The "VARIANT" part deux

Submitted by FifthAvenueRes… on August 12, 2012 - 5:49pm

There is an archived discussion about the 'Variant' which I would like to resurrect.

What is a 'Variant' You may ask. - To keep it simple a variant is a variation or a different version of something basically the same.

There has been discussion in the past of the possibility within some of the early Bulova model lines that the strap or bracelet the Watch was sold on could effect the designated variant. "A", "B", "C" etc.

A new ad has come to light which bolsters this concept. Dated 1937 the ad appeared in the Saturday evening post and in its entirety shows several models, one in particular being the 'MINUTE MAN'.

In the ad 'snippet' above We see in the upper right corner the 'MINUTE MAN' "B" a Watch on a Leather strap. Below We see the 'MINUTE MAN' "C" an identical Watch, but now shown on a link bracelet.

The full ad has been forwarded to admin for publication in the database.

vintagebulova.com
Posted August 12, 2012 - 7:48pm

The issue is what do we call an example, as most of them are, that doesn't have an original band?  In this case it's easy, The Minute Man.  But what if the watch instead of having a letter variant has a different name depending on the band?  Case in point The Lady Berkshire and The Carla which are in the same ad with different bands.

Jay

http://vintagebulova.com

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted August 12, 2012 - 9:41pm

Jay,

The extent of the phenom You point out is unknown at time of posting as all of the ads aren't in, and may never be.

The only thing We can do is observe and apply diligence on a Case by Case basis .

IMO ads showing 2 identical Watches named differently with the strap being the only difference published within a Year or so are hinting at the dilemma.

 

For the record I have never stated that a Watch should be on its original band, that's just crazy, but if the 'variant' a member is trying to enter a Watch into the database as does not match the ad 100% - Case, Dial, Movement and Band then the variant letter should be dropped and a generic Model entry made.

JP
Posted August 13, 2012 - 12:45am

Based on this new information I would have to agree with Mark that the band does play into the variant senerio.

William Smith
Posted August 13, 2012 - 1:37am

I think it comes into play on more than this example. 

bobbee
Posted August 13, 2012 - 4:20am

Hmm, we already have the "B" and " C" Minuteman variant in the 1938 ads, next to last one, as I pointed this out to you in a PM exactly a month ago Mark.

bobbee
Posted August 14, 2012 - 7:25am

Looks like you need a little help, again. Read the bumf on the Senator at the bottom of the ad.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted August 14, 2012 - 7:38am

?

ad states

SENATOR "A" - Leather strap.

SENATOR "G" - Same on Gold filled expansion band w Leather center. 

 

bobbee
Posted August 14, 2012 - 8:08am

Well, it supports you theory doesn't it?

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted August 14, 2012 - 8:33am

Yes, it certainly does Bob and IMO is no longer a theory, it's fact.

bobbee
Posted August 14, 2012 - 8:36am

But not for ALL variant numbers.

mybulova_admin
Posted August 14, 2012 - 8:45am

This should now be a well known fact that the mount can and effect the model variant. This does not apply to all models but the fact of the matter is that is does make a difference to some models...and that is fact enough.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted August 14, 2012 - 8:52am

Dunno about that one Bob as more info/research is needed, so far the Models confirmed affected include the late 1930's 'MINUTE MAN', mid/late 1930's 'AMERICAN CLIPPER', 1940's 'SENATOR' and more.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted May 1, 2013 - 1:37pm

 

We also know at this point that in some instances the 'mount', wether it be a Leather strap, link bracelet or expansion band, can affect the Model name.

Carry on.....

bobbee
Posted May 1, 2013 - 2:00pm

I don't get how that example affects the model name?

bobbee
Posted May 1, 2013 - 2:05pm

I don't get how that example affects the model name?
EDIT:- I get it, you think it is a "Senatora".
Typo, should read Senator "A".

William Smith
Posted May 1, 2013 - 4:01pm

aha yes the Senatora  - most likely a typo, but I still get the general idea that for this model at this time, we have other ads demonstrating that the mount can make a difference......Wish we had more Bulova internal price lists to cross reference.  Readers keep checking the basements of local long-time jewelry stores and asking if folks have seen any of them.  They are not as useful as ads or catalogs, but are pretty handy for noting the number of variants of a line.