Hi all - I would like the assistance of other members in helping to establish the identity of this nice ladies Bulova watch. Looking through the ads I think it may be a 1929 Rona. The case is in white gold fill and is marked Bulova Quality pat. June 10 1924. and the serial number 0217730 . I am presuming it is 14k gold filled as there is no markings to indicate if it is or not. the case is engraved on the front side and rear of case and has the initials JCB engraved on the back. It is a hinged case with a matching bracelet. The movement is a 15jewel ,4 adjusted 6AF and has the shield mark and serial number 160855. Bulova watch Co. The crown has a blue sapphire . The watch still has the dust cover over the movement. there is no sign of wear on the case . The watch is still working but certainly could do with a service. I still can't seem to upload the ads pages . can anyone help please
Hi Donegd, a nice Rona indeed and I also fail to upload a picture. Maybe someone else can help. Since you already know it is the Rona, let me share some back ground info with you. It was introduced in 1928. In fact, it was the only corner cut model advertised during 1928. But the real news is its price point: a new low at US$24.75 which previously was at US$28.50. The new price point was enabled by a new technology: rolled gold plate that allows for an even thinner gold layer than gold filled. During 1928, the Rona was to be joined by the Patricia and the Bernice. These were the 3 rolled gold plate models in 1928. All corner cut models. There is one ad of 1928 where all three are placed together at the bottom right corner in black with this new price point. The Bernice was initially introduced in 1927 as gold filled at the corresponding price point of US$28.50 but got "down graded" to rolled gold plate in 1928 at the new price point. The Patricia was the successor of the Pater that originally was also gold filled, but now replaced by the rolled gold plated Patricia. The Rona was advertised until 1930. In that year a new case signature was introduced without material indication but we can assume it is still rolled gold plate. Enjoy your watch!
In reply to Hi Donegd, a nice Rona indeed by Alex
[quote=Alex]
Hi Donegd, a nice Rona indeed and I also fail to upload a picture. Maybe someone else can help. Since you already know it is the Rona, let me share some back ground info with you. It was introduced in 1928. In fact, it was the only corner cut model advertised during 1928. But the real news is its price point: a new low at US$24.75 which previously was at US$28.50. The new price point was enabled by a new technology: rolled gold plate that allows for an even thinner gold layer than gold filled. During 1928, the Rona was to be joined by the Patricia and the Bernice. These were the 3 rolled gold plate models in 1928. All corner cut models. There is one ad of 1928 where all three are placed together at the bottom right corner in black with this new price point. The Bernice was initially introduced in 1927 as gold filled at the corresponding price point of US$28.50 but got "down graded" to rolled gold plate in 1928 at the new price point. The Patricia was the successor of the Pater that originally was also gold filled, but now replaced by the rolled gold plated Patricia. The Rona was advertised until 1930. In that year a new case signature was introduced without material indication but we can assume it is still rolled gold plate. Enjoy your watch!
[/quote]
The Bernice is gold filled according to this advert. I think it is the only one showing what the gold content was for this model.
June 1928
While we're at it, I found a few 1927 adverts for the Rona, so not released in 1928.
http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/imagefield_thumbs/vintage_a…
http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/imagefield_thumbs/vintage_a…
http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/imagefield_thumbs/vintage_a…
http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/imagefield_thumbs/vintage_a…
http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/imagefield_thumbs/vintage_a…
Also there were a couple more "cut corner" models in the 1928 ads too, the Bernice, the Baroness and the Patricia.
http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/imagefield_thumbs/vintage_a…
Nice watch, agree with Rona id.
Rolled gold was not a new thing in the late 1920's, the process was patented in England in 1817, and used in the US in the 19thC.
http://antiques.about.com/od/victorianandedwardian/a/RolledGold082910.h…
It was "revived" in the 1920's in the US as a process, though.
If you are correct about Bulova not using this process until the late 20's (1927) Alex, then this watch ID must be wrong.
Hi Bobbee, I was not aware it is an old process. Thanks for the info. I just study Bulova and nothing else, lol. My statements above are factual. Bulova introduced "rolled gold plated" stamped cases only in 1927 with the Bernice. The text and photos of above 1925 Pater has at least 4 inconsistencies that I will not discuss in this thread of Donegd's Rona, besides that it lacks a photo of the inside of the case. Happy to discuss outside this thread.