I know Bulova wasn’t the only company to put some variation of Hudson Maxim’s name on a watch so I figured, what the hell, let’s see what the panel has to say. This watch belongs to a friend. He supplied the pictures.
The movement was made by Racine Freres. The only marks on the case appear to say GERBER SWISS.
Initially, I told him it doesn’t have the hallmarks of a Bulova. But I don’t know about the very early days and how Bulova did things. He found some reference in a form saying Bulova used Racine Freres movements in the earliest watches.
If this flat out isn’t an early Bulova in any way, please remove it from the database. It sure would be cool if it was though.
In reply to Bulova were not stamping… by mybulova_admin
I’ve asked the owner to have the dial removed to examine it for hallmarks. I will see if a movement mark can be found.
In reply to Bulova were not stamping… by mybulova_admin
Agreed
In reply to Bulova were not stamping… by mybulova_admin
'Freres' being brothers in French?
Racine Brothers can be traced to the 1700's
Interesting and a very early one. Way out of my field of knowledge. I defer to those schooled in early models.
Great looking watch. I am deferring to the experts on this one. Too early for me.
When my friend first got this watch, the hands were missing. I don’t think the hands on it now are correct. Shouldn’t it have cathedral hands?
In reply to When my friend first got… by Stinky_Sullivan
I would have thought so, considering the dial number font being the kind that was typically lummed the same as the example I showed earlier.
Strong evidence now suggests that the names Hudson and Maxim appearing on early wrist and pocket watch dials are not for the namesake Hudson Maxim the inventor but as a coming together of 2 watch companies Hudson, proven to be owned by Arde Bulova and Maxim a Swiss manufacturer (Josephs' gig?)
Time will tell Us.
In reply to Strong evidence now suggests… by FifthAvenueRes…
The Hudson W. Co and Maxim relationship is briefly discussed here:
A quick search reveal that Ariste Racine found his company in 1913. then, enable to sell his watch, in 1914 he renamed his watch by reversing his name (ENICAR). And later his brother join him in the company in 1918 and the rename the company for RACINE FRERES.
So this watch can be a 1918.
But only a dial cant make it a bulova. maybe a non-conforming.... we need to know if the case is a bulova or use by bulova. as we date and recognize the brand by the case, we need to be sure this "asembly" was done by bulova. Not by Enicar.
no complain here, just in search of consitence.
curious to heard others about this watch.
the gerber swiss case was not reported here in this picture...
. /sites/default/files/uploaded_photos/user24327/Screenshot_20240908_102328_com.android.chrome.jpg
just need to know how we can swear this is a bulova ?