We recently found this watch in its original box hidden in our 1918 home. It is 14k white gold and works perfectly. It is indentified as belonging to the original homeowner's wife with her name handwritten on the underside of the lid. All comments are welcome.
In reply to no, there was no other box. by trilojy
Well, That's very interesting. Perhaps that's just the way they did things back then. wrapped in lace and placed in the box'
There is also a model 154 that this watch could be, also in the 1922 ads. Since the 954 only appears once and the 154 appears a few times in different ads, I'm inclined to think the 954 was misprinted.
Super heirloom piece that I'm sure will stay in your family for many years to come. Best of luck to you getting it serviced, just don't run it till it's been done and it'll be just fine for another 95 years.
In reply to Well, That's very by bourg01
thank you for your comments. It has been very interesting to learn some of the history. If I followed the correct link, the comparable watch had Bulova printed on the face and mine does not. Also, the serial number is located in a different place. I did not disclose the serial number originally, was that a mistake on my part?
In reply to thank you for your comments. by trilojy
The ads I've looked at are located under the information tab, vintage Bulova ads. I'm not seeing Bulova printed on the dials of the ones I've looked at. No biggy with the serial #, we can see it in the pictures but it is always best to provide as much info as possible.
The outer box shown is post 1929 and in its self is a great piece but did not belong with the Watch originally.
The Watch resembles the '954'
ad is Dated 1922 http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/uploaded_photos/user2196/1922%20DEC.%2019th.jpg2_.jpg
In reply to The outer box shown is post by FifthAvenueRes…
wasn't the Observatory built in 1920 and then the name changed again in 1923? Would boxes after 1923 still be labeled Bulova Observatory? We assumed since it was a ladies watch, and since the box has the original owner of our houses wife's name written inside, it was the original box. Thanks for the insight and the link. All info is appreciated. =)
Not all the early Bulova watches said "Bulova" on the dial. I'm not sure about the confusion between the 154 and '954', it might not be a mis-print.
There were three variations of 'AAI':
10''', 9''', and 8'''. I believe this one is based on the good old FHF 'Robert'.
I'm guessing that is the original band. Quite a find.
In reply to Not all the early Bulova by Reverend Rob
In reply to Not all the early Bulova by Reverend Rob
In reply to I'm sorry, can you explain? by trilojy
Bulova used Swiss ebauches in their watches, as well as all-US made movements later on. This one, the 'AAI', is based on an ebauche by Fabrique d'Horlogerie de Fontainemelon, or FHF. They called this the 'Robert' for some reason. It is similar to the FHF 1146.
Import code 'BXW' denotes an ebauche imported to the US for Bulova, but the early ones do not have this, they were marked 'Swiss'.