I picked this one up for the transitional AA case. Not sure if Bulova was lazy on this one or someone took it apart and didn't put it back together correctly. This would appear to be the original case and booklet by the information inside.
The case is date stamped L3 and the movement L2. It was purchased in June, 1953 and has the model #6131 in the booklet.
Kathy, I have NEVER seen this case....ever. I'm fascinated that it seems paired with a 1953 "DON"T CALL IT AN ACADEMY AWARD" watch. We have named 1953 watches as Academy Award, here's an example. I submit this as a 1953 Academy Award. Please add this case to our case thread as well?
1953 Bulova Academy Award
In reply to Kathy, I have NEVER seen this by Geoff Baker
Yes I found it super interesting as well and grabbed it for $20. I think you are right. They didn't want anything to scream AA but they are still in the 1954 accumulated price lists as AA. The watch is the "NN" case and dial. I can drop a closer photo of the watch in the comments. I wanted to highlight the interested case in the post.
1953 Academy Award it is. "NN" works for me. Nice snag Kathy!
Geoff, I have one of these clamshells as well. I'm under the impression (don't remember why) that this was the transition case for the earliest AA models and produced (for AA models) prior to rights being approved to use the Oscar image and AA handle.. Goddess instead of Oscar and non-AA text on inside of lid with the curtain design inside and out. I have only seen 2 of these, mine and this one.
There is now the possibility this is the last of the AA boxes, modified after the AA rights were rescinded? A new mystery.....After mulling it over, I have to believe this is a correct box for a 1953 "Don't call it Academy Award". It makes the most sense of the 2 scenarios.
But then again, maybe they were used early and late in the AA line.....I'm getting an OCD headache.
In reply to I might be convinced but the… by Geoff Baker