Bulova 1940 Douglas

Submitted by MikeSoCal on August 21, 2010 - 12:25am
Manufacture Year
1940
Movement Model
17AE
Movement Date Code
Omega
Movement Jewels
21
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
0003074
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Case marked Bulova 14K gold filled New York. I believe this movement to be USA made as the dial and movement do not have "swiss" marked on them.

Bulova Pocket watch
1940 Bulova watch
William Smith
Posted March 7, 2012 - 1:33pm

Mike   Looks like two or maybe three date symbols on this watch.  Omega and Shield for sure.  Can't make out if there's a third or not.  You still around and interested?  Thanks

MikeSoCal
Posted March 14, 2012 - 8:52am

William, I finished replacing the balance staff and the Watch runs Great! I will post new pictures this weekend. The third symbol is a "C" , Hope this helps.

William Smith
Posted March 14, 2012 - 2:02pm

In reply to by MikeSoCal

Hi Mike   All info helps...and more pics will be great.  We'll be waiting.  Thanks

William Smith
Posted June 28, 2012 - 12:43am

Our movement database indicates 17AE starting in 1929 w/ no jewel count listed.  See http://www.mybulova.com/node/957

We have subject example and one other 17AE in our watch database. Other is here: http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1937-Unknown-166  and listed as 1937 by "arrow" date symbol, but the record is quite incomplete w/ no indication of jewel count.

Ranfft doesn't show a 17AE.  He lists a 17AH listed for 1953, but it looks much newer than subject movement, has 17 jewels and BXW on balance cock (Swiss). 

Your movement pictures has omega and shield. Did you figure out the other possible date symbol on movement? 

Reverend Rob
Posted August 24, 2012 - 6:46pm

This is indeed Swiss, a Venus 133. A very good movt, and seems to be as common as the 17AH. Bulova used the raw ebauches from both, in this case the ETA 953 and the Venus 133, and added their own balance with bridge, and probably designed and manufactured the train bridge layout also, either at the factory in Switzerland, or in the US. 

William Smith
Posted August 25, 2012 - 1:12pm

Fifth, I'd seen this ad, and the jewel count for the Douglas is 21.  It also looks like there's minor differences between Douglas and Chesterfield cases. Looks like the Douglas has engraving on the front and side, where the Chesterfield does not. Does subject watch have engraving? I think it does?

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted August 25, 2012 - 3:12pm

Will,

The Jewel count for the 'CHESTERFIELD' differs and if one looks closely there are subtle differences in the Dial:

1. The Numeral fonts differ.

2. An inboard circle extending from the Seconds register encompassing the Numerals shows on the 'DOUGLAS'.

Is the subject engraved?  Yes, it is.

Engraving can be seen on the outer edge of the Case, matching the ad.

Could the 'CHESTERFIELD' be found with theses traits? I say Yes, the Jewel count being the determining factor.

William Smith
Posted August 25, 2012 - 3:09pm

got it.  I thought it did have engraving.....thanks

William Smith
Posted October 5, 2012 - 1:18am

Looks like Fifth found an ad which shows the Chesterfield w/ engraving on the edges...  and subject watch is three stars from me for Douglas