Here is an interesting one. Dated inside and out as 1953 with a smooth crystal.. If it was dated 1952 with said crystal, it would be a Sky King. Dated 1953 with a beveled crystal, it is a Pelham. I have to believe this is a cross-over and a
1953 Sky King
For reference, discussions here
Based on consensus, I am comfortable with either ID as both appear to be pretty uncommon, but as previously determined, crystal appears to be the deciding factor.
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We do not have good linebook info on the early 1950's era so we cannot be sure of exact years. I thought the best thing is to check is the 1953 and 1954 price sheets we have on the catalog page. In the 1953 Price Sheet it has Pelham but no Sky King. In the 1954 price book it has no Pelham but Sky King. It should be noted they both have the same model number #31733 which is conclusive in my opinion. Therefore, I believe all 1952-1953 models should be called Bulova Pelham and 1954 is Sky King regardless of crystal type.
Bob - which line book did you snip that from?
In reply to Bob - which line book did… by Geoff Baker
Linebook 1955-1957, first one we have access to - shows it as Sky King with flat crystal. Pelham is in Linebook (don't remember which ) with beveled crystal. Jim snipped that one as seen in linked example - same stock number and band..
If Pelham appears in 1953 price list but Sky King doesn't, it must be - 1953 Bulova Pelham
In reply to If Pelham appears in 1953… by Geoff Baker
Are we going to therefore discount the linebook entries showing the Sky King with a flat crystal and the Pelham with a beveled?
It may be that the scanned image from the linebooks is distorted, but when comparing the 2, there is a difference in width. Again this just might be a distortion.
Top watch with the beveled crystal is the Pelham and the bottom the Sky King with the flat crystal.
2 different watches?
I do agree though that this watch probably changed name in 1954 as they both had the model #31733
It would be the first time I have ever seen a model name change based upon the Crystal, Year of manufacture will be the determining factor.
if these were 2 different Bulova models they would each be assigned their own model #.
As Admin points out they are both identified as model #31733.