Bulova 1930 -Unknown

Submitted by joewalrus on October 31, 2013 - 3:03am
Manufacture Year
1930
Movement Model
10AN
Movement Date Code
Omega
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
532404
Case Serial No.
0309278
Case shape
Tonneau
Case color
Two-tone
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
Acrylic, 36 mm by 26 mm
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Hello good people of this forum,

I recently purchased this vintage Bulova from the 'Bay. Pretty sure it was made in 1930 since the 10AN existed only till 1937 and the watch movement markings are consistent with a '30. However, my knowledge on the watch's origins ends there. I was wondering if you could answer a few questions:

1) First of all, what model is it? By the looks of the dial my best guess is a modified 1930 Sky King. But the numbers on this watch are gilded and are of a different font. Perhaps it is an international version? Maybe (whoops) a fake?

2) As indicated on one of the pictures, the back of the hinged case is stamped "J.H. Jr." (I guess some guy's name), then "Bulova Quality, AAA, Pat. Jan 11 1927", then the case serial number 0309278. There is no mention of gold/gold-filled content. What's strange is that the outside of the case is very simply marked "open" indicating the side to pop open the case - again no gold content stamp or case serial number. 

  • Is the watch gold-filled? From what I've learned by browsing the database, Bulova normally marks gold content/filling, but did not do so for some cases especially in the early 30's. However, I'm aware that some users later determined by asking a jeweler that their unmarked case was in fact gold-filled.
  • The inside of the watch has some slight spotty corrosion, which isn't consistent with gold fill, but the gold-colored bezel and caseback are completely clean and look very much like the hue of real gold - leading me to believe only the caseback and bezel are gold-filled and the inside caseback base metal. Any opinions, besides suggesting I go to a jeweler to test it out myself?
  • So if not, did Bulova make gold-tone base-metal bezels in the 30's? Doesn't seem consistent with their status as a hi-class watch maker in those days, but that's just wishful thinking I suppose.

 3) In cleaning the crystal by removing the movement I stumbled upon the Roman numerals "II VII VIII" etched on the dial housing edge, leading me to believe the case is original. Still though - and this is perhaps due to my ignorance - but anyone feel that the case looks off?

Thank you! I greatly appreciate your time (no pun intended...) and input.

unknown 1930
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Bulova Watch
joewalrus
Posted November 4, 2013 - 1:50am

Good call, bourg01! I found a little "F" stamp on the area between the lugs. I guess that solves the mystery of its gold content. If only it had a model name...

Thank you!

bourg01
Posted November 4, 2013 - 2:30am

I would think the " F " stands for filled. a GF stamp would be more conclusive but this should be a good indication that it is gold filled, We'll keep looking or a model. BTW, I think your hooked on Bulova's. Welcome to MB and thx for presnting your watch, it's a beauty.

mybulova_admin
Posted November 9, 2013 - 12:12am

Rewind..... AAA =  Gold Filled

:-)

I'm still at Unknown and a first for this example.