What model is this dial from?

Submitted by rtwatches on January 4, 2017 - 8:30pm

This dial was attached to a 10AKCHS movement and obviously they were not born together since the 10AKCHS is a sweep second hack set military movement and this is a susidiary seconds dial.  The dial will fit a 10A . . . movement.  Odd that it is marked Made in France.

Geoff Baker
Posted January 4, 2017 - 9:03pm

I can honestly say I have never seen this dial. A couple things I note, Bulova, to the best of my knowledge didn't imprint dials with the word "antimagnetic", that was usually on the case back. The "Made in France" seems to have been added after the distress to the dial occurred as it seems to be on top of the discoloration and distress evident on the rest of the dial. Stylistically, the dial appears to be early to mid fifties but again, many of those watches were sweep seconds while this is clearly a sub seconds.

I declare myself stumped. I do, however rather favor the look......I like it!

rtwatches
Posted January 6, 2017 - 1:40pm

Thanks Geoff.  Looking at the dial in hand and under magnification my assessment is that the finish is original except that the "BULOVA" imprint is suspect, not as sharp as it should be and a different tone of black than the outer edge of the dial.  The "Made In France" is an enamel looking paint so the difference in the way it has aged compared to the rest of the dial is not suspicious to me.  Teh center hole was enlarged to accomodate the larger hand arbors of the 10AKCHS movement it was attached to.  

The whole thing is pretty odd and with what you've said about the word "antimagnetic" and the weak "BULOVA" imprint I have to conclude that this isn't an original Bulova dial.  I've seen this dial before but I can't remember what or where. It probably will be for sale some time in the near future.

mybulova_admin
Posted January 13, 2017 - 7:33pm

I'm with Geoff, I've not seen this style of dial either and suspect it is a 'Franklin-dial' or an aftermarket dial. The dial quality just doesn't seem up to the normal Bulova standard.