Bulova 1940 Commodore

Submitted by Gordonblan on March 5, 2015 - 2:59pm
Manufacture Year
1940
Movement Model
10AE
Movement Date Code
Cresent Moon
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
064511
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
25.4 X 19.05
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

 I originally thought this was a 1940 Ambassador. Another member pointed out that it matches the ad for a 1941 Commodore. The 10 AE movement has a crescent moon, but also below it is a lighter impression of the circle with two (Bunny) ears.

The case back has a serial number of 064511 and inside the upper case is the Roman Numerals V I I.

I wonder if this was a 1938 made movement that was later sold as a 1940 watch?

The crystal is cracked. I have a new (old stock) crystal, I plan to put on it.

Bulova watch-1928 Ambassador
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Bulova Watch
William Smith
Posted March 5, 2015 - 3:06pm

The Roman Numerals VII are 7, however if its V   I   I   those are 5   1   1- the same as the last three digits of the case serial number....

1955mercury
Posted March 5, 2015 - 3:34pm

The 10AE movement was made from 1935 until 1940, so it's not a 1928 movement. The "crescent" symbol is for 1938 and the "omega" symbol is for 1940. I've seen lots of movements with two date codes, but they were always consecutive years. This is the first one I have ever seen with two date code symbols that skip a year.  The case isn't from the 1920's either. The case should have a 7 digit serial number Gordonblan.You only listed a 6 digit serial number. If the serial number starts with a "0" it's a 1940 case.

William Smith
Posted March 5, 2015 - 4:24pm

...and based on  the year and model, there may be one serial number on the outside case back, and another different serial number on the inside of the case back.  I think we usually use the one on the inside, in these instances, but don't remember for sure.   Maybe we use the one with seven digits :)

Others may know off the tops of their heads.

Gordonblan
Posted March 6, 2015 - 6:49am

In reply to by William Smith

The inside of the case back has a number etched in. It appears to be 28020 and then what appears to be an L or V with a slanted 9 above it ( hard to make that out). I will try to add a picture of that.

bobbee
Posted March 5, 2015 - 7:35pm

After 1935, we should see only an outside case serial number-a seven digit one for gold plate.

bobbee
Posted March 5, 2015 - 7:50pm

Commodore? Alden?

It's not an Ambassador anyway.

Gordonblan
Posted March 6, 2015 - 9:42am

In reply to by bobbee

 I think you are right about it being an Alden. Even the lug ends look similar to a photo of another 1940 Alden. They almost look like they were welded on after the fact.

1955mercury
Posted March 5, 2015 - 8:19pm

The photo is throwing me for a loop. It looks like there's engraving on the right side of the dial and none on the left side. Looking at the lower part of the case it looks like the crystal is there and looking at the top of the case it looks like the crystal is missing or either sitting on top of the dial.