Bulova 1930 -Unknown

Submitted by Geoff Baker on March 18, 2011 - 4:36pm
Manufacture Year
1930
Movement Model
9AT
Movement Date Code
Omega
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
313261
Case Serial No.
0229703
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
glass dome
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I purchased this watch from Timemachines (Mike) recently and am updating the record. It's the same "Unknown" watch we had before with a couple new photos and some new specs. I've changed the year due to the updated serial number (mis-stamped "0" leading) and because there is a second hand stamped Omega date code on the movement above the cresent moon original date code.

There are two known examples of this amazing watch, the1930 Bulova cover of the iconic Piping Rock.

Ownership and Model Year updated 5/12/2013 - previous year was recorded as 1928. Photos Update 5/10/23

Following is Mike's original description:  "I have had this watch 20 years and just decided to fix her up, I have no idea of the model name, nor can I find any old ads, or pictures of it.  This watch may have been for a different world market, or one of a few prototypes ever made. The watch looks like a Hamilton Piping Rock with hinged lugs, black porcelain bezal, Rodium plated case, marked "Bulova Quality pat. Jan. 11, 1927" Comments , and research welcome.  Thanks  Mike"

Geoffrey Baker 1930 Bulova Unknown Piping Rock Watch 1   5/10/23
Geoffrey Baker 1930 Bulova Unknown Piping Rock Watch 2   5/10/23
Geoffrey Baker 1930 Bulova Unknown Piping Rock Watch 3   5/10/23
Geoffrey Baker 1930 Bulova Unknown Piping Rock Watch 14  5/10/23
Geoffrey Baker 1930 Bulova Unknown Piping Rock Watch    5/10/23
Geoffrey Baker 1930 Bulova Unknown Piping Rock Watch 6  5/10/23
OldTicker
Posted May 12, 2013 - 11:26pm

Nice addition Geoff!

I am sure Mike is happy to know that it has a good home...

bobbee
Posted October 23, 2014 - 4:34pm

I've been looking for an advert for this one, but the nearest I found is this new Westfield model, similar to their Air King but more like the Bulova and Hamilton Piping Rock.

 

William Smith
Posted October 23, 2014 - 6:54pm

We keep searching.  At least we know its all Bulova.  

mybulova_admin
Posted September 4, 2021 - 11:59pm

Many many moons ago, we had several discussions around the possibility of a Bulova style 'Piping Rock' watch sushas the subject watch.

We were never able to confirwith an advert one way ot another, but the general consensus was that Bulova dod in deed produce such a watch....model name unknown.

Today I found this advert and whilst once again it does not show a model name, and the name on the dial doesn't look like BULOVA, it was listed as a large panel advert showing 'all' Bulova watches

The watch shown looks to also have inlaid enamel in the lugs, something our local examples don't have. But looking at the engraving patterns, they are very Bulova in style.

Price point is about right as well for a Bulova watch.

Could this be a missing piece of the puzzle?

Thoughts on the dial name.

1928 Bulova Piping Rock style

Advert from San Bernardino Sun, Volume 63, Number 58, 28 October 1928

Bernardino Sun, Volume 63, Number 58, 28 October 1928

Geoff Baker
Posted September 5, 2021 - 9:20pm

I do note the the watch in the advert had enamel on the lug section of the watch which is not present on the subject watch. I would also note that the Hamilton Piping Rock did NOT have that enamel. I sure wish I knew what it says on that dial.