Bulova 1951 -Non-Conforming

Submitted by walthardy on
Manufacture Year
1951
Movement Model
10AKCSH
Movement Date Code
Circle
Movement Jewels
16
Case Serial No.
-
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
Ashford Custom
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

  "Ashford/Jordan"   Bulova Research and Development Laboratories (BRDL)  It has an "Ashford/Jordan" style case but it is made of solid 14k gold. It is a left-handed watch as the crown is on the left. The outside of the case is signed "BULOVA"  "14k". The movement, 10AK/CSH, is not the standard for the "Ashford". This is a very special and unique watch.  I challenge the faithful to help me discover her hidden secrets.  What I think I know: This is a former military watch for a former military man.  CASE: 1951 Ashford, 14K Solid Gold  Movement: 1944 10AK/CSH.  What is unique about this watch is that it uses the same 16J, sweep second hand, 10AK/CSH, Type A-11 , Spec. No. 94-27834, movement that was used in watches issued to the military.  Band: 1950 Academy Award T  Dial: Unk

Could this be the "Chairman's" watch?

walthardy 1951 Bulova 03 04 2015
1951 Bulova watch
1951 Bulova watch
1951 Bulova watch
1951 Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
1955mercury
Posted March 4, 2015 - 2:20pm

Making a watch left-handed is simple. You just put the dial on upside down. I've done it to a couple just to make good conversation pieces. You can't do that with the sub-second hand dials, but you can with the center seconds hand dials. The dial feet will line up perfectly.

mybulova_admin
Posted March 6, 2015 - 9:12pm

 

I agree with Merc's comments, as long as the dial feet where in the correct position all you would need to do on a center sweep model is rotate the dial 180 degrees.

Non-conforming for me too despite being a cool looking watch.

 

timerestoration
Posted March 9, 2015 - 12:14pm

It sounds easy in theory...

However, I do not know of any calibers which will accept its dial upside down. By design, the dial feet will not line up properly when turned 180 degrees. It is certainly the case with the 10AK in the subject watch.

It is possible that the dial feet were filed off, and the dial was attached with adhesive or dial dots.

walthardy
Posted March 5, 2015 - 1:44am

Thanks all for the insightful comments. I did in-fact purchase this beauty on eBay. Watches are my passion and being lefted handed myself, I was not about to let this beauty pass. This is my second Bulova, the first being left to me by my Dad, on his passing. On further discovery, I think I have determined that the expansion band is from a 1950 Academy Award T, further adding to the mystery. She will be serviced and worn on special occasions.

I confirm the case color is yellow gold and the movement designation symbol is a O.

Andersok
Posted March 5, 2015 - 7:00am

Thank you for confirming the information; how about the notch around the crown on the caseback?

walthardy
Posted March 6, 2015 - 1:28am

I apologize for the untimely reply. I have examined the case back, there is only one notch, it is to the right of "Bulova" "14K" when viewed from the back. For clarity, I have posted up a different picture 4, of the caseback, showing the side opposite of the stem. 

William Smith
Posted March 6, 2015 - 9:59pm

A beautiful Non-Conforming from me.  I'd still like to figure out the model name for just the solid gold Bulova case though.

walthardy
Posted March 9, 2015 - 7:52am

I am still looking for clues concerning this watch. Todays clue is "Dragon's Teeth". Dragon's Teeth are square-pyramidal fortifications of reinforced concrete first used in the Second World War to slow the movements of tanks, trucks, and mechanized infantry.

The same "Dragon's Teeth" are present of the face of this watch. Notice the square- pyramidal shapes between the numbers. I believe these shapes are intentionally placed on the face of this watch as a reminder of the war. If someone would, please place a picture of dragon's teeth (google) in their comments. (I didnt know how to do it on mine.) This watch was designed by someone who has seen combat particularly on the Siegfried Line, maybe a wartime commander

bobbee
Posted March 9, 2015 - 12:45pm

The 'square pyramid' hour dots have been seen on other dials, just not in this style case.

As to who designed it, who knows? I doubt it was Omar, he preferred Accutrons. ;-p

 

walthardy
Posted March 11, 2015 - 1:50am

Agreed. BRDL operated in the 1950s under the directions of Gen Omar Bradley on a wide-range of military projects and watch prototypes. So who knows.......... Btw is that a promotional photo?