Does anyone know the first calendar watch year, model, and/or movement? Just curious about it....I don't see any listed in ads in the early fifties but I'm sure they came out then.
Hmmm...what about the 1956 23 Calendar http://www.mybulova.com/node/2928 ?
I think there was also a 1955 and 1957 model of the 23 Calendar posted in a previous forum too.
I have a 1951 Calendar model, 21J 10BMCD. I didn't see a 10BMCD in the database. I was just curious whether it was a rarity of not. It might well be one of the earliest calendar models based on your feedback. Thanks!
I remember that one, its not in the watch database, its in the forms...
The only date stamp shown on that one is of the caseback, not the movement, so unless both are correct and proven, it is not a confirmed Bulova model...not saying they didn't make one pre 1960, but the proof is in the pudding.
If you have a 1951 21J with the calendar provision, by all means post it, take good pictures of the case, caseback, movement, ect...We would love to have a peek at it!
So, I am the one that the above post refers to and I can say that the watch is marked on the movement as well, I will try to get the watch back from my uncle who has it and take a closer picture of the movement. http://www.mybulova.com/node/2928
Actually, If you look closely you can see the L5 on the movement below
"Just tryin to help a fella out"
I have the movement but no case...that's why I haven't posted it. It's as I described, a 21J 10BMCD. The dial is exactly the same as above...has a red-lined date box and same gold numbering and dotted patern. Now I have an idea what case it belongs to...thanks! DW
In reply to How about one from 1932.... by mybulova_admin
I guess all these new revelations seriously challange the original response from Old Ticker that any calendar prior to 1960 would be a frankenbully! It goes to show...when you think you've seen it all....you haven't....and keep an open mind because all kinds of anomolies that are authentic are out there. "17 Jewels" on dials comes to mind....
Here is my 1932 Bulova watch which I believe is a proto-type and quite possible one of Bulova's earliest calendar/day watches.
The movement is a genuine 17 jewelled 10AC (note the C) with a 1932 (T) date stamp along with a diamond stamp (not normally seen) on the movement. The movement serial number is 575800 and is unadjusted, marked SWISS.
The interesting thing about this watch is the case. It is only stamp "Bulova Quality" on the inside. No 1927 Patent date (yes it has the dust cover) and no case serial number. It has a bunch of jewelers markings so was maintained.
My camera battery died as I was taking these photos. I do have some more taken on my iPhone, including a video of the the date wheel in action. From what I can see and from my experience with dealing with 1920/30 Bulova movements it's all legit.
It's worth noting that this watch was once discussed a few years back and was the reason this site introduced the policy of not discussing active eBay watches.
Our missing (but much loved) member Wayne Hanley outbid me on this watch, but was generous enough to donate it to myBulova.com as an example of what Bulova were doing at the time when it came to R&D. I saw straight away when it was first advertised on eBay that it was something truely unique.
At the moment it's having balance wheel issues and will not run past a few swings. I'm hoping to take it to a local experience/trained watch repairer as I've been unable with my limited resources and talent to get it properly ticking again.
Once I get the camera working again or if I can get the photos and video off my iPhone I will post more under a new watch listing.
Would love to hear thoughts and comments from members.
Stephen
This is indeed a VERY interesting find. I would love to see the date mechanism under the dial. If it is what we think it is, a one off Bulova prototype, I would just leave it alone.
Jay
In reply to Very nice, admin. Do you have by bobbee
Maybe I'm wrong...but it looks like a Sky King case? Interesting watch! I wonder why Bulova waited 20 years - until 1952 - to launch a Calendar model watch after this Swiss-made prototype? Did it take them 20 years to develop their own capacity for producing a calendar movement in the 10BMCD (note it's a "Made in USA" model movement)...which they then dropped for another eight years before they started mass-producing Calendar watches and movements in the 60's. By the 70's they started adding the day and date display function.
An FHF 32 with a fully granted patent for the date disc, otherwise should be stamped "Brevet Depose". Maybe they weren't popular? According to Doc's site, The FHF 32 was prepped for date much later and called the 351, however, that was a much more modern movt, and ran at 21,600. This one is the original configuration, and it may be a prototype indeed. It's a mystery as to why we don't then see more date watches following this.
In reply to From a Swartchild & Co by timerestoration
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In reply to From a Swartchild & Co by timerestoration
In reply to Oh wow I'm lovin this by mybulova_admin
Me too. Wonder how many pages of the catalog are Bulova? And are there images of any/some/most of the model names on the list here:
http://www.mybulova.com/node/4608 This is the source catalog of this list.
Now that wandering seconds calendar is cool! Where can I find a Series 701V? LOL Seriously...why also did the wandering seconds not appear until 1934 too? And with only a 21 jewel 10AN? This 10AC was a fifteeen jewel with a wandering seconds. Makes me think there are other movement variants of the wandering seconds model.