Bulova 1926 -Unknown

Submitted by DennisVA on January 12, 2013 - 12:32am
Manufacture Year
1926
Movement Model
9AN
Movement Date Code
Triangle
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
300371
Case Serial No.
930310
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Two-tone
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
23mmx18mm
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I posted this watch a couple of years ago and thought I would give you another look at it.

I bought this watch about 10 years ago from a vintage watch dealer and the story goes (for what it's worth) that he bought it at an estate sale from the Daughter (who was elderly) of a man that worked for Bulova in R&D back in the early days. She believed that her father designed this watch and Bulova never put it in to production.

The case measurements are 37.35mmx26.80mm, it's a good size watch. The 9AN movement has a triangle on it that would date it to 1926, the movement also has a serial #300371.

The back of the dial is stamped 301321ZJ, I wonder if these are the correct hands to go with this dial? 

My jeweler tested the Case back and Bezel and it is 14K white and 14K yellow Gold.

Bulova watch Posted 1/10/13
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Bulova Watch
JP
Posted January 12, 2013 - 9:39am

For the period it would have cathederal lumed hands. Probably one of the top three watches in my book.

Unknown and probably a true prototype.

DennisVA
Posted January 12, 2013 - 1:33pm

Here's a picture of the 9 on the Bezel

1926? Unkown

OldTicker
Posted January 12, 2013 - 1:41pm

Maybe we should have a "Prototype" catagory, this one is too nice to go in the unknown bin!, I think we have a couple more possible prototype's sitting in the dreaded Unknown & Forgotten bin.

I really like the 2-tone solid 14K case, its one that Bulova should have produced if they didn't.

DarHin
Posted January 12, 2013 - 7:01pm

Very nice watch. But why would Bulova go through the trouble/expense to produce a 2 tone solid gold prototype? I think that a plated prototype would be more likely.

William Smith
Posted January 12, 2013 - 9:06pm

I'm still curious about folks thoughts on the Bulova W Co. case signature appearing on a case which is possibly of post 1924 origin / production.

William Smith
Posted January 15, 2013 - 8:39pm

Several unknown to date... other votes?  ...or thoughts on my comment above?

DennisVA
Posted January 15, 2013 - 10:00pm

 

Hi William, I know that it will go down as an unknown but I like Old Tickers comment about a Prototype Catagory. I have watched some discussion about other watches in the past that would fit this slot, such as Admins, 1932 calendar watch.

William Smith
Posted July 14, 2015 - 5:09am

I just have to come gaze at this beauty every year or two, and wonder if Dennis has sold it to Geoff yet... or found out anything else about it.  Another example of a rare solid gold case from Pre-April 1923 sporting a later movement.  

DennisVA
Posted November 21, 2015 - 1:59am

 

 Hi William,

I haven't been on in awhile, it's that old work thing. But I am going to spend some time in my watch room this winter and send you folks some more pictures for the database.

In answer to your question, I still own this watch at this time. Just wore it to dinner last week, Love this watch.

Reverend Rob
Posted December 1, 2015 - 12:25am

I'm willing to bet this is a one off, too bad, because it's a real looker. A very good candidate for being in the prototype category.