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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Military wristwatch

Bulova RAF Military Wristwatch Ref. 6B/234 A 11194

Partially verified

This military wristwatch by Bulova dates to circa 1943 and represents an Allied issue model catalogued under reference 6B/234 A 11194. According to the seller, the caseback bears dual British and American military markings. The timepiece is housed in a chrome-plated case measuring 32 mm wide and 40 mm lug-to-lug, containing a 16-jewel manual-wind calibre 539 movement. The unbranded black dial features white Arabic numerals from 1 to 12, a railway-style outer minute track, luminous-filled hands, and a centre seconds hand beneath a domed Plexiglas crystal.

Three-quarter view of the Bulova military wristwatch displaying the unbranded black dial and worn chrome-plated case
Three-quarter view of the Bulova military wristwatch displaying the unbranded black dial and worn chrome-plated case — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Wristwatch · Military wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Bulova
Reference
6B/234 A 11194
Catalogue / lot identifier
vws4107
Source-reported date
c.1943
Country
United States

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

Case Construction and Condition

The watch features a chrome-plated case measuring 32 mm in width, 40 mm lug-to-lug, and 16 mm in lug width. The exterior shows evidence of plating wear and brassing along the bezel, lugs, and edges. A large winding crown is located at the 3 o'clock position.

The timepiece is fitted with a brown leather strap. While the seller claims the caseback includes British and American military markings, these engravings are not visible in the available photographic records.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case chrome plated”
  • “Lug Height 40mm Width 32mm Lug width 16mm”
  • “Chrome-plated case exhibits visible plating wear and brassing along edges, bezel, and lugs.”

Dial and Visual Features

The dial is an unbranded matte black design featuring white Arabic numerals 1 through 12 and an outer railway-style minute track with numerals at five-minute intervals. The dial is covered by a domed Plexiglas crystal.

The watch features luminous-filled hands and a central seconds hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “Unbranded matte black dial with full Arabic numerals 1 to 12.”
  • “Outer railway minute track marked with numerals at five-minute intervals.”
  • “Crystal Plexiglass”

Mechanism and Dating

The watch utilizes a 16-jewel manual-wind Calibre 539 movement with a stated power reserve of 40 hours. The date of issue is listed as circa 1943.

Specific markings on the movement and caseback are not visible in the provided imagery, and the calibre identification is provided by the source documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre 539”
  • “Jewels 16j”
  • “Date of Issue c.1943”
  • “Power Reserve 40 Hours”

Open research questions

  • What specific caseback engravings are present to confirm dual military markings?
  • Are there internal movement markings that verify the Calibre 539, given that they are not visible in current imagery?
  • What is the historical evidence for the '6B/234' reference being dual-marked for both British and American forces?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulova RAF Military Wristwatch Ref. 6B/234 A 11194
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Model Reference6B/234 A 11194“Model Ref 6B/234 A 11194”
Calibre539“Calibre 539”
Jewels16j“Jewels 16j”
Case MaterialChrome plated“Case chrome plated”
Case DimensionsWidth 32mm, Lug Height 40mm, Lug width 16mm“Lug Height 40mm Width 32mm Lug width 16mm”
Date of Issuec.1943“Date of Issue c.1943”

Visible details

  • Unbranded matte black dial with full Arabic numerals 1 to 12.
  • Outer railway minute track marked with numerals at five-minute intervals.
  • Chrome-plated case exhibits visible plating wear and brassing along edges, bezel, and lugs.
  • Fitted with a brown leather strap featuring contrasting stitching.
  • Large winding crown positioned at 3 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • Caseback engravings and movement calibre markings are reported by the source but not visible in the provided image.

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

Consulted source

WW2 Bulova RAF - Dual Marked British and American Military - Model Ref – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 8ca6ac5c70

Terms in this record

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

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