Bulova 1946 Aviator

Submitted by Mindless on February 21, 2017 - 8:36pm
Manufacture Year
1946
Movement Model
10AK
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
6296351
Case shape
Tonneau
Case color
Rose
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I'm not quite sure what this is. Possibly a Stamford? I saw an ad for 17 jewels but not 15.  Rose gold plate bezel and what I THINK might or could be the original band in rose gold fill. Possible a JB on the trademark? The 10AK 15 jewel movement date is double stamped with a triangle and square.  The crown is not signed. The original glass crystal was broken.  The hour hand appears to have been replaced at some point as it is bright blue and the minute and second are plum.    I found the double date stamp interesting although I have no clue how often that happened. It could be 1935/36 or 1945/46.  I don't believe it is from the 20's because the style doen't look right. I did see a 1936 ad for a craftsman that seemed close.

1946 Bulova watch
1946 Bulova watch
1946 Bulova watch
1946 Bulova watch
1946 Bulova watch
jabs
Posted February 22, 2017 - 2:36am

We have three models with similar case - Stamford, Alderman and Aviator. While Stamford and Alderman have 17 jewels, Aviator have 15 jewels and occurs from 1946.

Your watch will be Aviator

denupnorth
Posted February 22, 2017 - 4:51am

Didn't the Aviators have engraving on the lugs at that time?

Reverend Rob
Posted February 22, 2017 - 8:13am

Aviator does it for me. Very crisp example, and the bracelet looks great. 

Mindless
Posted February 22, 2017 - 8:30pm

Thanks all. Good to know. And also the page with the proper crystal listed. Here's a couple pics of the bracelet if you're interested. The flat bar slides in or out to adjust the size. I thought it was kind of a neat design but I don't get out much.

Andersok
Posted February 23, 2017 - 9:47am

Aviator looks to be correct for this 15-jewel version from 1946

Geoff Baker
Posted February 24, 2017 - 6:20am

Double date stamp is not uncommon. Considering that any movement made in December might not be cased until January or maybe even February, there could be thousands of double date stamps floating around out there. JB (Jacoby Bender) is the bracelet manufacturer. This  adjustment is  typical for this model. They are comfortable to wear.

I agree with the ID proposed, Aviator. It's a nice looking watch.

mybulova_admin
Posted February 24, 2017 - 9:04pm

Based on the jewel count (15) would make it a tentative Bulova Aviator. I say tentative because all adverts look to show a typical yellow gold watch. Rose gold watches are usually shown as a darker shape of grey, including the dial.

Advert below shows an Aviator "B", implying additional variants, thus  the rose gold vartion is probably one of these.

Bulova Aviator B watch

Bulova Aviator + Jane AddamsBulova Aviator + Goddess of Time watch

One of the few adverts that indicates gold color.