Bulova 1928 Olivia

Submitted by Kathy L. on April 10, 2021 - 12:13am
Manufacture Year
1928
Movement Model
5AP
Movement Date Code
Cresent Moon
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
27262
Case Serial No.
40984
Case shape
Tonneau
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
Tonneau
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

Picked up this pretty little gal this week.  I think it is Olivia and would be the first in the DB.  Not sure on the date because the serial number starts with a 4 but the ad is from 1927 and the movement is 1928.  Might have a dial/movement replacement?  I think it might be worth trying to find a new correct movement/dial replacement, the dial is pretty dirty.

It is solid 14k with black enamel.    

Watch
Dial
movement
inside case
Back
Ad
Alex
Posted April 10, 2021 - 1:18am

Hi Kathy, your watch is the Olivia. Very beautiful! For dating the watch we have to go by the movement, that as you indicate, could be a replacement. The 5-digit case serial is not indicative of the year since that system only applies to the 7-digit serials of American Standard. This case is made by someone else, most likely Pioneer, who is the only case manufacturer that uses a 5-digit serial with this font type. 

Alex
Posted April 10, 2021 - 1:19am

The 5- digit serial is probably just a counter. Later today I will check my database to where 40984 takes us. Probably 1928. 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted April 10, 2021 - 9:09am

Man, that is a killer watch! Judging by the discoloration on the dial, my guess would be this watch has been together a very long time as seen. Dating by movement code, and the fact it is only a year off from the ad, I would be inclined to call her a 1928; pending Alex's s/n check.

Minutes track and discoloration is a match to the case opening, and the ad is pretty weak on dial detail. Personally, I would leave her as-is. It would be a shame to modify her based on a single identified example (this one) and a guess when it's possible the single ad may show artistic license. If you look at the dial numbers font, they appear to me to be a close match the artist rendition ad, noting the "8" and "3" in particular.

Not implying the dial is indeed original or replacement - not enough data for me to say one way or the other. 

1928 Olivia pending date check of case

Kathy L.
Posted April 10, 2021 - 9:55am

In reply to by neetstuf-4-u

Thank you Bob!  Yes you could certainly be right, the lines on the dial where it is not discolored might have been harder to see when the dial was new and the numbers do seem to match the ad.  

Alex
Posted April 10, 2021 - 11:10am

The serial is an indication of 1928. Last double check is the gold colour. In 1928, the white gold colour changed to bright blueish white versus a more dull grey white colour in 1927 and before. You can compare it to the 156 from 1923 you have. You will immediately see if the colour is different.let us know. 

Kathy L.
Posted April 10, 2021 - 11:44am

In reply to by Alex

Yes after looking at it next to the 156 and then next to my Miss America you can see it is the brighter blueish color like the Miss America from 1930.  I think 1928 it is : )

Olivia compared to the 156 Olivia compared to Miss America

 

 

Alex
Posted April 10, 2021 - 11:49am

Confirmed. 1928 it is!