Research Forum

While trying to decode all the movement number (see other forum topic), I also started looking at the early model numbers that Bulova used for their ladies watches in 1922 to 1924. Typically these model numbers are a 4 digit number.

Looking at the many movements Bulova used in the early days, al having a serial number, I wondered if there would be a system behind the numbers. After putting the most used ladies movements in a spreadsheet and analyzing them with pivot tables, I found out that there is a system.

When l started collecting early Bulova ladies watches from the art deco period between 1922 and 1930, and got to learn about how to date them, I was surprised to find so few 1927 watches in the two main on-line databases of myBulova and Watchophilia. Of the total 380 ladies watches I could find, including the ones in my own collection, just 16 were from 1927. Looking at men’s watches, the statistics are not different: just 12 watches over a sample that must be almost double the size of the ladies watches.

Recently, we have been re-evaluating a 1925 Pater watch record which was reported to have a 19K 1/12 Rolled Gold Plate hallmark as part of the inside case back markings.  The watch owner didn't have a picture of the inside case back, so we sent a private message to confirm the gold content hallmark.

She wrote back, with confirmation of both the gold content hallmark, and case serial number being correct as entered in root record.

A lot has been said over the years about Radium and its ill effects, and how it relates to horology. Watchmakers typically have had to contend with a vast array of toxic materials, Cyanide, Trichlorethylene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Ammoniated cleaning solutions, both water and hydrocarbon based, Rouges and polishing mediums, and of course, Radium.

I recently had the opportunity to use a Geiger counter on a variety of test subjects, and the results have surprised me. 

So I was browsing the interwebs and came across this box.  We all know Bulova made watches and airplane instruments for the U.S. Military.  This is an ammunition can from that era.  It has Bulova stamped on the bottom.  Pretty cool piece of your into Bulova Military watches.

Wonder if Bulova was given these to ship watches or instruments in?

What do we think of this?

We have lots of ads for Bulova 23's.  Ads starting from 1954 running through the mid 1960's.  We also have sections of the Official Bulova Model Price Lists with Bulova 23 entries beginning in the November 1954 supplement price list, continuing through the Spring 1964 Quarterly price list.  These are the date ranges for available price lists.  The lists came out quarterly (Spring, Summer; Fall, Winter), and there were monthly supplements to each previous quarter.  

All rose/coral gold, non-engraved versions.

1941+42+43 showing The Lieutenant on leather band

1942 advert with Ranger on bracelet