Bulova Stepped Case 'Tank'

The 1940s represented a golden era for American watch design. As manufacturers embraced the streamlined aesthetics of the Art Deco and Moderne movements, wristwatches evolved from simple instruments into expressions of style and sophistication. Few companies captured this transition better than Bulova, whose watches combined elegant design, dependable mechanics, and a distinctly American sense of refinement.

This handsome Bulova dress watch dates to that period and showcases many of the details that have made the brand's pre-war and post-war models enduring collector favorites. Crafted in 14k yellow gold, the watch features a beautifully proportioned rectangular "Tank" case distinguished by stepped gadrooned detailing at both the top and bottom. These architectural flourishes lend depth and character to the case while reinforcing its unmistakably Deco-inspired profile.

The black dial provides a dramatic backdrop for the stylized Arabic numerals, whose flowing forms seem to dance across the surface. Time is indicated by elegant gold-tone hands, while a recessed small-seconds register at six o'clock adds visual balance and period-correct charm. Decades of aging have softened the dial's appearance, creating the kind of character and authenticity that collectors prize in vintage watches.

Powering the watch is a manually wound mechanical movement, preserving the tactile ritual that defined watch ownership during the era. It is paired with a black lizard strap and gold-tone pin buckle, a combination that perfectly complements the warmth of the gold case and the richness of the dark dial.

Today, watches such as this serve as reminders of Bulova's remarkable contribution to twentieth-century watchmaking. With its sculptural stepped case, striking black dial, and classic small-seconds display, this 1940s example captures the elegance and optimism of an era when wristwatches were becoming true objects of design.

The story of Bulova is deeply entwined with American manufacturing. Its founder, a Czech immigrant named Joseph Bulova, was inspired by the advances that Ford made in his factory in Highland Park, Michigan. In 1912, Bulova built a factory in Biel, Switzerland, using Ford’s principles of mass production.

The brand was among the first to offer a wide range of wristwatches for men, with a distinctive visual style that — thanks to its innovative adoption of advertising and a relocation to Astoria, Queens — became fixed in the American imagination. Bulova took over offices in a skyscraper on 5th Avenue in Manhattan and installed an observatory on the roof in order to measure universal time. In the workshop down below, watchmakers timed the watches they were working on against readings taken in the observatory.

The watches that Bulova produced were varied, from handsome three-handers to divers and even chronographs. Bulova produced its first chronographs in the 1940s — single-button affairs with screw-on bezels. Throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70's, Bulova honed its mastery of such watches.

However, perhaps the brand’s single most important innovation was 1960’s Accutron, a timepiece that used an electric tuning fork in place of a traditional balance wheel. Following on the heels of the Hamilton Electric of 1957, the Accutron featured a guaranteed accuracy of two seconds per day — much better accuracy than that of a contemporary mechanical watch. (The Accutron line was later spun off and relaunched as its own brand in 2020.)

In 1971 a Bulova chronograph accompanied the crew of Apollo 15 into space. When the crystal on astronaut David Scott’s Speedmaster popped off, he strapped on his Bulova, making it the only privately worn watch to ever have been worn on the Moon. (It was subsequently auctioned off for more than $1.625M.)

Currently owned by Citizen Group and headquartered in New York City, Bulova continues to make watches inspired by its long American heritage.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.