Bulova 1921 Lady Maxim

Submitted by Kathy L. on September 19, 2022 - 8:04pm
Manufacture Year
1921
Movement Model
AI
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
39954
Case Serial No.
1087556
Case shape
Octagonal
Case color
Green
Case Manufacturer
American Standard
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

I was intrigued by this one because it was listed as green gold.  After getting it and comparing it to my Lady Maxim that is yellow gold it does indeed look like green gold.  There is an inscription on the inside that dates it as 1921.

I bought some NOS watch band ribbon and a ribbon clasp to go with it.  I can't figure out how the movement comes out so no dial photo yet.

On advertising I didn't find any model names in 1921.  It looks like they sold variations of 15 jewel movements in a choice of white, yellow or green, engraved or plain case, engraved or plain dials.  The ad is from Spokane_Chronicle_Tue__Feb_1__1921

watch
movement
inside back
back of case
green vs gold
ad
Alex
Posted September 19, 2022 - 8:59pm

A very nice early example. I classify it as "Unknown". 

Kathy L.
Posted September 19, 2022 - 9:01pm

Dials in green gold, yellow gold, platinum with gold or black figures, satin silver dials with elongated figures, these are a "few" of the original ideas that Bulova wrist watches offer.  This ad from The_Spokesman_Review_Sun__Feb_6__1921 seems to show that Bulova started bold from the beginning.

ad

mybulova_admin
Posted September 20, 2022 - 6:55am

The date engraving is really important here, as it helps us narrow down the case serial numbers. 

I'm all in for a 1921 Bulova Lady Maxim. Great find and in nice condition. It's possible it could even be 1920.

Kathy L.
Posted September 20, 2022 - 1:17pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Yes I was happy to see the inscription.  Lady Maxim would seem a good choice to me as well, it is the only name we have for this period.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted September 20, 2022 - 7:56am

Kathy, that is an outstanding mybulova milestone find! As per our previous discussion about the significance of this watch, I'm in agreement with Stephen. This watch is an important step in understanding the early serial numbers and American Standard Globe vs Shield marks; and how they relate to date. Engraving verifies it is without a doubt pre 1922 -  plus S/N starting with "10", is a 1920 or 1921.  If these early beauties indeed follow the premise that first or second S/N digit is date, starting with "10" is either 1920 or 1921.

Let the research begin :o) I'm in complete agreement

1921 Lady Maxim for now with the possibility of revising to 1920 in the future.

Kathy L.
Posted September 20, 2022 - 1:20pm

In reply to by neetstuf-4-u

Thanks Bob, I was happy to see that it did indeed look like green gold compared to my other Lady Maxim.  Interestingly the round one I have also looks like it is green gold now that I have that in mind.  It looks like green gold with a yellow gold dial and this one looks like green gold with a green gold dial, the other octagonal Lady Maxim being yellow gold with a plain yellow dial.  Very interesting after seeing the ads with all the variations they had at the time. 

1955mercury
Posted September 20, 2022 - 8:39pm

That's an amazing find. It's amazing that it still exists after 101 years. 

Kathy L.
Posted October 7, 2022 - 3:50pm

To show the green gold next to white gold filled.

wrist shot

And the clasp I got for it.  I ended up putting the taupe band on the watch on the right and black on the green gold filled.

clasp

Geoff Baker
Posted October 7, 2022 - 8:56pm

The difference in the gold is dramatic. These are very special watches. the clasp is over the top!