Rockefeller Centre 1952 18Kt Solid Gold case
In reply to Panel - thoughts? by Geoff Baker
In reply to What does everyone think… by mybulova_admin
Honestly, I see the definitions as different. I consider a promotional piece as advertising and sold or given away as such with no ties to an event. The fact this example is dated would seem to indicate per owner it was given as commemorating an event (retirement).
If this was tied to the TODAY Show, one would think it would be given at some landmark year and double dated, like the 5th anniversary of a successful show and would also say TODAY on it. If given out at an anniversary of the 1952 show start date, dated 1952 it would have been given in 1957. That would also be commemorative
If a watch has a product logo and is sold in the gift shop or handed out to product distributors, it's a promotional promoting a product. If a watch has a company logo or building name, is dated and was not available to the general public in that configuration and was a retirement gift..... it's commemorative.
The fact it's solid gold would also appear to place it in a Commemorative category. Just my thoughts.......
You say potato, I say potahto.........
In reply to Honestly, I see the… by neetstuf-4-u
You raise a good point in relation to the 18k solid gold which for me does place it more in the commemorative bucket for me as well. Another good point you raise is that promotional items are usually either sold or given aways....I can't see too many of these being sold or given away :-)
Hi team -
Couple new updates I got from the family over the holiday weekend here in the States.
This watch belonged to Philip F.W. Keebler (8/22/1892 - 12/27/1987) He was the Great-grandfather of my wife.
Mr Keebler worked for the Rockefeller family in New York City. He was a tax lawyer for them.
Several family members (his 3 grandchildren) tell me that this was a gift from the board of directors that he served on upon his retirement.
*I've also come to learn that the loop on the back was added by one of his grandchildren! She tried to wear it as jewelry but was WAY too heavy. Blasphemy! That loop is NOT original.
Thank you for the updated history on the item. The added loop story brings up a very interesting point. I now believe this not to be a pendant but a desk clock piece. I am inclined to believe this might have been embedded in maybe a desk pen set or something similar. It should be noted there are known pendant style Bulova's that came with a desk stand as seen in the following photo from an Accutron Desk Clock auction.
I missed the loop for the necklace.
So being a gift for his years of service can we agree that it's not likely to be a promotional piece.
I also agree with Jim, that as a 'desk clock' it more than likely had a stand similar to the one shown above.
I'm still in for it being a 'Commemorative' piece as a general ID.