Bulova 1931 Gladiator

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on January 23, 2023 - 10:15am
Manufacture Year
1931
Movement Model
10AN
Movement Date Code
Square Shield
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
?64325
Case Serial No.
1373254
Case shape
Stepped
Case color
Green
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I'm pretty excited about this watch; have never seen one or heard of it's existence. Super clean with very minimal wear on upper edges of lugs. Engraving is crisp all the way to lug tips and back is like a mirror. It's possible the dial was refinished, but if so it was a long time ago as there is no glow left in numbers or hands, even under black light. Number 12 is bigger than on other documented examples of the watch name, and seconds subdial is unnumbered; however we have never seen this case color variant. Same with jewel count. Watch is 15 and vague ads (2 in database) call out 17. Movement holder is tinted gold and date matches the case. Original 1927 Pat. dust cover in place.

Case color is apparent with watch in hand and differs in color from yellow. When received, it had a slight copper/orange hue until polished.

Examples in the database are currently all 2 tone with the exception of 2 that are all white.

1931 Gladiator  

GGG (Green Gold Gladiator)

I have to believe this one falls into the "hen's teeth category" Keeping perfect time on band showing little to no wear as received. Crystal marks around the 9 only are obvious in very bright light.

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neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 23, 2023 - 10:28am

31gggad

31GGG7

Kathy L.
Posted January 23, 2023 - 5:30pm

Wow Bob that is a beauty!!

1931 Bulova Gladiator

JimDon5822
Posted January 23, 2023 - 7:17pm

Awesome pick up.  1931 Bulova Gladiator

mybulova_admin
Posted January 24, 2023 - 3:24am

Certainly a match for a 1931 Bulova Gladiator. Having a few color examples suggests that Bulova did occasionaly release these early models in a variety of cases colors and that this aspect alone doesn't necessary dictate a different model.