I've been researching a 1950's unknown model and heading in a direction:
In the 1950's famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright was either commissioned by or was a customer of Bulova, most likely both. I beleive this unknown model may be His piece, available in Gents and a smaller matching Ladies version.
*The image used was a piece belonging to Mr. Wayne Hanley, there are others in the 'unknown' database.
I will be using this column to update findings, any help and all comments are appreciated.
ML.
Well done Bob....you found the exact location!!!!
Looking at the photo above with the guys around the clock and the ladder in the background, I'd say for sure that this is the location.
Here a photo of the shop behind the guys pictured. Same location as Bob points out.
Philiadelphia and Frank Lloyd Wright are connected through a Chapter of The American Institute of Architects and the Beth Shalom Synagogue is one of His Designs there.
Frank Lloyd Wright also built a Famous Home here in Pennsylvana named Fallingwater for Edgar Kaufmann Jr the Son of a Philladelphia Department Store Tycoon.
......the first television commercial ever broadcast in the United States. At 2:29pm on July 1, 1941, when the Bulova Watch Company paid $9 to New York City NBC affiliate WNBT (now WNBC) for a 20-second spot aired before a baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies. It simply displayed a Bulova watch over a map of the U.S., with a voiceover of the company's slogan "America runs on Bulova time!"
Is WNBT (WNBC) in Philadelphia, what's Bulova Watch Co's connection with Philadelphia?
The connection has been established Plainsmen, we're trying to Name the Watch at this point.
Frank Lloyd Wright had His hands in the design of Boluva Corporate Center in Queens NY.
"Further into the building there’s an unusual foyer, which resembles none other than the inside of a large clock. I don’t know its history or meaning, but when I do, I’ll include the information here.
The atrium provides an aesthetically interesting experience with skylights, the soothing sounds of water and Frank Lloyd Wright partitions of space. In places it can provide a momentary escape experience if you let go why you’re there [likely on business] and let the ambiance enjoin your senses."
http://www.queensbuzz.com/bulova-corporate-center-cms-618
THIS WOULD BE THE COMMISSION MENTIONED IN THE ORIGINAL POST.
In reply to The connection has been by FifthAvenueRes…
I don't think we've stablished a connection at all other than an idea run wild. No documentation at all on your connection other than it "could be".
I don't know what sort of scientific method you use, but I've never seen a hypothesis proved theory with... "could be".
Believe me when I tell you I track down things all the time for a living... I wouldn't bring your "proof" of a connection before any offical I know.
Now if you find something more than a "looks like it" ie even an old watchmaker/salesmen saying it has a connection that would at least give it a bit more credibility rather than what your doing now.
I'm not saying it's not... I'm just saying I don't think you've made a solid connection of anything with what you've shown so far other than eagerness.
Yes exactly. I'm obsessed with naming this watch. I asked NAWCC forum, 54 views no reply. Posted on Collectors Weekly, one reply not much help. Sent email to Atiques Roadshow " expert " no reply. Sent email to watch museum, no reply. Sent letter to Bulova case and bracelet dept. via U.S. mail, waiting for reply but not holding much hope for any help from them.
Bob
In reply to Yes exactly. I'm obsessed by Bob Bruno
Bob,
I'm going to try the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation direct.
I found this line of text several pages into a web search, the link to the text didn't work but, the text exits. Somewhere.
'...... made by Bulova for important customers like Charles Lindberg, Frank Lloyd Wright ...'
* The facts so far:
Frank Lloyd Wright has been connected to Bulova Watch Co.
Bulova Watch Co has been connected to Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Bulova Watch Time Neon Clock has been connected to the Guggenheim Museum.
The Watch's are connected to the Bulova Watch Time Neon Clock.
** Another point or points of interest for those who Own the Watch:
Pay attention to the raised Triangular shapes of the Hour markers AND the 'portholes' below on the Watch Bezel.
These shapes match the shapes used within the Glass Dome of the Guggenheim Musuem and the lights around its perimeter line up with the portholes on the Watch.
The Watch's Design has been connected to the Guggenheim Museum.
The Guggenheim Museum Design is connected to Frank Lloyd Wright.
If You have any related information to share please do so as I'd present the evidence to Date before a non-partial jury of My peers any Day, eagerly.
Let's find the Name of a Watch set shall We...
ML
Hopefully we do find it. There are sure enough of them around but man as far as I can tell they sure weren't advertised very well. Not a lot of tradtional advertisements anyway! I'm not finding them in any of the old catalogs for the early 50's.
I just picked up a woman's case but no movment. I'm going to need to pick up a 6BO movement with matching L2 numbers and snag me a redial to have another example of the women's version.
There's a few on ebay but $25 bucks for just the movement seems somewhat steep and I'll watch around for a woman's junker with the same movement I think.
Good luck to everyone on this ID! It' sure a stumper so far... and thanks for all your work on it so far Mark. You and Bob have sure taken the bull by the horns on this one!
We'll find it eventually I'm hoping.
Plains, your right about no ad's. I went to an antique store yesterday looking for 50's magazines hoping to find a ad. Of course I didn't. The only ad I've ever seen is this one that doesn't mention the name.
Posted a picture of the watch on my website and asked if anyone could id it, I don't get much traffic on my site. Only 4 or 5 hits per day so not expecting much help there.
Bob
Below are some images of the Frank Lloyd Wright designed section of Bulova Watch Corporate Headquarters in Queens New York which underwent renovation between the Years 1950 - 1953 converting the structure from a Manufacturing facility to Office space.
These Dates coincide with the production Dates of the Watches.
The spiral staircases are interesting as Art is displayed on each wall, a copy of the spiral walkways design within the Guggenheim Museum.
The images on the Walls depict ancient Architechts Designing and Manufacturing Time measuring devices.
Fascinating.
Does the Sundial in the photograph above look familiar?
The Atrium within Bulova Corporate Center: Lots of natural light, an indoor Waterfall and running Water. - a concept used in the Kaufmann Home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Fallingwater.
In 1951 Ardi Bulova presented this Sundial to the Queens Botanical Gardens in Queens NY.
ML
http://atlanticneon.com/Atlantic%20Neon%20Company.htm
Vintage Neon Signs:
Custom Neon Signs in a Retro Style
Reproductions of Vintage Neon Signs
Probably reproduce the Bulova sign from pictures.
Appologies if this is a double post, but came across this again on the Bulova website. I knew I had seen it somewhere before.
Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) is recognized as one of the greatest architects of the twentieth century. Using innovations in design and engineering made possible by newly developed technology and materials, his work heralded a new thinking in architecture, stressing "organic" structures in harmony with their natural surroundings.
Bulova's award-winning Frank Lloyd Wright® Collection honors this American genius with an exceptional group of clocks including tabletop and wall models, as well as a number of uniquely stylish watches. Each style is part of the Frank Lloyd Wright Decorative Designs Collection®, certified by The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Taliesin West, Scottsdale, Arizona.
These products are part of the Frank Lloyd Wright Decorative Designs Collection®. A portion of the sales of these products supports the design and education programs of The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Taliesin West, Scottsdale, Arizona. ©1999 - 2003 The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, All Rights Reserved.
I gaher we have all seen this: http://www.allamericanwatches.com/site/626101/product/96A104
This piece of Art from an interior wall of the Bulova Corporate headquaters in Queens is key.
Again it depicts use of the Sun, a natural resource, as an aid for measuring Time.
Dated to the time of the Frank Lloyd Wright renovation design. 1950 - 1953, which ties in with the Watches production Dates.
The Sundial looks very familar.
After contacting Miriam Franco of the Bulova case and bracelet department about our mystery watch, this is the information she sent me. Both watches are examples from 1955. #31771 with the white dial is a BERKSHIRE. #31783 with the black dial is a AIR KING. Of course Bulova would have two names for the same watch, but at least we have some names to work with.
Bob
In reply to After contacting Miriam by Bob Bruno
In reply to Nice work Bob !! not the by FifthAvenueRes…
In reply to Thanks Mark. Maybe a design by Bob Bruno
In reply to stupid question, but any by FifthAvenueRes…
Plains I don't know how she came up with the info? When I spoke with her on the phone she explained to me that when they moved their office they loaded all thier records into two trucks. One of the trucks contents was lost in the move. Hence the pre 1960 info is gone! I thought that was the end of it but then she called back and left a message that she found something and was sending it by mail. I didn't know untill today that she actually found a couple of names. I wonder if Stephen will consider this enough evidence to add these name to the database?
Bob
In reply to Plains I don't know how she by Bob Bruno
In reply to Dude.... it's from Bulova.... by plainsmen
Hats off to you Bob!
Great Job! and now you have a contact in the Bulova Corp., maybe someone that can help out down the road! I'll send you a couple bucks and I am sure others here will chip in so you can send Miriam some flowers and a box of chocolates for her trouble!! just PM your mailing address...kindness and appreciation can get one far in this world.
Maybe she has enough clout to get the people at Bulova to take notice of this site and help out.
Thank you Bob,
Greg
Bob, hats off!!!
I was astonished to read that Bulova actually were able to help. I guess it's just a matter of asking the right person at the right time.
Ms Miriam Franco, if you are reading this. Thank you!
Having someone in the Bulova Corporation willing to help is just what we need.
Whilst the connection to FLW still remains uncertain, it is truelly wonderful that we have been finally able to identify this model. My guess is that the ladies was named the same.
Well done again Bob for making the call to Bulova and thank you once again to Ms Miriam Franco for going the extra mile.
Top job by all!
In reply to Bob, hats off!!! I was by mybulova_admin
In reply to I still wonder why these by GVP
GJ, I agree the bezels do look like black enamel. The only thing I can come up with is it is a small design change. The watches used in the examples from Bulova are 1955 models. I've never seen one of these models past 1953. I would love to see an actual 1955 model.
Bob
In reply to Bob, hats off!!! I was by mybulova_admin
update:
At the foot of the following linked page below the 'Paypal button' You will find a connection between famed Architect Mr Frank Llloyd Wright and Turner Construction Company, the Builder of Bulova Corporate Center.
http://www.pierce-arrow.com/FLW%20development%20fund.htm
Not much I know, but something....Turner Construction Co. also gives a connection to Philadelphia.
Update.
*Noting the hyperlink posted 3/31/2012 at 4:15PM is no longer functional.
I recently came across a wonderful site dedicated to illustrating the known works of FLW http://www.trianglemodernisthouses.com/wright.htm one of the more interesting entries relating to this matter below.
image and text courtesy of triangle modernist houses
It's difficult to deny any influence of FLW's design concepts within Bulova Corporate Center and there is an established connection between Frank Lloyd Wright and the Builder.
Want some more grist for the mill?? There is a dealer on ebay that has bunches of FLW Clocks and Watches, all bulova. The name is sweetpeaches517. Go to item number 261044284952 which is the person with one of the three clocks,he sold the other two. When you get there select see other.
Here is a link to every piece of architecture Wright ever designed or collaborated in and there is no mention of the bulova headquarters anywhere even in the posthumous works.http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&ved=0CEoQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FList_of_Frank_Lloyd_Wright_works&ei=C9rGUauvMMnePd7fgfAH&usg=AFQjCNGrMioLOyROPJV8Q3V9w0SNmWRJ8w&sig2=__LkJPyt-InSBTL7vv6mHw&bvm=bv.48293060,d.ZWU
Wright was a genius of design although some of his work is a little bit chocolate box like.
Thanks for Your input Bob.
There are potentially 100's of unknown works of FLW with new ones being discovered almost Yearly. http://allwrightsite.net/flwbuild.html
The Foyer and Atrium of Bulova Corporate Center are all FLW, or FLW inspired.
The notion in a similar thread onsite was that the Builder of Bulova Corporate Center today had no knowledge of any FLW involvement. Documentation now shows the original Builder was in fact an associate of Mr Frank Lloyd Wright.
? Bob? is this some kind of joke?
"The notion in a similar thread onsite was that the Builder of Bulova Corporate Center today had no knowledge of any FLW involvement. Documentation now shows the original Builder was in fact an associate of Mr Frank Lloyd Wright."
Your statement mentions words from this thread.http://www.mybulova.com/node/2252
and the bit you refer to.
"Just to tie up a loose thread from earlier, I made contact with the current owner/manager/renovator of the Bulova building in Queens. According to Mr. Ed Blumenfeld of Blumenfeld Development Group, the building was designed by Alexander Crosett.
Mr. Blumenfeld stated that the most recent renovations to the building by his company, "held the integrity of his [Mr. Crosett's] design and improved upon the interior design."
That link you made is ancient from 1996 and nothing new found.
In reply to Just wanted to share our by boo8967
In reply to Just wanted to share our by boo8967