CASE BACK IS STAMPED A.F.U.S.ARMY, TYPE A.11, SPEC.NO.94-27834-C, SERIAL NO.AF-46PART NO. 10AK CSH , ORDER NO.13869, BULOVA WATCH CO., AND INSIDE SAYS, STAR WATCH CASE CO., BASE METAL, STAINLESS BACK, 6280565. VERY CLEAN MOVEMENT SIGNED BULOVA WATCH CO., 16 JEWELS, 10AK AND A SMALL "CIRCLE" STAMP DENOTING 1944. SHE SETS AND WINDS SMOOTH AND RUNS WELL . CROWN IS ORIGINAL . BEZEL IS A 3 PIECE TOP LOADER WITH THE COIN EDGE ON TOP AND ON THE CASE BACK. 1st I'VE EVER SEEN A BULOVA IN THIS CASE, ONLY ELGINS.OVIOUSLY AN A-11 MILITARY AND OBVIOUSLY ALL ORIGINAL BULOVA THOUGH DID REPLACE THE SWEEP SEONDS HAND WITH A SILVER ONEI.
Serial number AF-46- means unissued, as it is missing the full serial number after the AF denoting "Air Force", and the "46" for the fiscal year of issue.
Spec serial number ends in "C", the last of the type A-11's, very uncommon case type.
Here is the military specs for two and three piece cases, as seen in the military parts/instructions catalogue AN 05-35A-9, in the 'vintage Bulova catalogues' DB on this site. As can be seen, the dial for both watches on this page show the "train track" minutes track, unlike the one up for identification.
http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/file/type_a-11/7.jpg
Here is another three-piece-cased example in the DB, as can be seen sporting the correct "train track" minutes track seen only on Bulova Type A-11's. Also visible is the serial number for AF-44 followed by a six-digit serial number, unlike the the example being ID'd.
http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1944-military-issue-5148
Great watch Shaun but case dates to 1946 fiscal year, and dial and seconds sweep hand incorrect, seconds hand should be radium coated.
Military unissued for me, but a rarer case nevertheless. Nice.
Hey Bobbee,
great info and Thx, but it leaves me at a loss now. I wondered about the Serial # on the outer case back and agree it may not have been issued but it was worn for sure as the wear would indicate such.
Yea, you got me on the sweep seconds hand. The original snapped in half and all I had left was the silver one. I should have painted it white or red but new white would not have matched and I don't have any red. Maybe I should refinish all 3 hands in white. at least that would be more accurate.
I just can't see that someone pieced this together even though the movement and case serial numbers don't add up. Could be they used old stock movements in newer cases. The military is well known for over stocking parts, and supplies. Hell, you can still find WW11 MRE's on the net and in surplus stores.
Now it's a strange duck we may never fiqure out.
Hi Shawn, yes the movement could be original to the case. Don't worry about the hand too much, best leave it as "honest"!
Just the dial that is the main thing, I agree it has been worn with the case wear and all, just not "military issue". Possible PX buy, and new dial fitted at some time? Like you say, we may never know for sure.
Well, I have a spare and the proper hands on another watch in a NOS unmarked case I bought a couple years back but I'm reluctant to swap it as I would be doing something I would never do unless I was going to keep it for myself.
I also have some NOS white dials but from a different version. I think I'll leave it as is rather than mess with it anymore. I don't want to break anything as it runs so well after the servicing. I've busted things before trying to be perfect so now this is done, I'll leave it as is, as I found it save the seconds hand.
If it doesn't sell, I'll just keep it in my collection.
Thanks All, I'm happy to have shared it with all at MB. I think it's pretty rare and a needed addition to the MB database. I'll be keeping this one, I'll re paint the hands white as original and proudly displayed in the case I've added a photo of.
I need another daily wear watch like a kick in the head but this one is special to me due to the complexity of the case and markings and it won't sit in the safe like most of my collection.
Bobbee, Thank You for all the info you have brought to the table as I don't know much about military issues and the info you've provided will aid everyone on MB.