Bulova 1929 Roberta

Submitted by SStinson on July 19, 2017 - 1:33pm
Manufacture Year
1929
Movement Model
5AP
Movement Date Code
Shield
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
34686
Case Serial No.
9302967
Case shape
Other
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Other
Crystal details
oval, 7/8" long by 4/8" wide
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

Case Signature Format did not photograph well but reads: Pat. June 10, 1924, Bulova; 14K Gold-filled; New York; 9302967.  Believe the watch model style may be "Geraldine"?  From further research,appears the band is not as old as the watch, but a Speidel 10K GP Sterling mesh back with a front of 11 little square segments on each side of the watch and each segment set with a tiny stone.  My jeweler believes they are clear/white rhinestones that, over the years have darkened.  This was my grandmother's watch and I cherish it.  It is missing the winding stem/crown and no longer runs but I don't wish to spend the money at this time to get it working again, so I enjoy wearing it simply for its beauty as bracelet jewelry.  Any further information that can be gleaned from the panel and this site will be greatly appreciated! 

1929 Bulova watch
1929 Bulova watch
1929 Bulova watch
1929 Bulova watch
1929 Bulova watch
jabs
Posted July 19, 2017 - 2:04pm

Yes,  your watch looks like Geraldine

SStinson
Posted July 19, 2017 - 5:20pm

Is there a preferred way to make the information in the Case Signature and on the movement stand out or appear darker so it will be more legible, and yet not harm the watch?  My jeweler looked through his loupe to get the information and I looked through my own high-powered magnifying glass as well, but all the etching (particularly the date code symbol) is so very faint.   We both think the date code symbol appears as a shield but it sure would be nice to be able to confirm that beyond a doubt.  Thank you! 

mybulova_admin
Posted July 20, 2017 - 5:20am

Hi SStinson, and thans for adding your watch for us to take a look at. A couple of things interest me on first glance of your watch.

1. The band is a newer type, popular around the 1960s, but suits the watch.
2. The mention of Wadsworth on the case.

It woud be great if you were able to get some assistance with obtaining some nice focused photos of the back inside case.

My wife has a 1963 watch with a very similar style band. The jeweler who appraised the watch said that they were sapphires but I'm not so sure, so your jeweler might be correct.

A Bulova 'Geraldine' would seem about right if all the parts checkout as correct Bulova parts, but we only see adverts for this model up to about 1927, so I'm keen to see the movement and back inside case in more detail to confirm.

SStinson
Posted July 21, 2017 - 12:09pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Well, you're absolutely correct - I opened the case again and got my strong magnifying glass out and there is no "Wadsworth" in the Case Signature.  Sorry for the confusion!  I think my jeweler and I were just talking about some of the older watch cases that were manufactured by third parties (American Standard, Wadsworth) and I must have scribbled the name Wadsworth down in my notes then got it mixed up by the time I got home!  So, no Wadsworth, just Bulova in the case and Bulova Watch Co. on the movement.  Darn - ha!  Thanks so much for the info on the band.  I knew it had to be more recent than the watch but it is so lovely that it doesn't matter to me.  Maybe someone else can confirm "Sapphire or Rhinestone?" as far as the little stones in the band. 

 

Geoff Baker
Posted July 20, 2017 - 5:47am

Welcome SStinsson, to myBulova. I think heirloom watches are the best, you are most fortunate to have this wonderful keepsake from you grandmother. It is uncommon to find watches of this era with original bands and bracelets so I'm never surprised to see more recent replacements. The current bracelet looks fine to me.

Mens' watches are easier to identify because the larger size make it easier to differentiate the details in photographs. I don't find many models with this shape case but a couple caught my eye. Click here for an advert showing the Geraldine model which appears to be the model you have. Note that you can click the image to enlarge it.

Photographing the finer details are difficult at best, trying different lighting and camera angles can sometimes highlight the markings and engraving better, there just isn't a foolproof way to accomplish it. I wonder if you could clarify one detail. You mention the word 'wordsworth' as being inside the case, can you please double check what is written inside the caseback for me? I will also send you my email adress, perhaps you can email me the photos and I'll try enlarge them slightly.

Geoff Baker
Posted July 22, 2017 - 8:10am

These are the photos Sharon sent me. The top one confirms her response regarding the case signature it appears to be "Bulova 14k Gold Filled New York". I think Alex has confirmed this to be the 1928-29 signature.

I'm not sure I see the engraving detail any clearer on the second photo.

I'm going along with 1929 Geraldine ID

Reverend Rob
Posted July 22, 2017 - 10:19am

Looks to be a 1929 Geraldine to me also.

 

mybulova_admin
Posted July 22, 2017 - 8:22pm

It would be nice to find a later advert with the Geraldine to confirm that the name didn't change post 1927 (last advert I've found).

 

jabs
Posted July 23, 2017 - 3:28am

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Here is advert from True Republican, 22 May 1929

I´ve more adverts (The Long-Islander., August 09 1929, The Medina Daily Journal., June 07 1929, The Medina Daily Journal., June 26 1929), but in a worse quality

Geoff Baker
Posted July 23, 2017 - 7:18am

In reply to by mybulova_admin

You're right, I may have jumped too early on the ID, I think she is Roberta. I noticed the two were the same while I was researching but thought they names went the other way, Roberta => Geraldine. In fact it seems it was Geraldine=> Roberta. ( poor Geraldine, relegated to the dustbin was she?)