Bulova 1925 470

Submitted by Andersok on December 21, 2022 - 8:46pm
Manufacture Year
1925
Movement Model
17A
Movement Date Code
Circle
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
55492
Case Serial No.
977988
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Other
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Possible Bulova Pocket Watch from 1925

This one has me stumped on authenticity and date. The white gold plated case is made by Monarch (BWC Co) and I'm not sure if the serial number means anything in regards to the date of the watch. The movement is a Swiss 17A, 17 jewels, circle date stamp for 1925, serial number 55492. The watch case is similar to this one (https://mybulova.com/watches/1926-470-9143?page=0), though with a different dial. The dial on this is in very nice condition.

I am unable to identify a model number or name, possibly like the above linked 470 with plain dial.

Some notes on the movement; all of the bridges have the last 3 numbers stamped on their undersides, 492. The case bezel ring and main case both have 77988 (Roman numeral format on the bezel ring).

Keen eyes may note that the escape wheel is missing, as I am looking for a replacement to get this one running again.

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Kathy L.
Posted December 22, 2022 - 10:55am

Wow Ken, that is stunning! Seeing there are others in the 1920s with Monarch cases it seems a legit model. The ad on the watch you linked says it is $35 and $40 with a fancy engraved dial so that would work for these two.

1925 Bulova 470

neetstuf-4-u
Posted December 22, 2022 - 10:58am

Brooklyn Watch Case Co. They were absorbed by the Fahys Watch Case Company in 1894 and continued to produce BWCC marked cases into the mid 1920's. Don't quote me on this, but I think "Monarch" is the quality grade of the gold plate. Very cool watch, I'm inclined to think it's original due to the close proximity of Bulova and BWCC and the fact we have seen similar before. Dating based on movement; I'm inclined to also ID this beauty as

1925 Bulova 470 noting case

mybulova_admin
Posted December 22, 2022 - 8:04pm

The 470 looks like is was re-badged as the Empire, but it's also a match for the Cavalier. TexasLady found this in the THE SAN FRANSICO EXAMINER, SAN FRANCISO, CA, DEC 14, 1924

1924 Bulova Empire and Prince of Wales pocket watches

Subject watch case has same engraving, but a different crown guard. I suspect the various cases that Bulova sourced during this period each have their own quirks.

The round Bulova pocket watch of this era seems to be tagged as a 470, but again I suspect there were other model numbers we haven't encountered yet.

Geoff Baker
Posted December 22, 2022 - 8:48pm

I agree that we date this one to 1925 and will go along with  model 470. 

JimDon5822
Posted December 22, 2022 - 11:20pm

1925 Bulova 470 seems to be a good match.