Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Art deco tonneau wristwatch

Bulova Spartan wristwatch, cal. 10AN

Partially verified

This tonneau-cased Bulova Spartan wristwatch is dated by the seller to 1928 and reported with serial number 17145S1. The silver-toned metal case measures 27.4 mm across and 39 mm lug-to-lug, fitted to an open-link metal bracelet. The light-toned dial displays Art Deco Arabic numerals, a railroad minute track, cathedral-style hands, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. According to the seller, the case back is marked 'BULOVA 14K Rolled Gold Plate Bezel American Standard 17145S1', housing a Swiss-made, 15-jewel manual-wind Bulova caliber 10AN movement adjusted to four positions.

Bulova Spartan tonneau wristwatch with aged dial, sub-seconds dial, and metal link bracelet
Bulova Spartan tonneau wristwatch with aged dial, sub-seconds dial, and metal link bracelet — Second Hand Horology. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Wristwatch · Art deco tonneau wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Bulova
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-1827
Source-reported date
1928
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
17145S1

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 and Bracelet Construction

The watch features a tonneau-shaped case measuring 27.4 mm in width (30 mm including the crown), 39 mm lug-to-lug, and 8.7 mm in thickness, with a 15 mm lug width. The seller transcribes the case markings as "BULOVA 14K Rolled Gold Plate Bezel American Standard 17145S1" and describes it as having a "fancy lug design with Art Deco engraved, all in 14K rolled gold plated".

Direct visual inspection shows a tonneau-shaped silver-colored metal case fitted with an open-link metal bracelet. The seller listing also notes that it is paired with a "vintage silver tone bracelet that It will fit a wrist up to 7\" (17.8 cm)".

Evidence for this section
  • “Case 27.4 Case with Crown 30 Case Lug to Lug 39 Case Thickness 8.7 Lug Width 15”
  • “BULOVA 14K Rolled Gold Plate Bezel American Standard 17145S1”
  • “fancy lug design with Art Deco engraved, all in 14K rolled gold plated”
  • “Tonneau-shaped silver-colored metal case fitted with an open-link metal bracelet.”
  • “vintage silver tone bracelet that It will fit a wrist up to 7" (17.8 cm)”

Dial Design and Surface Condition

The seller describes the face as an "original champagne dial (showing some age and patina)" with a "black “railroad” minute track", luminous matching hands, and a sub-second dial located at 6 o'clock.

In visible observation, the dial exhibits Art Deco Arabic numerals with dark fill and skeletonized cathedral-style hands. Prominent surface patina, flaking, and discoloration on the dial, particularly around 9 to 11 o'clock and on the subsidiary seconds counter.

Evidence for this section
  • “original champagne dial (showing some age and patina) with luminous Art Deco style Arabic Numerals, black “railroad” minute track and luminous matching hands”
  • “The sub-second is located at 6 o’clock and the dial is also signed with the Bulova name/logo.”
  • “Art Deco Arabic numerals with dark fill and skeletonized cathedral-style hands.”
  • “Prominent surface patina, flaking, and discoloration on the dial, particularly around 9 to 11 o'clock and on the subsidiary seconds counter.”

Movement and Verification Limitations

Movement specifications are documented solely from dealer claims, as the interior mechanism is not visible in the supplied frontal image. The seller records the movement text as "Bulova Watch Co. Cal. 10AN 4 ADJs 15 Jewels Swiss" and describes it as an 18,000 A/h manual-wind mechanism with a 38-hour power reserve.

The date attribution of 1928 relies entirely on the dealer's listing title and description. Neither the movement's date symbol nor the inner case back stamps can be independently confirmed from the single photograph provided.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bulova Watch Co. Cal. 10AN 4 ADJs 15 Jewels Swiss”
  • “manual wind watch powered by an original Bulova 15 jewel movement, caliber 10AN, 4 adjustments, sub-second, 38 hours power reserve, 18,000 A/h, Swiss made”
  • “1928 BULOVA Spartan Swiss Made Wristwatch”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement bridge bear a Bulova date code symbol confirming the seller's 1928 attribution?
  • Is the case stamped or composed of white rolled gold plate rather than yellow gold, accounting for its silver-toned appearance?
  • Does the interior case back include standard American Standard Watch Case Company trademarks or patent stamps?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulova Spartan wristwatch, cal. 10AN
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement CaliberCaliber 10AN“powered by an original Bulova 15 jewel movement, caliber 10AN”
Jewel Count15 Jewels“Bulova Watch Co. Cal. 10AN 4 ADJs 15 Jewels Swiss”
Case MarkingsAmerican Standard 17145S1“BULOVA 14K Rolled Gold Plate Bezel American Standard 17145S1”
Case Width27.4 mm“Measurements (mm): Case 27.4”
SKUWA-1827“SKU: WA-1827”
Case Thickness8.7 mm“Case Thickness 8.7”
Case Lug to Lug39 mm“Case Lug to Lug 39”
Lug Width15 mm“Lug Width 15”
Case Width with Crown30 mm“Case with Crown 30”
Band Width16 mm“Band Width 16”

Visible details

  • Tonneau-shaped silver-colored metal case fitted with an open-link metal bracelet.
  • Prominent surface patina, flaking, and discoloration on the dial, particularly around 9 to 11 o'clock and on the subsidiary seconds counter.
  • Art Deco Arabic numerals with dark fill and skeletonized cathedral-style hands.

Research qualifications

  • The dealer listing describes the case as '14K rolled gold plated', but the visible watch appears silver-colored (likely white rolled gold plate).
  • Movement and interior case back are not visible in the provided image; movement details are source-reported.

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

Consulted source

Shop 1928 Bulova Spartan 10AN: Vintage Art Deco Wristwatch – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3fa01805ec

Terms in this record

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

Other art deco tonneau wristwatch records