Bulova 1942 -Unknown

Submitted by FifthAvenueRes… on March 27, 2011 - 7:44am
Manufacture Year
1942
Movement Model
7AP
Movement Date Code
Asterisk
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
2012313
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Yellow
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Case measures 37mm lug to lug x 20mm non inclusive of the Crown using Calipers.

Stainless Steel back.

1942 Bulova watch
1942 Bulova watch
OldTicker
Posted March 27, 2011 - 9:44am

That is the same case as the "Phantom" and the dial is very similar, looks like they added  sub-seconds to it in later years.

bourg01
Posted March 27, 2011 - 9:53am

I'd be willing to bet the case is that of a 1934 Phantom. By 1941, I don't think Bulova was producing the longer tank styles and given the size of the gaps between the bezel and the minute register, especially at 12 and 6:00, I don't think the movement or dial are original to the case.

 

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted March 27, 2011 - 12:11pm

Interesting observation on the Minute register, but the 'PHANTOM' shown has an identical spacing.

If this style case were not being produced in 1941 from where does the caseback derive?

Stainless Steel is 1940's and it fits perfectly.

Fully signed.

The aging around the perimeter of the Dial matches the bezel opening of Case.

I'd say it's original.

Obviously an evolution of the 'PHANTOM' as Greg pointed out, but what's it called?

 

OldTicker
Posted March 27, 2011 - 12:27pm

I looked though the crystal catalogs I have, and did not come up with anything else named taking a 24.4mm X 15.5 mm size. GS CMX374, BB MX2442/154

I have some supplements that I will take a look through this evening when I get back.

bourg01
Posted March 27, 2011 - 1:55pm

Hmmm, Very interesting points gents, given the evidence presented I have to concour with Fifth, original. Now we're back to square 1, What is it? I'd go with a Phantom, 1941 version. Of course a positive ID would be much more desireable. 

WatchCrystals.net
Posted March 28, 2011 - 4:28pm

Golden Eagle, Phantom, Spencer:        CMX374      RMS174      MX2442 155     MC243/5 155

 

:-)  Scott

 

P.S. HMMM... the 1942 BB catalog ONLY MENTIONS the  "CURTISS," as also taking an MX2442 !

JimDon5822
Posted April 16, 2020 - 9:25pm

Here is an ad from 1940 showing the Phantom existed as a model as late as May 1940.  No sub second dial though. 

Laurel Outlook (Laurel, Montana) · 1 May 1940, Wed

1940 Phantom

Reverend Rob
Posted April 16, 2020 - 9:36pm

That's an interesting illustration, the front top and bottom horizontals appear to angle downwards.