Bulova 1930 Round the World

Submitted by rbaines on April 27, 2017 - 1:33pm
Manufacture Year
1930
Movement Model
10AN
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
239129
Case Serial No.
0420816
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Two-tone
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
square 20mm x 20mm
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I'm not sure what this is.  So far, I can't see a date code.  From the case and 15 jewels, I'm thinking maybe a "round the world"?.  I'm not even sure of the year. I'm guessing based on the movement code and comparing it to others in the database.  If'll go back in to look for a symbol on the movement, but I'm not too optimistic.

Rich 

1930 Bulova Round The World watch
1930 Bulova watch
1930 Bulova watch
1930 Bulova watch
1930 Bulova watch
Daca102090
Posted April 27, 2017 - 3:10pm

Based on the case serial number of 0420616 this is a 1930 case and would be a

Fleetwood model.

This became the Round the World in 1931. 

rbaines
Posted April 27, 2017 - 4:03pm

I originally thought "Fleetwood".  But, weren't those 17 jewels?

Additional info: the word "swiss" is present on the movement.  I still can't find a date code.

Geoff Baker
Posted April 28, 2017 - 5:29am

Looks to be in really nice condition Rich. I agree with Dave, in 1930 this one is Fleetwood. I'm willing to bet the movement is not original as the Fleetwood was advertised with 17 j.

mybulova_admin
Posted April 28, 2017 - 11:43pm

I can just make out what I think is the date code on the movement near the 'SWISS' stamp. Case dates it to 1930.

I don't believe its the Fleetwood as other than the jewel count difference the case is also different. There is a lack of engraving on the upper and lower bezel on the Fleetwood.

The subject watch looks exactly the same as other 'Round the World' watches we have in the database. Whilst I'd like to confirm the date of the movement, if they are both 1930, I could't see a problem with IDing this as a 'Round the World' with the event occuring in early 1931. This RtW is also a 15J movement.

Geoff Baker
Posted April 29, 2017 - 6:43am

In reply to by mybulova_admin

I too am curious to know the movement date code but I stand by the case being Fleetwood. Post and Gatty flew 'Round the World' in June 1931, I doubt Bulova would have known about it or even had a watch prepared to commemorate in 1930. Additionally, the watch was advertised as new in 1931. Here is an advert for the Fleetwood date December 1929, I believe its the same case as this example.

rbaines
Posted April 29, 2017 - 8:01am

I think I also can see part of a date code near the "swiss" imprint.  It looks a right angle to me, but that's all I can make out.  I'm going to play with the lighting angles and see if I can get a bettter image.

Regarding having a "round the world" prepared in advance. (I'm the newbee here, so I may not know what I'm talking about).  Is it possible that Bulova had a batch of Fleetwood cases and 15 jewel movements sitting on the shelf, and saw the flight as an opportunity to use them up by introducing a "new" model?

mybulova_admin
Posted April 29, 2017 - 8:23pm

In reply to by rbaines

That would be my thinking. The exact same as what they did with the Conqueror model, re-badging it as a Lone Eagle for the occasion. 

Daca102090
Posted April 30, 2017 - 1:07am

In reply to by Reverend Rob

The Ambassador was the same case, only all white and none of the yellow highlights.

Reverend Rob
Posted April 30, 2017 - 2:06am

In reply to by Daca102090

I missed that entirely- Amazing what the eye sees when it wants to see it! Other than the gold, I believe we may have a matching case, and as these cases are embellished with gold in a second process, it easily becomes something else.