Bulova 1977 Diamond Imperial

Submitted by TexasLady on August 19, 2018 - 7:38pm
Manufacture Year
1977
Movement Model
5BD
Movement Jewels
23
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
104925
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

This is a Bulova Ladies watch in 14K White Gold with twenty-two (22)  Diamonds. The movement is stamped with: N2 Date Code, however the outside case is stamped: N7. The case inside markings are: 14K GOLD,   L & W,   M290,   104925. The case outside markings are:  14K GOLD,  BULOVA,  N7

1974 Bulova watch
1974 Bulova watch
1974 Bulova watch
Andersok
Posted August 22, 2018 - 9:33pm

Some checking through the ads has not uncovered any matches. The date difference between the N7 case and N2 movement is a bit much at five years. However, the case #M290 does call for the 5BD movement, which I think  came in either 21 or the more common 23 jewel. What is odd is that this case number is not listed in the 1974 case book, but here is using a 1972 movement. I found it listed in the 1979 supplement book; and interestingly it states that is uses a sapphire crystal, which would seem a luxury component in line with such a high-end and expensive watch. What I would expect to see with a 23 jewel movement is the '23' on the dial. I have found a 1977 ad for a lady's 23 jewel watch with 23 on the dial, and also a 1977 La Petite ad with no 23 on the dial (though no mention of jewel count in the description, but that model had always used a 23...right?), and a 1974 ad for 23 jewels showing both with and without 23 on the dial. Seems some models had it and some did not.

I am feeling as though the watch is correct, and perhaps the movement has just been replaced at some point.

1977 Unknown.

Reverend Rob
Posted August 23, 2018 - 10:08am

I agree with Ken, 1977 Unknown. Very likely a movt replacement.

This is an interesting piece, late in the quartz crisis, yet still top quality and possibly a sapphire crystal to boot. A jeweller will be able to confirm the crystal. 

Still, a breathtaking watch by any standard. 

Kathy L.
Posted August 23, 2018 - 10:14am

I agree with Unknown for now.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted August 23, 2018 - 10:35am

I'm afraid I have to go unknown for the time being as well.

JimDon5822
Posted September 19, 2020 - 10:12pm

I think I got this one.  Found a match in a May 1977 advertisement noting a possible movement swap on this watch..

1977 Bulova Diamond Imperial

1977 Bulova Diamond Imperial

 

mybulova_admin
Posted September 20, 2020 - 4:00am

Nice find! Agreed. A 1974 Bulova Diamond Imperial

neetstuf-4-u
Posted September 20, 2020 - 10:17am

Nice ad find, Jim

1977 Diamond Imperial noting movement date discrepancy.

JimDon5822
Posted September 21, 2020 - 2:40pm

Shouldn't this be a 1977 Diamond Imperial as the case date is N7.

bsshog40
Posted September 21, 2020 - 6:55pm

Sweet looking ladies watch. Good find there JimDon!

TexasLady
Posted July 27, 2021 - 9:48pm

AD 7-27-2021