Bulova 1948 Commander

Submitted by Andersok on
Manufacture Year
1948
Movement Model
10BCC
Movement Date Code
48 (A8)
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
-
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

1948 Bulova Commander

This one may be difficult to identify with certainty since we have several similar called Watertite and Seabee. However, this one is like new with a tag labeled Commander 183. Reference 183 is also used with the Watertite model, per pricelists. I picked this up several years ago with some other NOS watches. The case is a top loading type, inside stamped Swiss 48, but no case serial number, like we see in similar cases from this era. Dial is a full numeral lume with outer track and red seconds hand; Swiss movement is dated 48; original Bulova signed leather strap.

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mybulova_admin
Posted January 24, 2022 - 8:01pm

Incredible condition.

I did find a 1948 newspaper reference to the Bulova Commander that states the following and is a match for the subject watch.

$49.50 17 Jewel Bulova Commander Shock water proof repellent, sweep second-hand watch.

As Ken indicated above, from the 1953 Bulova Price Guide.

  • 183 Watertite  $49.50
  • 183 Watertite "B" $49.50
Geoff Baker
Posted January 24, 2022 - 9:41pm

I love it Ken - amazing find. Anything NOS from this era is remarkable! 1948 Bulova Commander

plainsmen
Posted January 25, 2022 - 1:20am

Or the Seabee?

Kathy L.
Posted January 25, 2022 - 10:31am

Wow, what a great watch and amazing find!  The string tag works for me!!

1948 Bulova Commander

mybulova_admin
Posted January 25, 2022 - 7:11pm

Agree., We could probably debate back and forth what other models it may be, but here we have the original hang tag, so I think it's fair to say that should trump us discussing what else it could be.

I acknowledge that the hang tag may not be original to the watch, but nothing here suggests that.

1948 Bulova Commander

Andersok
Posted January 25, 2022 - 7:53pm

Thanks all!