Bulova 1937 Goldcraft

Submitted by Bob Bruno on October 25, 2010 - 1:19pm
Manufacture Year
1937
Movement Model
10AE
Movement Date Code
Arrow
Movement Jewels
15
Case Serial No.
7312374
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

10K Rolled Gold Plate  15 Jewels. Changed name from Commander to Goldcraft 6-30-12 - Bought a NOS period correct bracelet for this watch so I'm updating the pictures 1/28/14

Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Bulova Watch
Bulova Watch
simpletreasures
Posted October 11, 2011 - 10:33pm

On your recommendation Spiderman, I went to ye ole database and compared both side by side and IMO they look identical except for the face and Names??? What's a Mother to do????

Bob Bruno
Posted October 11, 2011 - 10:41pm

Plains, the angle above the spring bar looks different on the Goldcraft to me. Other wise I'd say It looks like my watch with a white dial. Maybe the panel can mull it over and let me know what they think. I don't mind a name change. So far we've got Commander , Goldcraft, Hancock. I dunno maybe the angle looks different to me because I have a regular leather strap on it.

BB

Bob Bruno
Posted October 11, 2011 - 10:49pm

Do the lugs look different to you guys

NOVA
Posted March 3, 2012 - 4:09pm

Here are the features of each model, as shown in the ads we currently have:

  • Hancock - unengraved bezel;  white or yellow gold, markers rather than numbers, 15 jewels, white dial (1933,1935)
  • Commander - engraved bezel, yellow gold, numbers rather than markers, 15 jewels, white dial (1936)
  • Goldcraft - unengraved bezel; yellow gold, numbers rather than markers, 15 jewels, white dial (1937)

I believe that all three of these cases are the same size and shape, but I don't yet have a Hancock with which to do a detailed comparison.

Of course, we likely don't have all the ads showing all the options for each model, but it looks to me like you have the Goldcraft with a black dial.  I have the same model with a black dial and two-tone case.  I also have an engraved version, which I believe to be a Commander.  The two watches take the same crystal and have exactly the same size and shape.

Mine are both dated 1934, considerably earlier than any of the ads we have showing these models, so there is, no doubt, more information that we don't yet have.

Hope that helps.

Bob Bruno
Posted March 3, 2012 - 9:21pm

Thanks Lisa, I think I'll leave it as a 2 star Commander until more definitive proof can be found.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted March 3, 2012 - 9:27pm

...and take into consideration the Country of origin for the ads which may help explain some of the cornfusion.

2c

NOVA
Posted March 3, 2012 - 10:23pm

Well, it's up to you, but I think the ads we have speak for themselves, and I'm not the least bit confused about what they show at this point. 

Clearly, there's no need, in the future, for me to point out what the ads show, since they will just be completely dismissed anyway.  So, I'll save myself the time and trouble.

Bob Bruno
Posted March 4, 2012 - 1:34am

Lisa I think you may have read more into my comment. I respect your opinion and your research. All three examples you mentioned have white dials. So I'm just saying I would rather leave it as a 2 star Id rather than an unknown. Just hoping to find a Commander or a Goldcraft ad with a black dial. Believe me I meant no disrespect.  Mark is right about the country of origin. I've seen Canadian ad's with completely different name for known Bulova's. I know it probably doesn't matter but this watch was purchased from a Canadian vendor.  

Bob Bruno
Posted June 30, 2012 - 4:41pm

So after seeing all the evidence I'm changing the name from Commander to Goldcraft. Yes I know I'm stubborn! I still think this is a tentative id without an ad showing it with a black dial. Thanks to Lisa and Jerin for showing me the light.

William Smith
Posted June 30, 2012 - 5:04pm

two checks from me for Goldcraft w/ black dial.  Great watch!  ...now to find that elusive black dial ad!   Anything new on ads from Canada w/ different model names in light of subject watch...or in general?