Hello, I think this might be a Baroness as seen in a 1926 ad but I am not sure. This is my first 1920s Bulova and I do not know how to take the movement out. I can not find a movement symbol but there is a # I am hoping will be helpful. It has a 14KGF case and I have put a ribbon band on it with a gold filled clasp to be close to original. It has a sapphire crown.
The case is leading to establish the year, like it is with the chasis of a car and not the engine inside. The date system Bulova introduced in 1924 was based on the first digit indicating the year e.g. starting with 4 is 1924 etc. In 1927, BUlova revised both their movement as well as their case serial system. For 1927 we suddenly see three different first digits show up: 7, 8 and 9. It is an exclusive range of numbers that are identified by the "American Standard" signature. And of course they have a 1927 movement. The subject watch with its 969 number and American Standard signature is an example of this and there is many more on this website. The reason or logic is unclear. I discovered this about 4 years ago and have been puzzling to find the logic ever since. Apparently within Bulova there were some people disagreeing as well, because as from 1928 they are back to the original system for cases, while the new number system for movements continues. Going into 1928, those cases are now recognised by their "New York" case signature without "American Standard". And of course they are fitted with 1928 movements. Same for 1929. I hope this clarifies. If you want I can send you a document with all the statistical findings and the full range of serial numbers it concerns.
For me, it's a belief that Bulova were using stock (movements and cases) they had from 1927 and putting them to market in 1928 and 1929.
As Alex said, it is puzzling to say why Bulova would messed with their serial number system for a few years and then reverted back. Doesn't seem logical, to me at least.
I think they were just using old stock, which would explain why we might see a 1927 style case and movement in a 1928/29 watch.
Based on the serial number I'm saying that this watch was assembled and put to market in 1929.
Again with the belief that the first number of the serial number was stamped when assembled.
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Lovely watch Kathy, I'm kind of a fan of personalized watches but can't recall seeing it inside the caseback. I like that the city is included. I agree with Alex and Stephen that it's Baroness and I rather support Alex's theory that the dating was skewed a couple years. Either year on the date is fine with me.
Bulova Baroness
In reply to Lovely watch Kathy, I'm kind by Geoff Baker