Bulova 1940 Ranger

Submitted by plainsmen on October 22, 2010 - 12:37am
Manufacture Year
1940
Movement Model
10AX
Movement Date Code
Omega
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
078231
Case shape
Stepped
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

My grandfathers watch that was passed to me about 10 years after his death in the mid-1980's.

The dial has been untouched for sentimental purposes, though a new crystal has been fitted as the original was missing.

The band is the original Kreisler gold plated with leather band instert that is advertised with this particular model.  It's been restored to a worn but very servicable band with new leather.

It's sporting a professionaly cleaned and serviced 10AX, 17 Jewel movement

This is my VERY FIRST BULOVA... and the watch that started it all for me!

Bulova 1940 Ranger
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
WatchCrystals.net
Posted October 23, 2010 - 3:27pm

Hi Jerin,

I saw your request for input regarding the identity namesake, for this Bulova model... I'm certain it isn't the "Crockett," as that mid to latter 30s design sported a hexagonal bezel, dial and crystal... And there are indeed numerous "plain" and "engraved" styles, that are quite similar... (i.e. if it was a good seller, then why not utilize details from what peoplepreviously liked?) This was back when (like on the internet today) the "consumer demand" was much more of a factor!  

As for the identity... as you likely read in my run on scroll about "watch crystal replacement" in the forum, aside from an image or several, the other KEY key factor in IDing watch models, is using crystal proportions. And since crystals are measured to 1/100 of a mm vs. inch (!) perhaps I should also be selling digital calipers, on eBay?! (Incidentally, these are readily available for about $15.00 USD on eBay, etc.) 

I have about 150+ models of men's Bullys identified, and the crystals labeled as such, after several hundred hours of "model identification" work... And there are another 100 +/- Bulova men's crystals in my inventory, yet unidentified. And I have photos/illustrations of 50- 100 more (men's alone) Bulova models that remain "unknown," presently. And I'll be adding several dozen more ID'd models here, in 2010. The majority of the known ones were already posted here, before I recently joined...

And whenever I have at least three crystals (glass or plexiglas) for a given model, I post those on eBay, as I seldom need more than two in stock, once I've ID'd a model, since I am not currently in the position to be an avid collector, myself...

 

BEST :-)  William

 

 

JP
Posted July 3, 2012 - 12:31am

I can certainly see why you got so into Bulova. The watch is magnificent and would make any one who was lucky eenough to own it want to find out more about the manufacturer. Mine is a similar story only it was my father in law who left me his Bulova Accutron Rail Road watch, a 214 model and I had to have it repaired and when I got it back I was hooked too.

John JP

OldTicker
Posted July 3, 2012 - 12:42am

Very well stated JP, this is what this site was intended for...hopefully we can keep it going!

William Smith
Posted July 3, 2012 - 3:13am

Great watch. Great story.  Love that band. I have a couple similar....and now we have an ad showing and stating "on expansion w/ leather center"  or very similar wording.  I see why you got interested in Bulova....

colorodo
Posted November 26, 2014 - 10:45pm

Your Ranger is beautiful.  I also wanted to keep my watch original for sentimental reasons.  I wanted to look at the dial my grandfather looked at.   But the crystal had 2 large cracks that caused the dial to corrode.  It looked nasty.  I struggled with the decision to have it restored.

 You are lucky to have such a fine time piece.  I am jealous....

plainsmen
Posted December 22, 2014 - 1:58pm

In reply to by colorodo

[quote=colorodo]

Your Ranger is beautiful.  I also wanted to keep my watch original for sentimental reasons.  I wanted to look at the dial my grandfather looked at.   But the crystal had 2 large cracks that caused the dial to corrode.  It looked nasty.  I struggled with the decision to have it restored.

 You are lucky to have such a fine time piece.  I am jealous....

[/quote]

Thank you sir.  Now looking back at this watch after owning so many other Bulova's it's still my favorite.  

To bad I see some of the pictures look like they may have corrupted.  Wonder if Steve can fix it or I can go way back in my archives and see if I still have the pictures that will fill in the gaps.