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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch

Bulova gold plated manual wind wristwatch

Partially verified

According to Bonhams, this manual wind wristwatch by Bulova dates to circa 1940 and features a gold-plated case. The circular dial displays Arabic numeral hour markers, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock. The dial is signed 'BULOVA' beneath the 12 o'clock position. The gold-plated case incorporates stylized scrolled lugs attaching it to a black textured leather strap. It was sold as Lot 41 during the 'Watches & Wristwatches, Collection of a European Nobleman' sale at Bonhams Knightsbridge in April 2017.

Dial and case view of the Bulova gold plated manual wind wristwatch
Dial and case view of the Bulova gold plated manual wind wristwatch — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Bulova
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
41
Source-reported date
Circa 1940
Country
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Identity and Auction History

This timepiece is recorded as a gold-plated manual-wind wristwatch by Bulova, cataloged with a circa 1940 date.

It was presented as Lot 41 in the sale 'Watches & Wristwatches, Collection of a European Nobleman', held in London, Knightsbridge between 7 and 20 April 2017.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bulova. A gold plated manual wind wristwatch Circa 1940”
  • “Watches & Wristwatches, Collection of a European Nobleman”
  • “7 – 20 April 2017, 10:00 BST London, Knightsbridge”

Dial and Case Configuration

Based on direct visual observation, the watch features a circular light-toned dial displaying stylized Arabic numerals, an outer closed minute track, and gilt hour and minute hands. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at 6 o'clock, the dial is signed 'BULOVA' below 12 o'clock, and slight surface spotting is visible on the dial surface.

The gold-toned case is distinguished by ornate scrolled lugs and is shown fitted with a black crocodile-embossed leather strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular light-toned dial with stylized Arabic numerals”
  • “Dial signed 'BULOVA' below 12 o'clock”
  • “Gold-toned case featuring ornate scrolled lugs”
  • “Fitted with a black crocodile-embossed leather strap”

Cataloguing and Technical Details

The auction entry describes the movement mechanism simply as 'manual wind'. Movement caliber, jewel count, and internal mechanical stamps are not recorded in the source.

Physical dimensions such as case diameter, thickness, and reference number are not detailed in the source entry, and the case back is not depicted in the available photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “manual wind wristwatch”
  • “A gold plated manual wind wristwatch”

Open research questions

  • What specific manual-wind movement caliber is fitted inside the watch?
  • What are the precise case dimensions, including diameter excluding crown and lug-to-lug span?
  • Does the case back bear a reference number, serial number, or Bulova date symbol verifying the circa 1940 date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulova gold plated manual wind wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBulova“Bulova. A gold plated manual wind wristwatch Circa 1940”
Case MaterialGold plated“A gold plated manual wind wristwatch”
Movement TypeManual wind“manual wind wristwatch”
DateCirca 1940“Circa 1940”
Lot Number41“Lot 41”
Auction Sale TitleWatches & Wristwatches, Collection of a European Nobleman“Watches & Wristwatches, Collection of a European Nobleman”
Auction LocationLondon, Knightsbridge“London, Knightsbridge”
Sale Dates7 – 20 April 2017, 10:00 BST“7 – 20 April 2017, 10:00 BST”

Visible details

  • Circular light-toned dial with stylized Arabic numerals
  • Outer closed minute track
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock
  • Dial signed 'BULOVA' below 12 o'clock
  • Gilt hour and minute hands
  • Gold-toned case featuring ornate scrolled lugs
  • Fitted with a black crocodile-embossed leather strap
  • Slight surface spotting visible on the dial

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber and case dimensions are not reported by the source
  • Case back and movement are not visible in the provided photograph
  • Circa 1940 date is source-reported and not independently verified

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Bonhams : Bulova. A gold plated manual wind wristwatch Circa 1940

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 7463b5b4f8

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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