Case measueres 22mm lug to lug x 24mm non inclusive of the Crown using Calipers. Ornate Silver Dial shows Black printed numerals, Bulova signature and track. Hinged Caseback is stamped as shown. Cabochon Sapphire Crown. Sets, winds and runs.
vintage display ad Dated 1923 - as found.
So maybe the case dates to 1921, and the movement, with it's Bulova Watch Co. signature dates to c1922/1923 rather than 1921? This would be relative dating based on the absence of the earlier Bulova W. Co. signature.
Or are we seeing in some movements the Bulova W. Co signature appears as late 1922/23, but in other movements, it is replaced by the Bulova Watch Co. signature as early as 1921?
Will,
We're currently basing the production dates of these early Watches with Movements absent of a published Datecode on their Case serial numbers only, which at this time is unproven. It still remains that the Case was manufactured in 1921 by American Standard as suggested by the trend seen 1924 - 1949.
scenerios are:
A Movement Cased in 1922 '23 +/-, which is not out of the question.
The method of dating the pre 1924 Cases is incorrect.
or
The new theory observed on the Movement hallmarks is flawed.
We have yet to fully determine what is actually going on here and this example would indicate further observation of the Case serial numbers and Movement hallmarks are necessary before making any firm conclusions, though the Bulova Watch Co hallmark showing on the Movement does suggest 1923.
I wonder if the change from "Bulova W. Co." to "Bulova Watch Co." corresponds to Bulova appearing on the dials?
I just bought a ladies watch with "Bulova W. Co." which doesn't appear to have a calibre id and has an unmarked dial in an American Standard case. Once I get it in my hands I'll post it.
In reply to I wonder if the change from by DarHin
DarHin I think we see "no Bulova on dial" happening in some watches/cases, but then not in others. This may be a transitional preiod and Bulova had "parts" on hand which they wanted to use up? Our discussion helps us brainstorm possibilities. With the Observatory being built, Bulova changing from the W. Co. signature to the Watch Co. signature, and the other restructuring, using the movements/watches is a way to "date" this period of change by proxy. Some company records or business records would help firm up the date - to an actual date vs. a two year period, but I may be dreaming..... These records exist somewhere, and until/if we find them, the "by proxy to a period" method is about the best method we have, and like Fifth says, this is tentative and a work in progress. ....but "the bases are getting loaded, and a home run could be a grand slam home run"...
Sorry I missed the question, Mark, but the 10AI is the FHF Robert, as I mentioned which is the ebauche for the 10A, 10AA, and 10AAI. Now despite the interchangeability, this is no guarantee that the hands are the same for each. I think it's likely, but haven't ever had them all together to try it. The 10AN is another FHF ebauche, the 324. I had a hands chart here somewhere, I'll try and locate it.
