Bulova 1923 -Unknown

Member for

1 year 3 months
Submitted by Patricia on June 15, 2022 - 6:28pm
Manufacture Year
1923
Movement Model
9AA
Movement Date Code
Square
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
48521
Case Serial No.
1212737
Case shape
Tonneau
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
17.2mm round
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

This watch belong's to my Aunt's Estate.  I searched high & low for a makers mark for the mfg. year & I'm at a loss. It looked to me like the movement model read:  "9AA.I"  The closest reference, for a picture ad, I could find is a 1927 Minerva, C-652 14KWG case, but the face & case are just slightly different.  I'm in charge of releasing this watch for sale.  If you're interested, please make me a fair offer.  I gave it a gentle wind & it's not in working condition.  It's in need of a serious cleaning.  On the front face of the works there is #51182 is stamped off on the brass.  Length & width measurement, inside the lugs, is:   28.2mmX22.5mm.  I believe the crystal is original & gently scratched.  Inside of back cover reads "American Standard Warranted To Assay 14K."  Bracelet Clasp inside reads:  "Pat. Pend. Made in America" not sure it's original.  I appreciate any help you all can provide & I hope her watch goes to someone who appreciates & cares for it.

(I made a guess at the date code & movement model info to get me through the listing & I did my best measuring everything give or take a mm or 2.  Forgive me. I hope I got all the proper information for everyone.)

Thanks Everyone!

Patty

FOR SALE
Watch Front including bracelet, 06/15/2022
Close up back of watch, 06/15/2022
Front face 06/15/2022
Bulova works, 15 Jewels, 9AA.I 06/15/2022
Bulova, inside the back case. #1212737 American Standard Warranted to Assay 14K, 06/15/2022
Bulova Ad "1927 Minerva"?

Member for

14 years
mybulova_admin
Posted June 18, 2022 - 5:37am

I'd say you are spot on with the Minerva advert. The C652 solid 14K version in particular.

The case serial number is throwing me though as it suggests 1931 and the Minerva was different in 1931.

Still looking through the adverts for this one.

Member for

1 year 3 months
Patricia
Posted June 18, 2022 - 11:19pm

Awesome!  I worked hard collecting that little bit of information i did post.  i did see in someone else's post they mentioned a 1928 "Juliana" but i got tired & couldn't find it.  I'll have to do a little more looking.  I really appreciate everybody's help!

Member for

14 years
mybulova_admin
Posted June 19, 2022 - 1:08am

One thing I didn't initially consider, but now with the comments below it makes sense, is that the earlier watches used the second number as the year of production, So in this case the 2 would indicate 1922.

So I concur, a 1922/23 release but would lean towards a Bulova 156.

Member for

1 year 3 months
Patricia
Posted June 19, 2022 - 2:08am

Thank You!  

"1922 Bulova Minerva/156" it is!   It's no wonder i couldn't find the symbol indicating the year, there wasn't one!  i looked high & low for that symbol!  I'm preparing to contact VWI, to service the watch, as i see they are Bulova's authorized people.  wow!  1922.  I'm just blown away.  I wish i could find an original bracelet for the watch.  I think the existing is not original & I'm wondering if the original was solid 14K?  Does anyone know anything about the original bracelets to the watch?  What they were or where I might find one?

P

Member for

5 years 6 months
Kathy L.
Posted June 18, 2022 - 10:50am

Welcome to myBulova and thank you for sharing your watch with us.  Minerva does look like a good match to me as well but yes the serial number is curious.  It amazes me what little difference there was in price between gold filled and solid gold back then!

Member for

1 year 3 months
Patricia
Posted June 18, 2022 - 11:25pm

Hi Kathy,

It's too bad our ancestors didn't stock up on the precious ores back in the early 1900s when no one cared too much about it & it was plentiful.  I wonder why Bulova bothered w/plating if solid ores weren't that much more in terms of dollars?  It's a pleasure meeting everyone & Thank all of you for the help!

Patty

Member for

12 years 10 months
Geoff Baker
Posted June 18, 2022 - 9:03pm

I believe that Alex's research would date this case signature to 1922-23 which is in line with the movement (1921-22 at 15J)

I'm suggesting 1923 Bulova Minerva

Member for

1 year 3 months
Patricia
Posted June 18, 2022 - 11:21pm

Thank You Geoff!  I'll spend some time tonight looking at 1923 Minervas!

Member for

9 years 1 month
Alex
Posted June 18, 2022 - 9:27pm

Dear Patty, your watch is an unknown from late 1922 or early 1923. It looks like the 156/Minerva, but your watch has a more prolonged case as confirmed by the size you indicate while the 156/Minerva is almost round in size. 

Member for

12 years 10 months
Geoff Baker
Posted June 19, 2022 - 9:38pm

I'll defer to Alex on this. The case does have an extra row of engraving. Agree with Unknown