This is an odd one. It's not a Bulova case, Its actually marked Providence Watch Case Swiss, probably some kind of jeweler creation or a recase, but that's not my main point of concern. I'm more intrigued by the movement. Its dirty, i know, i was going to wait to post until i had it cleaned up and more clear photos, but I'm getting anxious to hear what everyone has to say. I listed as 1925, but i am not so sure. 1925 10A should be free of serial numbers and date coded with an 'O" but this movement has a serial number and i cannot find a date code. i can find something that looks like it might could be an 'O' but really could just as easily be a scratch or imperfection. Also, the general geometry, the bridges and such, do not match that of the other 10A movements we have in the DB. The engraving font and placement are all different as well. The caliber stamping of 10A is a little off, the A looks more like an upside-down V, it's just all very inconsistent and appears to be an older style of markings that the 10A's I usually see. Take a look and tell me what you think
Even though it is not a Bulova case, i still love it. Large with a 21mm lug width. strange for that time period.
I still suspect that there might be a 1924 asterisk on the movement. There is so much noise on the surface it is hard to say for sure.
I'm still leaning towards it being a marriage of watch parts, but as always would be thrilled to be convinced otherwise.
In reply to I still suspect that there… by mybulova_admin
with this information below, i believed that providence case was made by bulova.....
In reply to with this information below,… by mart1n888
What does it say? i am having a hard time reading the text. its not detailed enogh for me to zoom in to without it getting blurry
In reply to What does it say? i am… by catangen
of course sorry. beside PROVIDENCE we can read :
issued : july 6, 1920
claims: watch.
maybe a clue.....
In reply to I still suspect that there… by mybulova_admin
Check out this link to a short video i made. I cleaned it up some and zoomed in close. I see no evidence of an asterisk. I do however see what could be an 'O'. i saw this originally which is why I listed it as 1925, but even this mark is not consistent with other 'O' markings I have seen.
I know the hands are wrong, that's obvious. I'm not really concerned about the case being Bulova originated or not. I assumed it was not from the start. I am just so curious as to why this 10A is so different than all other 10A's i have seen.
I am cleaning up the movemnt this morning and will offer some better photos real soon. Maybe a video link if i can get it to my youtube page
There's a Providence watch case exactly like the one of the subject watch for sale right now on flea bay. It has a serial number of 6079702. I don't think Bulova would have been using Providence cases in 1926 or 36. That along with "rolled plate" but no mention of what kind of plate leads me to the conclusion this was never an original Bulova case. It looks great with the Bulova movement and dial in it, but I don't think they originally were together.
In reply to There's a Providence watch… by 1955mercury
Wow, i never thought to look. Thats interesting to me as well in that my case is earlier in serial by over 5.8 million.
Here is a link to a short YouTube video of this movement. It's a unlisted video only accessible through this link.
You can see what appears to be MAYBE an 'O' date code between two screws where other examples have their date codes located. This marking however looks more like a hurricane symbol, lol, or something. But i cannot deny that with a little effort you could make a case for that being an 'O' symbol for 1925 (which is why i listed it as 1925 to start with. I see nowhere else any evidence of any other date codes. I do still find it odd that the font and location of the Bulova Watch Co marking are different than other known examples. Also, that this 2-piece bridge arrangement is different than other known examples that use a 3-bridge construction.
I am by no means a expert on these early watches but I have not seen this case before and will go with unknown for now.