Bulova 1976 Model

Bulova 17 Jewel Hand Wind c1041.10 No Date SS N6 reference N-100 Japan

Case Dimensions and features:

• Width w/o Crown:   36.50 mm
• Length:   41.30 mm
• Depth:   5.70 mm wo/crystal, 9.45 mm w/crystal
• Lug Width:   18.00 mm
• Crystal:   30.60Dia mm, in case.  Low Domed Acrylic
• Crown:   4.90Dia mm, unsigned.  Slightly recessed
• Case Back:   29.45Dia mm
• Case Back thread ring O.D.:  29.80 mm
• Bracelet: On foldover deployant outer clasp: Bulova, in raised font.  On inner hinged section:  Stainless Steel; Made in Hong Kong
• Inside case back inscriptions:   Hong Kong; N-100
• Engraving on outside case back:  BULOVA; Water Resistant; N6; Stainless Steel

Movement: 

• Caliber 1041.10 Hand Wind 17 Jewel, Japan (ETA 1081 layout)
• Engraving on Movement: BULOVA; Seventeen; 17 Jewels; 1041.10; Unadjusted; N6; Japan.   Under Balance Wheel: “0241”; “M”

Notes:  I was very pleased with myself when I scored this at a good price from a local pawn shop.  When I opened the case back I smiled seeing that the movement was obviously the Swiss made ETA caliber 1081.  Then I got my loupe out, and was startled to see that it said “Japan”.  I dug out past photos I have taken of ETA 1080-1081 movements, and sure enough, the placement of every component, screw, and jewel is almost identical to the ETA.  Then I realized that the case and bracelet was made in Hong Kong.  Furthermore. In tiny script below the “”6” dial marker it reads “P-Japan-P”.   So, this is the earliest Bulova I have personally seen with an acknowledged Japanese movement…. albeit either a cloned or licensed version of the ubiquitous ETA from the 50s and early 60s.  I wryly noted to myself that this was manufactured during the 200th anniversary of the USA.  I am still pleased with the watch.  It totally adheres to the Bulova design language, and is attractive and contemporarily sized.