Internet Horology Club 185
Show us a wristwatch made before 1950 in your collection

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9886009961/m/296106632

September 01, 2010, 19:00
Steven Ford
Show us a wristwatch made before 1950 in your collection
Here's a Bulova from the 20's maybe .There's a triangle with 20 inside, on the movement.Also it's marked 10.A.I . Serial # 67285


September 01, 2010, 19:04
Steven Ford
Here's the watch with box. Anyone know if it is from the 20's for sure?
The case is marked 14k and the band is marked 12k.

Thanks for any info you have.

Steve


September 05, 2010, 18:46
Wayne Hanley
Steven,
The earliest Bulova watch movement I have is a 9AT 17j with a circle date symbol=1925. Yours is the 1st 10AI I have ever seen. The earliest ad on the http://www.mybulova.com/vintage-bulova-watch-ads is 1922, but they are mostly unreadable, but it's worth a try. Unfortunately Bulova did not post the Caliber of the movements in their ads. They advertised the jewel count with great consistency.

The watch you have posted is a real beauty and have never seen one like it before. The triangle date symbol=1926.

Wayne
September 05, 2010, 18:55
Wayne Hanley
1929 Elgin 7j Engraved 14k white GF bezel & 14k yellow GF frame both have matching numbers.


September 06, 2010, 12:13
Steven Ford
Thanks for the kind words Wayne.
These watches must have been right in fashion before the depression. We're lucky to have any left with their gold cases,so many were sold for the gold.

Nice elgin. I like the yellow and white together.

Steve
September 06, 2010, 12:52
Werner Rosier
Steven that Bulova is gorgeous...Wayne, you must have a treasure chest full of those beautiful old watches... Wink

Baume & Mercier Ca.1940 I found these New old stock just this weekend! Smile







My WWW collection is now complete, time to look for new ventures!
September 06, 2010, 18:59
Wayne Hanley
Roamer 7j Movement Serial No MS297


September 07, 2010, 19:46
Wayne Hanley
The following is a clarification of Stephen Robinson's discussion of the Bulova open/closed nine. My understanding of the closure of the open 9, is that Bulova closed the 9 around August of 1927, when the cases with the JAN.11.1927 patent hit the streets. That patent was for the celluloid movement cover only. Bulova watch movements incorporated the cover well before that date, while the patent was pending. Generally a case with a 1927 patent will have a closed 9. Below is a pic of my Bulova Norman with an open 9, currently at my watchmakers for restoration.

Wayne


September 14, 2010, 09:33
Stephen Ollman
Steven, I have 4 other 10AI movements on record in a serial number database I started a number of years ago.

They are numbered 81534, 91155, 91163 and 102401.

From what I can tell they are all from the ladies wristwatch range of 1922 to 1924. I'd probable put yours at 1922 possible even earlier.

Yours is a wonderful example. I really like the case and dial. I don't see this design in any of the ads that are on the www.mybulova.com website.

Is the box also marked Bulova?

Stephen
myBulova.com
September 14, 2010, 16:40
Steven Ford
Stephen,
Thanks for the info on the Bulova. The box is only marked with the jeweler's name Alfred Einhorn.He was a distant relative of my wife.I met him once I think, long ago. The watch belonged to my wife's Aunt who would have been 18 in 1922. The band has a patent date of 2-17-25. She would have been 21 then, that's when she started teaching, and would have needed a watch.

Here's the case


September 14, 2010, 16:42
Steven Ford
And the band markings. Thanks again! Steve


September 18, 2010, 18:06
Wayne Hanley
1929 Athlete 9AT, 17j Pin Stripe Dial
CORRECTION: This is a 1929 Lincoln


September 21, 2010, 22:21
Wayne Hanley
1931 Bulova Sky King 10AN 17j Luminous Numbers


September 28, 2010, 19:24
Wayne Hanley
1930 Bulova President 9AT 17j. Note the engraving pattern matches the Sky King above. Prime candidate for restoration.


September 30, 2010, 20:04
Wayne Hanley
Bulova Model Number 39734 Cal 9A 15j 3 Adjustments Swiss. Serial Number 74301. In 1925 Bulova gave Monikers to all of the mens watches. This watch was top of the line and called President.
Note: There is no seconds bit. The nine and the six are open.


October 07, 2010, 19:00
Frank Kusumoto
I believe this one was made in the late 1940's. Perhaps early 1950's but I'll guess it was the
former and not the latter for the sake of the topic. Razz


October 08, 2010, 17:01
Wayne Hanley
Frank, I have not forgotten about the Bulova! "Another Little Engine That Could"!
Here it is for everyone to see. 1930 Bulova Brunswick 17j Caliber 10AN in excellent condition. Nicely maintained by the previous owner, Frank Kusumoto. This watch maintains a prominent place in my Bulova display.
CORRECTION: The name of this watch is unknown,the engraving pattern does not match any ad on the myBulova.com website. If anyone knows the name of this watch please let me know. Thanks Wayne


October 13, 2010, 02:52
Frank Kusumoto
Oh, that Bulova is a beauty. Dial was redone by Kirk Los Angeles. Found a proper NOS Crystal. Servicing the movement went by the book, no problems at all. Not a rare watch, but one that is a fine example and is the type you want to collect.
October 13, 2010, 16:27
Stephen Robinson


1933ish watch, original strap too small even for my girly wrists (but I have plans!), and not running that well to be honest... but it's still made before 1950! Razz
October 13, 2010, 17:28
Werner Rosier
Nice one Stephen, I´ve got a whole collection of those early Ingersoll Disney watches...

Here´s an early 1914-1918 Cyma articulated lugs watch




My WWW collection is now complete, time to look for new ventures!
November 06, 2010, 19:52
Michael Payant
Waltham trench c. 1917 7j. Great WW1 era inscription on back


November 07, 2010, 12:24
Tom Brunton
@Michael Payant,how about a picture of the inscription on the back Big Grin