Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Bulova Gold Filled Tank Case, Sub-Seconds, Gilt Gloss Dial, circa 1950s
- Maker / attribution
- Bulova (maker)
- Date
- c. 1950s
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- United States
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- gold filled
- Stock no.
- VWS3219cs
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (VWS3219cs)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Bulova - Gold Filled Tank Case - Sub-Seconds - Gilt Gloss Dial - circa 1950s (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number VWS3219cs), this is a wristwatch by Bulova, made in United States, dated c. 1950s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold filled. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist
Elegant Vintage Bulova Dress Wach with Gold Filled Tank Case and Gilt Numerals circa 1950s Bulova, a prominent American watch brand, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1875 by Joseph Bulova, an immigrant from Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic). Joseph Bulova opened a small jewellery shop in New York City, marking the beginning of the Bulova brand. The store quickly gained a reputation for quality and innovation in watchmaking. Bulova opened its first manufacturing plant in Biel, Switzerland, a hub for watchmaking excellence. This move allowed Bulova to combine Swiss craftsmanship with American innovation. What's on Offer A beautiful, understated piece here from Bulova, with classic lines, elegant proportions, and in beautiful condition. The ivory dial is blemish-free and the applied Arabic numerals are crisp and retain their shine. It is in very good condition considering its approximate manufacture date. Only very light signs of wear are present on the case and caseback which improves its look massively. The unique tank-style case has been excellently crafted and is gold-filled, still boasting its original factory shine. The slender proportions make for a stylish wearer that could easily be worn every day or reserved for a more dressy occasion. The watch has been treasured and looked after by its previous owner and remains in full working order. It has not been serviced by us, if you do wish for it to be serviced prior to purchasing wed be happy to do that for you.
Historical context
Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.
The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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