My grandmother was given this watch before 1950. At least that's what my father thinks. I don't know the exact date. When the jeweler opened it, he said he didn't see a symbol on the movement - nothing other than 17 jewels. He did admit that he was not a watch person and I'm afraid he didn't know what to look for. On the back of the case the references were an R or D 44529; H 3900; L 316.5. Unfortunately, I didn't know it needed to be oiled before I wound it to see if it works. It does work, but I will not wind it again. It is 14k, including band, and has 42 diamonds. Besides what the watch is worth in gold weight and diamonds, I have no clue. Thank you for letting me join your forum. My email address is [email protected]. I have paid my donation to have the watch listed for sale. I look forward to hearing from you all.
I purchased this watch from Susan to save it from the low lifes that would scrap it for the gold and diamonds. It is truly gorgeous and Lorraine's going to love it. I have updated the information that was prviously unkown, movement model, date of manufacture and updated the pictures. Enjoy.
In reply to I agree that this is a by Geoff Baker
OK Gents,
I am now the new owner of this watch though I have yet to recieve it. Once I have it in hand, I will repost a full set of pics and update all info I can. We will preserve the thread with Susan's history to her family as to save all of that for her family. It is a enagement gift for Lorraine so it will have a good home for years to come, Yes, I'm engaged. Even an old dog like me can find happiness on a 2nd go around.
So let's not let this one stay "unknown" as Susan will be watching as well.We've developed a bond through this watch and I'd still like to share it's ID with her.
Until the updates, let the game begin again then! Looking forward to your inputs.
Until Later, Shawn
In reply to OK Gents, I am now the new by bourg01
In reply to It has all worked out by susanfeaman
Hi All,
I purchased this watch from Susan to save it from the low lifes that would scrap it for the gold and diamonds. It is truly gorgeous and Lorraine's going to love it. I have updated the information that was prviously unkown, movement model, date of manufacture and updated the pictures. I had to replace the stem and crown and will have to replace the crystal as there is a small chip from 1 to 3 oclock. As previously thought it does date to 1955 as L5 is stamped on the movement.
In reply to Oh, Shawn, I'm so sorry you by susanfeaman
Hi Susan,
No worries, I'm elated. The watch is stunning and in the sunlight she's just fireworks. I thought the crystal had a chip from your pictures and the stem / crown was an easy fix as I had the parts on hand. The watch also runs fast so it will need a proper cleaning and oiling, again no big deal for me. I expected to have to do that anyway. I'm very, very happy, the band is tiny ,so it will only fit a 6 inch wrist which is perfect for Lorraine. So everything is just stellar in my mind and I have no regrets what so ever.
Now it has a new home and will have a new life for another 100 years. Since I don't have any daughters One day I'll ask Lorraine to pass it down to my niece in Texas, unless I end up with a Grandaughter some day, then it will move on to her.
So there it is, from your family to mine, a history past and building a new one which will last for many years beyond our lifetimes.
Now all we have to do is ID it. I'm leaning towards the La Patite series which used 14K gold and alot of diamonds in some variants and there were many. The First Lady models were a possibility but they were 18K gold so we can discount that notion. It would seem for now to remain Unknown but we don't give up easily.
Best Regards, Shawn
I have 2 copies of this ad. One ad is printed in English and, according to the possessor of the original, is Dated 1950. The Second ad, printed in French is Dated 1957.
Same ad, 2 languages, 2 differing Dates.
ad Dated 1957 http://imageshack.us/a/img90/1446/1957bulovamarthawashing.jpg
'MARQUISE'
In reply to I have 2 copies of this ad. by FifthAvenueRes…