Pre-1950 Movements

From 1924 through 1949, the year of the movement can be determined from the symbol stamped on the movement. Those symbols, and the year(s) to which they correspond, are shown below. The decade must be determined by the style of the case, dial, and hands. For example, a 1930s style watch with an arrow symbol on the movement dates the movement to 1937. Movements dating prior to approx. 1933 have a serial number on the movement. Thus, the presence or absence of a movement serial number, in conjunction with the date symbol on the movement, also helps narrow down the date. Occassionally, a movement will not have a date code, and movement codes are not seen prior to 1924. In such cases, other factors and information must be used to determine the date. For more information, see Dating a Bulova.

As with all things Bulova-related, there are exceptions to the rule, and a few pre-1933 movements have been observed without serial numbers, particularly in the 10AN caliber movements. So, the existence or non-existence of a serial number is just one of many factors to be considered when dating a watch.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A9 is also a valid symbol for 1949 and has been seen numerous times on both movements and the back of cases. A8 is also a valid symbol for 1948 and has been seen on watch movements.

Pre-1950 Cases

From 1926 through 1949 (in most cases), the year of the case can be determined from the first digit of the case serial number. The decade must be determined by the style of the case, dial, and hands. For example, a 1930s style case, etc., with a serial number that begins with '1' dates to 1931. Prior to 1926, the use of case serial numbers was inconsistent, with many early model serial numbers beginning with '1' or '2' regardless of the date of manufacture. Dating Bulova watches that appear to pre-date 1926 is far more complicated and uncertain.

1950 - 2009 Cases and Movements

Starting in 1950 (with a few examples even earlier), the case and movement have a two-digit code that identifies both the decade and year within that decade according to the table below.

EXAMPLE: L2 = 1952

Free Software Serial Numbers

Free Serial Numbers