Bulova 1964 Diadem

Submitted by VintageBaby on December 27, 2011 - 6:15pm
DD
Manufacture Year
1964
Movement Model
5AR
Movement Jewels
23
Movement Serial No.
unknown
Case Serial No.
407421
Case shape
Other
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

 I originally thought this piece may be from the 30s, but have since opened the case. No date stamp on the case. 14K White Gold with approximately 2.25 carats of diamonds. Date stamp on movement M4. Also a peculiar shape  next to date stamp, somewhat like the tip of an arrow without a stem. Manual winding

Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Bulova Watch
Bulova Watch
VintageBaby
Posted December 27, 2011 - 6:18pm

I am hoping someone can help me date the watch without taking it apart. Does anyone know if there is a data base for serial numbers?

plainsmen
Posted December 27, 2011 - 6:21pm

Hi Vintage Baby.  Welcome!  Fantastic piece.

Unfortunately if there ever was a semblence of order to Bulova's serial numbers it has been lost in time and has not been rediscovered as of yet.

There is really no positive way to tell your watches date without taking off the back and looking at the movements date code.

After we have a movement date code we can then search through our database of advertisements and try to find your watches name.

Once again... welcome!

VintageBaby
Posted December 29, 2011 - 12:08am

In reply to by plainsmen

Thank you plainsmen!

As you may note, I have updated the information since I discovered the date stamp on the movement. As I mentioned in the notes, there appears to be a symbol next to the date code. I have added a photo of the movement as well. To the ads I go!

Cheers!

VintageBaby

plainsmen
Posted December 27, 2011 - 6:24pm

That being said, I'm sure a few of our more industrious members will be searching through the database to try to find your piece anyway!

If you'd like feel free to do so as well:

Look up at the top of the page and under INFORMATION go to VINTAGE BULOVA ADS.

I'd maybe start around 1930's - 1960's.  Lots of watches to look through but also helps become familiar with these fantastic watches!

OldTicker
Posted December 27, 2011 - 6:57pm

Mid 1960's - early 70's will get you in the right era, The crown signed with a "B" is one clue, but you will have to get the movement date code to find the right year, and a jewel count will help narrow down the series.

These snap on casebacks are pretty easy to open, all you need is the backside of a butter knife and a loupe to find what to pry on.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted December 27, 2011 - 9:33pm

agreed, 60's.

Diamond Dream, Dew Drop, etc.

VintageBaby
Posted December 28, 2011 - 12:54pm

Thanks so much everyone! I had "guesstimated" late 50s early 60s until I saw the similar one listed as "30s".  The clerk at the store said her brother thought 60s. I guess I will just have to remove the back to solve the mystery!

By the way...I have looked through most of the ads in your data base already! (smiles)

I'll keep you posted!

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted December 28, 2011 - 1:23pm

The majority of the 14K cased Diamond Watches in ads from this period are named 'LA PETITE'.

(depending on the Jewel count of the movement)

VintageBaby
Posted December 28, 2011 - 1:30pm

For those who may be interested, this is the page I found with the watch that is almost identical to mine stating the 1930s date: http://www.sassyclassics.com/bulova_vintage_watches.htm

It is the second one on the page. I did contact the site and ask how they dated their watches and they said they needed to see the movement.

The dial is slightly different than mine, and my piece does not have the double strand bracelet. The diamond design around the face and lugs appears to be identical.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted December 28, 2011 - 2:11pm

it's Vintage baby, just not 1930's Vintage.