Bulova 1935 Irene

Submitted by Lakegirl on January 22, 2015 - 5:31pm
Manufacture Year
1935
Movement Model
3AL
Movement Date Code
Triangle
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
6117
Case Serial No.
122666
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

I bought this from a local jewler recently who had it in a box of left over estate things.  It runs well, and I think the watch band is original. I saw an ad from 1936 on the site that said the style was "Nanette" which was similar, but missing the diamonds on the case.  I was hoping to have some sense of if the triangle mark inside meant it was definitively 1935, and if anyone knew the style. The Jewler said it was a bit interesting because of the rectange case and such an early make.

Bulova 1935 Bulova Irene
1935 Bulova watch
1955mercury
Posted January 22, 2015 - 8:28pm

Howdy Lakegirl. Your watch is a real beauty and looks to be in excellent condition. I've never seen an example of this model before, but I think you may have found an "Irene" as shown in this 1934 ad posted by Bobbee.

Edit: Found a clearer ad of the "Irene".

The one in the second ad has a 14k gold case and looks like it was priced $20 more.

Geoff Baker
Posted January 22, 2015 - 9:01pm

Hi Lakegirl, welcome to myBulova. A very nice ladies watch you have here. This 'baguette' style watch was popularized in the early '30's and is known for it's new shape (read "not round") movement. As you can see from the 1934 advert merc posted above, Bulova went into the craze full on, as did many watch manufacturers.

I think he's also hit the nail on the head as far as it being an "Irene". I'm not sure if the bracelet is original but it certainly is period as yoou can see from the advert. thanks for sharing it!

Reverend Rob
Posted January 22, 2015 - 9:46pm

Beautiful watch, looks like an Irene to me.

William Smith
Posted January 23, 2015 - 12:02am

Beautiful Irene

JP
Posted January 23, 2015 - 12:10am

Ditto Will

1955mercury
Posted January 23, 2015 - 12:20am

I'm studying the movement. To me it looks like it has seventeen jewels stamped on the barrel bridge, but the train bridge looks like one from a 15 jewel movement. Anybody else think it's a little odd?

mybulova_admin
Posted January 23, 2015 - 4:18am

1935 Bulova Irene looks good to me. The variation between the two gold models is a great reference.

Lakegirl
Posted January 23, 2015 - 10:30am

Wow!  Thanks to all of you for the feedback-- really helpful and exciting to own a working watch from this period.  The only thing I noticed is the "Irene" ad said solid gold, mine is 20y gold filled, but I'm guessing they had different degrees of the same model that you could purchase. 

 

I don't know if it's standard practice to now post this image on the overall inventory of models you have, but certainly if it is helpful I welcome you doing so-- it's a really interesting and educational site!

 

1955mercury
Posted January 23, 2015 - 11:18am

In reply to by Lakegirl

The first ad has the gold filled case Lakegirl and the second ad is the solid gold version. They were made both ways. The solid gold case was $20 more and a considerable amount of money in that time period. I hope this explains it. I really think you have a gem of a Bulova. I've got to find one for my collection. You have the only one I've seen.