First Calendar Model Bulova

Submitted by DreamWeaver on April 9, 2012 - 7:55pm

Does anyone know the first calendar watch year, model, and/or movement? Just curious about it....I don't see any listed in ads in the early fifties but I'm sure they came out then.

OldTicker
Posted April 9, 2012 - 11:00pm

1960 is the first year for a Calender in the ad's we have, and none in the database prior to 1960, so I would have to say 1960 would be the first year for a factory watch, anything earlier than that would probably be a Frankenbully.

DreamWeaver
Posted April 9, 2012 - 11:33pm

Hmmm...what about the 1956 23 Calendar http://www.mybulova.com/node/2928 ?

I think there was also a 1955 and 1957 model of the 23 Calendar posted in a previous forum too.

 I have a 1951 Calendar model, 21J 10BMCD. I didn't see a 10BMCD in the database. I was just curious whether it was a rarity of not. It might well be one of the earliest calendar models based on your feedback. Thanks!

 

OldTicker
Posted April 9, 2012 - 11:47pm

I remember that one, its not in the watch database, its in the forms...

The only date stamp shown on that one is of the caseback, not the movement, so unless both are correct and proven, it is not a confirmed Bulova model...not saying they didn't make one pre 1960, but the proof is in the pudding.

If you have a 1951 21J with the calendar provision, by all means post it, take good pictures of the case, caseback, movement, ect...We would love to have a peek at it!

DreamWeaver
Posted April 10, 2012 - 12:18am

I'm not so good at the photography but I'll try. Thanks for your comments.

NOVA
Posted June 9, 2012 - 1:44pm

This new 1952 Bulova-produced ad shows a calendar watch.

jcmurp
Posted June 11, 2012 - 10:32pm

So, I am the one that the above post refers to and I can say that the watch is marked on the movement as well, I will try to get the watch back from my uncle who has it and take a closer picture of the movement. http://www.mybulova.com/node/2928

Actually, If you look closely you can see the L5 on the movement below

 

"Just tryin to help a fella out"

 

 

William Smith
Posted June 11, 2012 - 11:01pm

Good answers.  An ad indicating 1952.  A movement w/ pic showing L5.  and I hear a 1951 example is rumored to exist.  -couldn't resist DreamWeaver :)

NOVA
Posted June 11, 2012 - 11:09pm

Yes, I've seen a hint of that 1951 Calendar watch and keep hoping it will appear soon.  I'm very curious to know what it looks like, i.e., the 1952 ad above or yet another new model?

DreamWeaver
Posted June 12, 2012 - 2:30pm

I have the movement but no case...that's why I haven't posted it. It's as I described, a 21J 10BMCD. The dial is exactly the same as above...has a red-lined date box and same gold numbering and dotted patern. Now I have an idea what case it belongs to...thanks! DW

DarHin
Posted June 12, 2012 - 2:26pm

DW, can you add your 10BMCD (with pic) to the Movement DB? It will be the first. Thanks.

DreamWeaver
Posted June 12, 2012 - 2:34pm

Second hand is broken...but only a minor detail. Runs great! I would love to find a case to park her in if anyone has one or comes across one :-)

NOVA
Posted June 12, 2012 - 2:37pm

Sure looks like a match to that 1952 ad to me.  1951 manufacture date, 1952 advertisement.  Perfect.

mybulova_admin
Posted June 13, 2012 - 1:49am

How about one from 1932.... Stay tuned.

DreamWeaver
Posted June 13, 2012 - 3:10am

I guess all these new revelations seriously challange the original response from Old Ticker that any calendar prior to 1960 would be a frankenbully! It goes to show...when you think you've seen it all....you haven't....and keep an open mind because all kinds of anomolies that are authentic are out there. "17 Jewels" on dials comes to mind....

mybulova_admin
Posted June 13, 2012 - 5:42am

Here is my 1932 Bulova watch which I believe is a proto-type and quite possible one of Bulova's earliest calendar/day watches.

1932 Bulova Proto-type calendar watch

The movement is a genuine 17 jewelled 10AC (note the C) with a 1932 (T) date stamp along with a diamond stamp (not normally seen) on the movement. The movement serial number is 575800 and is unadjusted, marked SWISS.

The interesting thing about this watch is the case. It is only stamp "Bulova Quality" on the inside. No 1927 Patent date (yes it has the dust cover) and no case serial number. It has a bunch of jewelers markings so was maintained.

My camera battery died as I was taking these photos. I do have some more taken on my iPhone, including a video of the the date wheel in action. From what I can see and from my experience with dealing with 1920/30 Bulova movements it's all legit.

It's worth noting that this watch was once discussed a few years back and was the reason this site introduced the policy of not discussing active eBay watches.

Our missing (but much loved) member Wayne Hanley outbid me on this watch, but was generous enough to donate it to myBulova.com as an example of what Bulova were doing at the time when it came to R&D. I saw straight away when it was first advertised on eBay that it was something truely unique.

At the moment it's having balance wheel issues and will not run past a few swings. I'm hoping to take it to a local experience/trained watch repairer as I've been unable with my limited resources and talent to get it properly ticking again.

Once I get the camera working again or if I can get the photos and video off my iPhone I will post more under a new  watch listing.

Would love to hear thoughts and comments from members.

Stephen

vintagebulova.com
Posted June 13, 2012 - 7:00am

This is indeed a VERY interesting find.  I would love to see the date mechanism under the dial. If it is what we think it is, a one off Bulova prototype, I would just leave it alone.

Jay

http://vintagebulova.com

 

mybulova_admin
Posted June 13, 2012 - 8:10am

1932 Bulova Proto-type Date watch

1932 Bulova Proto-type Date watch

1932 Bulova Proto-type Date watch

Whilst Wayne donated the watch to the site is was also in part payment for servicing/restoration of a number of his 1920/30s Bulova watches that I did.

I'll try and add the video now.

Stephen

 

 

bobbee
Posted June 13, 2012 - 10:35am

Very nice, admin. Do you have any trouble with the date turning over correctly? The pin looks very close to the edge of the date ring teeth. If so, perhaps a collar over the pin would fix it? Love to see the video!

mybulova_admin
Posted June 13, 2012 - 5:53pm

In reply to by bobbee

Date wheel function works perfectly. Once I get the video compressed you'll be able to see it in action.

I'm looking forward to bringing this one back to life. It's sat in my 'to fix' pile long enough I think.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted June 13, 2012 - 12:12pm

Nice one Stephen. 

DreamWeaver
Posted June 13, 2012 - 12:35pm

Maybe I'm wrong...but it looks like a Sky King case? Interesting watch! I wonder why Bulova waited 20 years - until 1952 - to launch a Calendar model watch after this Swiss-made prototype? Did it take them 20 years to develop their own capacity for producing a calendar movement in the 10BMCD (note it's a "Made in USA" model movement)...which they then dropped for another eight years before they started mass-producing Calendar watches and movements in the 60's. By the 70's they started adding the day and date display function. 

DreamWeaver
Posted June 13, 2012 - 1:33pm

I stand corrected...I knew I'd seen that bezel design before. 

bobbee
Posted June 13, 2012 - 5:59pm

Extremely cool watch. A piece of history!

Reverend Rob
Posted June 14, 2012 - 7:19am

An FHF 32 with a fully granted patent for the date disc,  otherwise should be stamped "Brevet Depose". Maybe they weren't popular? According to Doc's site, The FHF 32 was prepped for date much later and called the 351, however, that was a much more modern movt, and ran at 21,600. This one is the original configuration, and it may be a prototype indeed. It's a mystery as to why we don't then see more date watches following this. 

timerestoration
Posted June 14, 2012 - 12:44pm

From a Swartchild & Co Catalog dated 1935

mybulova_admin
Posted June 15, 2012 - 12:36am

In reply to by timerestoration

These are awesome!

Why oh why didn't Bulova make more of these?

mybulova_admin
Posted June 15, 2012 - 12:33am

In reply to by timerestoration

Oh wow I'm lovin this image.
ST can you read the serial number on the movement shown. Looks to be a close match for the watch I have 575600.

William Smith
Posted June 15, 2012 - 12:38am

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Me too.  Wonder how many pages of the catalog are Bulova?  And are there images of any/some/most of the model names on the list here:

http://www.mybulova.com/node/4608    This is the source catalog of this list.

DreamWeaver
Posted June 14, 2012 - 1:02pm

Now that wandering seconds calendar is cool! Where can I find a Series 701V? LOL Seriously...why also did the wandering seconds not appear until 1934 too? And with only a 21 jewel 10AN? This 10AC was a fifteeen jewel with a wandering seconds. Makes me think there are other movement variants of the wandering seconds model.