Bulova 1928 Roberta

Submitted by bosartis15 on April 19, 2015 - 6:43am
Manufacture Year
1928
Movement Model
5AP
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
15329
Case Serial No.
8059366
Case shape
Oval
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

Bought this ladies model some considerable number of years ago and as I have a better camera today, I attach some images.  The watch back hinges and reveals a sealed tinted glass movement cover.  I have never removed that. It keeps pretty decent time and my Wife wears it occasionally.

I've not tried to find out much about it, but maybe this is the time . . .

 

Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Bulova Watch
bosartis15
Posted April 19, 2015 - 6:49am

I had forgotten we had this Bulova - it stays in my Wife's drawer.  Took it out today, took some pictures for the forum. Obviously a cocktail watch and in pretty decent condition, I remember I bought this at an auction many years ago as a birthday present.  Keeps pretty good time and always been fascinated by the internal glass movement cover and why it was so heavily tinted glass.

bosartis15
Posted April 19, 2015 - 12:17pm

In reply to by jabs

Hey, thanks for the advertisement - it definitely seems to be the "Roberta".  So nice to have a model name.

1955mercury
Posted April 19, 2015 - 11:38am

Hi Bosartis15. The cover you're referrring to is not actually glass. It's a very thin acrylic platic material. These turn a yellowish color from age. I love the filagre band on your watch. Those are becoming more valuable than the watches themselves.

bosartis15
Posted April 19, 2015 - 12:22pm

In reply to by 1955mercury

The filigree bracelet is expandable though one segment has obviously been replaced or added at some time as it's almost the same but not quite.  But it connects and snaps on as it should.

Daca102090
Posted April 19, 2015 - 11:57am

The movement dust shield predates acrylic plastic by a few years.

This is actually nitro cellulose which is the same as film stock of the time.

You can tell that it is original as the ones made by/for Bulova have those circles in the center.

If these have been replaced then they won't have that circle and are probably plastic or vinyl.

1955mercury
Posted April 19, 2015 - 12:00pm

In reply to by Daca102090

Good info Daca. I did not know that. I always assumed the circle was from a gear rubbing it.

bosartis15
Posted April 19, 2015 - 12:29pm

In reply to by Daca102090

Very interesting info and thanks.  I too thought the circles might be caused by rubbing, though I could not see how.  The fact it is not glass explains the yellowing and that it's also original gives me some satisfaction as it's always nice to have a model that's as it was when produced and in such good condition too.

William Smith
Posted April 20, 2015 - 2:23pm

In reply to by Daca102090

Yea the detail info for the two Bulova dust-tite cover patents specifies its cellulose...I'm pretty sure.

JP
Posted April 19, 2015 - 2:30pm

28 Roberta