Bulova 1920 Hudson Maxim

Submitted by SemperP on October 17, 2014 - 10:43pm
Manufacture Year
1920
Movement Model
THIN HI
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
2051
Case Serial No.
4757935
Case shape
Other
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
American Standard
Crystal details
Plastic 38.5mm in diameter
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Greetings all.  I have a Bulova pocket watch that some have identified as a 'railroad watch'. The watch is not operational and the hands are rusted.  The micro-adjuster is missing as well.  I have not dissassembled the watch any further than shown in the pictures.

The date seems to be pre-1918 based on the case stamping of "American Standard W. C. CO" and the "Bulova W. CO." on the movement (if I read the dating pages correctly).  The case is octagonal and measures 42.5mm across.

The case back has an inscription of "9-40-w" below the case mark and also an underlined "1191" with a "B" below the line on the left side.

Thank you,

John

Bulova pocket watch
1920 Bulova watch
1920 Bulova watch
1920 Bulova watch
1920 Bulova watch
Reverend Rob
Posted March 26, 2015 - 9:43am

I think that's the crystal, just removed from it's bezel. I am inclined to think this is a Hudson Maxim, but we need to do something with the date. Is it possible to make the 'date' tentative on it's own?

JP
Posted July 19, 2015 - 3:37pm

HM with ?? on date Two ticks from me.

William Smith
Posted July 19, 2015 - 1:22pm

Admin added a new Thin HI1 entry to the movement database, with a date of 1920.  Looks like subject movement, and the serial numbers are pretty close.  
Linked movement database Thin H1 SN:  2204  
Subject watch movement SN:  2051

Perhaps useful info to hele determine possible production date of subject movement/watch.

Seven panel members have cast ticks on this ID (voted on ID).  I voted one tick for "not confirmed".  The average ticks displayed appears to be "two ticks tentative".  I believe this means at least one panel member voted three ticks "confirmed" for the Hudson Maxim ID.  I sure don't see how the ID can be anything above "two ticks tentative", but that's just my opinion.

mybulova_admin
Posted July 21, 2015 - 7:59am

In reply to by William Smith

Just to advise that the 1920 date I marked against the Thin H1 or is it Thin HI?? was only a guestimate and can happily be changed if we have a consensus year.

Richard Callamaras
Posted July 20, 2015 - 12:42am

The id would match other id for similar dial. But the only line we are aware of this early were Hudson maxim's. I agree that it is the crystal and not a dust cover. When they yellow out like that they release a gas that actually, rusts the hands. So do not put this crystal back on. I believe that JP can probably get you what you need to replace it. I have 3 of these watches that have very thick ornate hinged cases like our other example. none have a thin hi movement. They all have the Bulova w co 17 movement with the long click spring. I am guessing that the thin hi was maybe a movement created as a predecessor to, or at a similar time to, the phantom from 1922-23. I do not think this is the original case to the dial. The hands do match the movement but also do not match the dial. but I would date the case pre 1918 based on copywrite dates on lisas web site. Especially if that is a 4 and not a 1 as the first number on the serial number on the case back. We have been seeing some early models with uniquely engraved unmarked dials. I have 3 other Hudson maxims all with names marked on the dials. I would guess this is a early pocket,therefore possibly a Hudson maxim. but not sure if this dial came with this movement or the case. Pretty large gap at the bottom of the dial as it is pictured. Early pocket possible Hudson maxim. Not entirely sure we cant say this wasnt made to order. But could have been done around 1922.

William Smith
Posted July 20, 2015 - 1:49am

I think the American Standard Watch Case Company was making watche cases for others besides Bulova at this early time.  While American Standard was trademarked by Bulova, with noted first use August 1, 1918,  I don't remember when Bulova aquired the company?

I'm gonna search my images and books too see if I find American Standard W.C.C. was used by other watch manufactures post 1918.   Just because American Standard was first used by Bulova Aug 1918, that doesn't necessarily infringe on American Standard W.C.Co. from using this signature post the date of first use recorded by Bulova.  After August 1918, all cases made for Bulova may have said "American Standard", and those made for other watch companies could have been hallmarked "American Standard W. C. Co.".  This practice would have most likely stopped completly when Bulova aquired ASWCC, which may have been years after 1918.

So I agree with Lisa's theory, as it relates to cases made for Bulova.  However the ASWCC could have been used by other companys for a few more years.