NOS (New Old Stock )1954 Bulova model 38179-Y. I think it's the missing link! If this watch watch was 1949 it would be an Excellency. If it was 1950 or '51 it would be an Academy Award. But here it is - WITH THE HANG TAG - and no name on it, just the model number 38179-Y (Yellow). Watch is presented in it's original clam shell transitional AA display case, with it's original band and raised quad crystal. Original Bulova guarantee booklet and polishing cloth complete this amazing package. Why didn't our friends on 5th Ave give this beauty a name - What can the mystery be?? What will we name this watch?
Added 6/18/2013
Photos Updated 4/9/2022
In the 1954 supplement, a model with the stock number 38179Y was called His Highness.
We know that the AA "ZZ" looked like the subject too.
Do we know the AA 'ZZ' had this stock number? No.
This was the stock number for the AA 'ZZ' in the 1958 full price list.
Is it possible that the watch was put in the wrong box? I think so.
HH one tick, as the AA's were still being sold in 1958, let alone 1954.
Putting this one to bed after many years.
This linebook entry for 1955/56 confirming the subject watch is a Bulova His Highness
The earliest official linebooks we have date to 1955 with no longer any mention of the Academy Award series. I have no doubt they were still available to the public post 1953 but they would have been left over stock from 1950-1953 that probably sat in a jewelers showcase/inventory.