Military Bulova 10BM

[PapaLouies]

Was this made in 1940?
What branches of service used it?
Can the serial number 19347 fix the exact date?
The Bulova 10BM was produced with 15, 17 & 21 Jewels.
Regards, P/L

 

[Dave T]

I'm only speculating, I think it's later that WWII. I've found a comparable watch here with some details.

Bulova 1952 Military Issue | myBulova.com

mybulova.com

 

[PapaLouies]

I'm only speculating, I think it's later that WWII. I've found a comparable watch here with some details.

Bulova 1952 Military Issue | myBulova.com

mybulova.com

Thanks Dave,
My watch serial number proceeds this watch by 15,299.
Regards, P/L

 

[roughbarked]

Bulova 10BM made betwwen 1949-1955 according to Ranfft.

 

[PapaLouies]

Bulova 10BM made betwwen 1949-1955 according to Ranfft.

Yes, with L date code, but unlike my serial number .
Regards, P/L

 

[roughbarked]

Yes, with L date code, but unlike my serial number .
Regards, P/L

Do you have a date code?

Bulova watch date code decoder. Date a Bulova watch using the date code

serial-number-decoder.co.uk

This tool decodes the 2 character Bulova date code found on most Bulova watches made from 1950 to the current day.

At least this should inform whether it was made before 1950.
Note; I tried the T1 from the case back.. You might also try it..

 

[PapaLouies]

I'm only speculating, I think it's later that WWII. I've found a comparable watch here with some details.

Bulova 1952 Military Issue | myBulova.com

mybulova.com

My ORD # is 1000 before this watch.
Regards, P/L

 

[roughbarked]

Bulova - Vintage Bulova Date Symbols & Codes | Watchophilia.com

www.watchophilia.com

How to Date a Bulova Watch

Throughout the decades since the company's founding, Bulova produced pieces that represented many of the latest and greatest trends in luxury watches. It is nearly impossible to date a Bulova watch made between 1875 and 1926 without the...

www.wikihow.com

 

[John Matthews]

Hi PL - see here for discussion on identical watch

Movement Serial No. 32991
Watch Serial No.2380650 US Defence ordinance No.7197108

Quotes:

The Ord. Corps. post-date 1950, which is when the Ordnance Department changed its name to the Ordnance Corps.​

​

If it is correct that the 1917-H was concurrent to the ORD. CORPS. watch, which is most likely correct, then a case date that matches the curved case serial number would be a good way to date this watch. 1952.​

​

It is thought by many experts that the 1917-H is a Naval watch, and the ORD. CORPS. is for the Air Force, both general issue watches. These watches are thought to be recased ORD. DEPT. watches, whose poor chrome plate more often than not had worn out.​

​

I believe the date on this watch should be changed to 1952. The 7198010 is not the case serial number but the US Dept of Defense ordinance order number which was issued in 1951 and was A7198010 as shown in the dial envelope documentation. The watch serial number is 2380650. I have the same watch with the same 7198010 but my serial number is 2389571 which is a spread of 8921 digits. It is possible up to 10K watches may have been produced.​

Hope it helps.

John

 

[PapaLouies]

John, Thanks for the link.
The serial number of your watch is 32,991 and the ORD # is 7197108 not A7198010 of 1951.
The # 2380650 I think is likely the STAR case number, more to follow.
Regards, P/L

 

[PapaLouies]

My watch movement is far too pristine to have served in a case long enough to wear out the case.

Regards, P/L

 

[bruce linde]

I hope some of you see post #12 & 13 before Rob removes them!
Regards, P/L

all - pls remember that the rules prohibit links to or discussions of live auctions... as well as posting photos that you don't own.

 

[PapaLouies]

all - pls remember that the rules prohibit links to or discussions of live auctions... as well as posting photos that you don't own.

Does the rule include PM's.
Regards, P/L

 

[bruce linde]

Does the rule include PM's.
[/QUOTE

yes. the rules ( https://mb.nawcc.org/pages/nawcc-forums-rules/ ) specifically mandate:

This venue is for discussion of watches, clocks, and all things horological.
Respect all users, organizations, and businesses.
References to businesses and services are limited to personal experience only.
Personal attacks and derogatory remarks are strictly prohibited and will result in loss of posting
privileges.

that holds for private conversations, as well.

and, the copyright policy is:

NAWCC, Inc. (herein "NAWCC") supports compliance with copyright law in all respects. You may not post images that you didn't create unless you have the owner's explicit permission. All images and digital material posted including what you create and reference by links must conform to this policy.

after an auction? links are ok... but photos only with written permission from the owner of the photo(s).

 

[John Matthews]

The serial number of your watch is 32,991 and the ORD # is 7197108 not A7198010 of 1951.

PL - I am no expert on these watches, but I don't believe you are interpreting the link I posted correctly, or at the very least differently from my interpretation.

I think there is a distinction between the serial numbers of the movements and the serial numbers of the watches, also the A7197108 number you quote is, I believe, the ordnance drawing number (Ord Dwg No.) for the ordnance number 7197108

So as you correctly say there is a significant difference in the movement serial numbers - #19347 & #32991



My understanding of the text on the Bulova watch site forum was the serial numbers on the case is being described as the watch serial number. This on the basis that this was a more accurate representation of the date of issue as some of these military examples had been re-cased prior to receiving the US 1917-H designation.

So comparing the markings on the inside of the case back (your watch on the left) ...



Your watch #2403079 compared with #2380650 with the same ordnance number #7197108.

So if both the Bulova's serial numbers and the Star Watch Case Company's serial numbers are chronological, my inference would be that you have an earlier movement but it was housed in an ordnance #7197108 case later. I have no idea whether lists exist for either to enable dates of manufacture to be determined.

John