Bulova Minute Man Watch Gallery
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Lt. Scott's watch was purchased on eBay in September 2021.
1943 Bulova Minute Man
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Sometime in 1943 – perhaps on his visit to New York City – Lt. Scott purchased a 10kt gold 21-jewel Bulova Minute Man watch. The watch cost around $34 in 1943 ($750 in 2021; a Lieutenant's monthly salary was about $175).
On the back of the watch, Scott had his name and his unique Army Officer Service Number engraved:
“Lt. Monroe A. Scott ~ O1894790 ~ U.S.A”.
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Bulova produced the "Curvex-style" Minute Man from 1937 through 1943; after that, it was replaced was a rectangular case. They continued to produce a Minute Man style through the 1970s. The elongated case was curved to comfortably fit on your wrist -- and was a copy of the very popular Gruen Curvex style; it is 43mm long by 22mm wide.
Monroe's watch featured a 21-jewel Bulova 7AP movement, code dated to 1940. The dial was badly water damaged and the second hand was missing; the movement did not run. I replaced the original, non-working 1940 Bulova 7AP movement with a working 1937 7AP 17-jewel donor movement.
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The original WW2 leather watch strap was cracked and worn beyond repair; I was able to replace it with an identical WW2 Army-issued "new old stock" leather band.