Bulova 1943 Commander

Submitted by Kathy L. on April 12, 2018 - 8:37pm
Manufacture Year
1943
Movement Model
10BL
Movement Date Code
T
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
3213869
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Hello,  This is a 1942 based on the 10LB movement which I think may have only been used in 1942 and the T date symbol.  It has a 10KGP bezel, sterling base and stainless back.  This is a differenct case than I am used to on the ladies watches of this time period so I will have to figure out how to get the dial out later to take a photo of it.  Looks like an original band from the time but it is in bad shape so I will put a leather one on it and it needs a good cleaning.  It is a 14mm band width and 34mm lug to lug and 27mm without the crown across.  The Commander from a 1940 ad is the closest model I can find with what looks like the same case, numbers, hands.  The Apollo from a 1947 ad is pretty close as well but has different numbers.  Looking forward to hearing what you all think it might be.  Thanks, Kathy

1942 Bulova watch
1942 Bulova watch
1942 Bulova watch
1942 Bulova watch
1942 Bulova watch
Bulova Watch advert
Kathy L.
Posted April 19, 2018 - 3:59pm

Is there a way for me to edit the date or do you that later after the panel votes?

Reverend Rob
Posted April 19, 2018 - 4:30pm

Not your typical ebauche by FHF or AS, this one is a Felsa 335. 

Geoff Baker
Posted April 20, 2018 - 7:27am

I've come back to this one a couple times. I think I'm going with Commander too.

1943 Bulova Commander (date edited)

jabs
Posted April 20, 2018 - 9:35am

1943 Bulova Commander

mybulova_admin
Posted April 21, 2018 - 2:11am

In the Apollo adverts it would appear that the lugs attach clean to the case, were-as the subject watch they don't, as per the Commander.

Apollo case

I'm still leaning towards the Bulova Commander.

Kathy L.
Posted April 21, 2018 - 2:37am

Yes they seem like very close models but I think you are right on the corners.  I wonder if there might have been a case size difference.

Geoff Baker
Posted April 21, 2018 - 9:44am

About face  -  the notch just appeared. The outer sweep of the lug on the Commander appears to terminate in a notch back to the case. it is not visible in the Apollo advert but seems to be there on the Commander. I'm back to:

1943 Bulova Commander (albeit slightly tentative)

 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted April 22, 2018 - 9:40am

43 Commander

mybulova_admin
Posted November 16, 2019 - 6:19pm

Also seeing that the Commander had the small triangles at the hour markers, the Apolo does not.