I've been researching a 1950's unknown model and heading in a direction:
In the 1950's famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright was either commissioned by or was a customer of Bulova, most likely both. I beleive this unknown model may be His piece, available in Gents and a smaller matching Ladies version.
*The image used was a piece belonging to Mr. Wayne Hanley, there are others in the 'unknown' database.
I will be using this column to update findings, any help and all comments are appreciated.
ML.
In reply to This came in a men's and by vintagebulova.com
Mark, there is currently a set of men's and ladies watches like the one's in question on ebay. The current bid is 50.99 for both. The auction ends Monday. I E-mailed the seller to see if he knew what model it is, but he didn't know. I've been searching for the name for two days now. You got me curious. Now I guess I'l be searching for the clock.
Bob
Stephen.
Image courtesy of Google.
While performing a search to assist in an unrelated ID this popped up on the very last page of the results. The page the photograph was linked to had been moved, but it's progress.
Very curious to find this Clocks location, Bulova Observatory building? 5th Ave Museum?.....
In reply to Stephen. Image courtesy of by FifthAvenueRes…
I also did about 2 hours of searching (obscure style) this morning with absolutely no luck... I did come across another clock picture similar to this and asked the owner if they remember where they took the pic, however no answer as yet! I also ask the owner if I could upload their pic for reference purposes because I've never seen anything like it!
'Although his fame is based on his architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright also designed lettering and decorative embellishments for his building projects, to accompany his exhibition drawings and models, and for his book'. The House Beautiful (1896–97)
A total of 7 known Font families were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright begining in the 1930's:
EagleFeather
EagleFeather P22
EagleRock extras
Exibition
Exibition extras
Terracotta
Terracotta extras
I have yet to find the Numerals, or the Clock. Suspicions are the Numerals are one of FLW's designs.
Normally don't do this but there's a guy selling 3 of those clocks on the bay... Looks like it could be somewhat connected. They're ending soon though... doubt if he's going to sell all three.
cgi.ebay.com/Bulova-C3333-Frank-Lloyd-Wright-Exhibition-Font-Panel-/260602107075
Plains,
Yes, it is100% connected.
This wall Clock You show is a newer release by Bulova and called 'Exibition' which is also the Name of one of Frank Lloyd Wrights' font designs.
There's also a newer line of Bulova Quartz Watches named the Frank Lloyd Wright Collection.
The location of the outdoor Neon Clock shown above is key.
This mystery will be solved.
I agree that you have a hypothesis they're connected. As of now you have no proof other than conjecture and speculation that they look similar.
We don't know that the neon clock is anything more than another art deco piece of history. We could be stretching way beyond what's feasible to be filling our own gaps.
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In reply to I think ML could well be by GVP
GJ,
I'm either onto something here or completely wasting My time.
LOL
The design is so far from what Bulova was producing at in 1950 there has to be a connection, I feel it.
Look at the photograph of the old outdoor neon Clock and compare to this Watch design, it's identical.
I recall seeing a photograph of it a few Years back sitting on the ground as if it had been taken down.
The old outdoor Neon Clock, its original location and the Numeral font used on the Watch are all key.
The clock is in NY. check the title of this photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/brimleyneon/4933186092/
In reply to The clock is in NY. check the by Bob Bruno
In reply to Has to be from fifth avenue by GVP
Excellent!
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Bob rocks!
I just got off the phone with Dave Brimley of Brimley Neon Signs in Utah. The Clock was removed from a Building undergoing restoration in NYC and Sold by the Salvage Company. He is checking His records and will forward the information to Me.
* Photographs used by permission of Brimley Neon Signs.
Big break.
In reply to Wow Thanks Mark! GJ 5th Ave by Bob Bruno
Three shots of the Guggenheim Museum desiged by Frank Lloyd Wright on 5th Avenue in New York City. Obviously not the Building the Neon Clock is being removed from in the images above(?) but the Glass in the Dome is interesting.
For the record:
* Now, take a look at the Second image in the group above and then look at the Neon Clock when it's illuminated.
Watch superimposed onto the Glass Dome:
Aligns nicely.
This is Our Connection.
ML
Mark when I saw your last post I thought maybe you were losing your mind ! but then I saw this. http://www.allamericanwatches.com/site/626101/product/96A104
Bob
In reply to Stephen, I was picturing how by Bob Bruno
In reply to Ok with the $50K each we put by mybulova_admin
In reply to Does anyone have a 1950 by mybulova_admin
"Round" case models are unfortunately almost never named, in crystal catalogs... That's WHY I was saying that you need JEWELER catalogs, so the remainder can be ID'd... That being said, Jerin found/contributed many more IDs/Illustrations of late... and this thread is very impressive! Wish I hadn't let the "Berkshire" get away? FLW (and Co.) were the epitomy of latter Art Noveau, native American to French influenced Art Deco, and early Art Moderne Architectural style in the US, Canada and abroad... He practically de/refined the "Arts and Crafts" design style, along with the help of MANY exceptional apprentices... He was quite the designer, visionary and showman. And I have many of his books...
:-) Scott
Heres another look at the Museum.
Note the 2 cylindrical towers. - Ladies and Gents?
I would bet if scaled down they would match both of the Watches in the sets' diameters.
Thanks to everyone who got involved.
There's no doubt in My mind this Watch is a Frank Lloyd Wright design.
ML
In reply to Gents looks like 20mm, but by FifthAvenueRes…
Being these Watches are a matching pair or a set and shown that way in an ad, both the Ladies and Gents Crystal if named will carry the same name.
IMO.
Very few Round Crystals are named in Catalogues, most are listed by dimension and style only.
Bob Bruno could very well have been right in His prior post, I may be losing My mind. lol ! But, when I spoke with the Neon sign Company they mentioned the Neon Bulova Watch Time Clock when lit illuminated Blue and Reddish Pink. - Man and Woman?
General Question:
Are there any other known matching Ladies and Gents models produced by Bulova???
admin,
You're right, the AA's and a 1940's (?) Olympics, the only 2 known in Bulova's History. There is possibly a reason or event for this set.
1950 is the earliest date I have seen for this Watch, 1953 the latest.
Below is a preliminay design drawing of the Musuem, dated 1943. The Year Frank Lloyd Wright was commissioned for the Guggenheim Museum project.
Again the 2 circular Towers are interesting.
The Sun is invoved.
In 1950 Frank Lloyd Wright built a Home for His Son David which was Solar powered in Carefree Arizona. Home of the Worlds largest Sundial.
Check out the Sign.
Franks' personal Home and School of Architecture called Taliesin are very close by.
Mark and everyone else. A new development as to where the clock was located. According to this post
it was in Philadelphia Pa. http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisinphilly5448/410278452/
Bob
Mark, no doubt It's the same clock but this guy Chris seems to be the actual photographer of the first picture. According to the fiickr map the building was at Broad St and Erie Ave. I've been on google maps all day going up and down Broad St looking for a building that has a missing clock. Didn't see one. I even called a law office on Broad St to see if they used to have the clock but she didn't know. I asked the guy from Philly on Flickr if he could tell me anything about the clock so we will see. Hope the neon sign guy calls you soon. I'm becoming obsesed with this clock an IDing this watch.
Bob
Bob.
I've been reading up on Mr Frank Lloyd Wright. Consensus is His designs became repetative in the latter Years of His life due to the spotlight of fame, a conclusion which would bolster the Clock and Watches connection to the Museums Glass Dome.
In 1949 at the age of 82 Frank Lloyd Wright recieved a Gold Medal from the American Institute of Architecture for His work. He opened His acceptance speach by saying "Well, it's about Time".
Frank Lloyd Wright passed away in 1959, 6 Months prior to the Guggenheim Museum opening its doors to the Public, a project He started in 1943.
Key are the production Dates of the Watches: 1950 - 1953.
Obsessed is an excellent choice of words Sir.
Mark, Here's the answer I got from the guy in Philly.
Nice research work Guys. The "Pickers" TV program on the History channel, airs on Monday evenings, may be a good information source for old signs. On the show last week, they picked (bought) two old neon Ford Dealer signs & turned them around for at least double what they paid. The signs were sold to a man that restores old signs, neon and all. Mike & Frank just may know a source for a Bulova sign.
Wayne