shape
Round
Case color
Rose
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Based on previous ID's this is a 1947 American Clipper, base on case s/n. Pale rose gold case with a copper dial sporting a recessed sub-seconds dial obscuring the "6". No numbered seconds track around perimeter of the dial, like the sweep second model.

Currently running and keeping time.

Ad dated 1945, showing 17 jewels and sweep second hand.

1947 Bulova watch
1947 Bulova watch
1947 Bulova watch
1947 Bulova watch
Bulova Watch advert
neetstuf-4-u
Posted December 5, 2019 - 12:07pm
Here are some personal observations on this watch. At the time of posting, there were 7 of these in the Db. The single ad found so far is dated 1945 and shows a 17J movement with sweep second hand.

 
Counting subject watch, there are now 8 examples documented. Of the eight, 4 are dated 1945 and 1946 (2 each) and match the 1945 ad.
 
The other 4 have a 15J movement with seconds subdial. Of these four; 3 are dated 1946 and this one is dated 1947 with a 1946 movement.
 
My first thought was  that after one year, the watch received a downgraded movement, eliminating 2 jewels and the complication of the sweep second. Perhaps the price was too high or the sweep second didn't fly with consumers?
 
Then after a little more legwork, I realized Lisa has one listed on her site that is; like subject watch, dated 1947 with a '46  movement that is a 17J movement and sweep second..... Another mystery to contemplate.....
Geoff Baker
Posted December 5, 2019 - 9:22pm

....if we only knew.......

1947 American Clipper

Kathy L.
Posted December 6, 2019 - 11:27am

I really love the dial on this one, nice find!

1947 American Clipper

neetstuf-4-u
Posted December 6, 2019 - 8:39pm

Thanks, Kathy. I've been hunting for one of these for a while.

glpflorida
Posted January 25, 2026 - 12:41pm

I just bought a 1945 American Clipper on Ebay.  I can't believe this was marketed as a MAN's watch -- it's so tiny -- 22.2 mm case -- would definitely be considered a woman's watch in today's world.   I noticed that the '46 and 47 models have a sub-second hand.  Are they bigger?  A sub-second hand on a 22.2 mm watch would be VERY DIFFICULT to see.

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