1949 10k RGF Bulova His Excellency AA Factory Special Tenpin bowling dial, cal 10BH
 
A very rare and collectable 1949 Bulova watch with Bulova factory special order, ten pin bowling dial, with hand painted numerals. 
 
The dial can only be truly appreciated under a loupe. The hand painted pin numerals are expertly designed with shading and a rich tone, creating a 3D effect.
 
Only 3 examples have been noted, with it agreed that this is a factory created dial, not aftermarket. This makes this model a very rare and interesting model for Bulova collectors.
 
The watch has an excellent 21 jewel calibre 10BH movement which has been recently serviced.
The case is 10k rose gold filled an is in good condition for the age. It measures 30.5mm x 30.5mm, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 39.5mm. The case is circular, with a raised section holding the glass and framing the dial. The lugs are the centre piece of the watch, next to the dial. They are tear drop shaped, falling away from the case neatly. There is a circular piece on the lugs, creating an interesting texture and eye-catching element.  
 
The case back is in good condition for the age, with light surface scratching. There is no sign of wear to the rose gold-filled finish. It is signed “10K Gold Filled, Bulova, 49”.
 
The dial has a silvered base tone. It is signed Bulova below 12 O’clock in a neat script, whilst the hour markers consist of 10 bowling ball pins, white with red tops. These are hand painted on to the dial and they make this dial special. The complexity of the painted finish makes them appear 3D and really catches the eye. There is a bowling ball at 12 O’clock, with cut off bowling ball at 6 O’clock. There is a clear railroad track running around the outside of the dial, for the minutes. The sub-second dial is inset and is in good condition, with clear markers for 5 second periods.
 
The hands are original and of the Sword style. They are a thermally blued tone and shine brightly in the light.  The crown is original and matches the rose gold tone of the case. It is signed Bulova and has a neat coin edge finish. 
 
The watch is on an era correct Kreisler Quality U.S.A bracelet. It has a gold content of 025 which means it is gold filled. It is marked patent pending. It is of a beautiful mesh style. 
 
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial: 
The dial has a silvered base tone which is original. The dial is in good original condition, with some signs of aging to the right lower middle of the dial. However, the hand painted numerals, the signing and the minute and sub-second track are all in good condition.
 
The dial is signed Bulova below 12 O’clock in a neat script, whilst the hour markers consist of 10 bowling ball pins, white with red tops. These are hand painted on to the dial and they make this dial special. The complexity of the painted finish makes them appear 3D and really catches the eye. There is a bowling ball at 12 O’clock, with cut off bowling ball at 6 O’clock. There is a clear railroad track running around the outside of the dial, for the minutes. The sub-second dial is inset and is in good condition, with clear markers for 5 second periods.
 
Hands: 
The hands are original and of the Sword style. They are a thermally blued tone and shine brightly in the light. The sub-second hand is original and in good condition.
 
Glass: 
The crystal is a replacement which is in good condition, fitting the profile of the watch well. It has no obvious markings.
 
Crown: 
The crown is original and matches the rose gold tone of the case. It is signed Bulova and has a neat coin edge finish. It has surface scratching.
 
Case:
The case is 10k rose gold filled an is in good condition for the age. There are no signs of wear to the rose gold fill and the case is free of nicks or deep scratches. There are only. Light surface scratches. The case is circular, with a raised section holding the glass and framing the dial. The lugs are the centre piece of the watch, next to the dial. They are tear drop shaped, falling away from the case neatly. There is a circular piece on the lugs, creating an interesting texture and eye-catching element.  
 
Caseback:
The case back is in good condition for the age, with light surface scratching. There is no sign of wear to the rose gold-filled finish. It is signed “10K Gold Filled, Bulova, 49”.
 
The inside of the case back is signed “Bulova Fifth Avenue New York”.
 
Strap: 
The watch is on an era correct Kreisler Quality U.S.A bracelet. It has a gold content of 025 which means it is gold filled. It is marked patent pending. It is of a beautiful mesh style. It has some signs of wear to the clasp with light surface scratching. There is minimal sign of wear to the plating.
 
Movement:
The movement is the highest grade of the Bulova calibre 10BH. It has 21 jewels and a frequency of 18,000 BPH. 
 
The movement is in good condition and is working well, having been recently serviced. It is keeping time to +5 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 200 degrees and a beat error of 2.5 m/s.
 
Case dimensions: 
Case width: 30.5mm 
Case width with crown: 31.8mm 
Case length: 30.5mm 
Case length lug to lug: 39.5mm 
Case Depth: 9mm 
Lug width: 16mm