Bulova 1937 American Clipper

Submitted by ianmedium on January 2, 2014 - 5:11pm
Manufacture Year
1937
Movement Model
10AE
Movement Date Code
Arrow
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
8404779
Case shape
Stepped
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Hello everyone.

This is my first post and I want to thank all of the members here for producing such an informative and valuable website. I have found it fascinating reading!I own two Bulovas, the first I purchased a few years ago, a 1970 Accutron but this post is about my most recent purchase! ived it just before Christmas but unfortunately it was not working. I sent it back to the seller and he gave it a full service and even added in a gold filled expansion bracelet all at no extra cost. He reports that after servicing it the watch is keeping within a minute a day which I think excellent for such an old watch. I got it back in the mail today and this being Canada and cold I am waiting a few hours for it to get to room temperature before winding it.I would love your thoughts on this watch and if indeed it is an American Clipper! The dial is the yellow one and has patina but to be honest I rather like it and the watch is very easy to read so I will keep it as is. The case is 10k rolled gold plate and has just a couple of wear through points on the back edge tips, otherwise it looks in great shape and the filigre work on the bezel edges is beautifully sharp. Looks like acanthas leaves to me. 
It came on a used strap that has been trimed but I found a lovely mans lenght genuine crocodile strap in dark brown on ebay that is on its way as I type and think it will match the watch perfectly, great price as well!Thanks so much in advance, I have fallen in love with this watch and am so glad he was able to fix it and get it working. I intened to wear this watch on a regular basis. Here are some images, the movement and case inside are ones taken by the seller, the others mine! Thanks so much again, all the best.
Ian

Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
JP
Posted January 2, 2014 - 8:04pm

American Clipper. "C" model if I am not mistaken as the "A" and "B" have no engraving.

ianmedium
Posted January 2, 2014 - 8:25pm

Thanks so much for that!

I was just looking with my loupe at the case and one side says..

 

B-10K ROLLED GOLD PLATE if that is of any more help.

I believe the strap size is 14mm for this watch, is that correct? The mens size strap I found is 15mm so hopefully it will fit without too much trouble.

Thanks once again for such a speedy response.

Daca102090
Posted January 3, 2014 - 1:35am

The first digit of the case serial number indicates 1938 while the movement is indeed marked 1937.

Having a movement 1 year older than the case is very common.

And yes Clipper "C".

ianmedium
Posted January 3, 2014 - 11:02am

thanks so much Daca, I appreciate it.

 

I woke this morning and checked the watch against my Breitling Superquartz which I set it by yesterday and it appears to have gained just a few seconds, remarkable I feel for a watch so old.

 

It is dry here today so I am going to wear it (it appears there is zero water resistance so I would not want to wear it in Vancouvers cloudbirsts!)

I am 50 and even without my glasses I can read the time, lovely dial

Thank you once again Gentlemen.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted January 4, 2014 - 9:22am

Will,

The 'F' variant was the engraved Yellow bezel with White dial on an engraved bracelet, as depicted in the ad You show.

The 'B' variant was a plain (non engraved) Yellow bezel with White dial on a leather strap.

The 'C' variant was a plain (non engraved) Yellow bezel with Black dial on a plain bracelet.

('B' and 'C' are shown together in the ad below):

http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/vintage_ads/bulova-ad-1937-8.jpg

: which leaves the 'A', 'D' and 'E' variants unaccounted for:

 

The bracelet or strap which the Watch was originally sold, or appears on today comes into play with this model, problem being We have yet to see all of the 'AMERICAN CLIPPER' model variants in adverisements.

With variants to at least 'F' (6 differing variations of this Model minimum) 'AMERICAN CLIPPER' is a safe ID, one which We can't be wrong.

ianmedium
Posted January 5, 2014 - 5:19pm

Thanks so much for all this information gentlemen.

mybulova_admin
Posted January 5, 2014 - 5:55pm

Agreed. Generic American Clipper for now. We know what variants it isn't, but which remaining variant is it? That elusive ad is out there somewhere.

Geoff Baker
Posted January 6, 2014 - 5:30am

American Clipper it is and a fine example. Welcome to myBulova Ian, I like your watch.