Bulova 1925 -Non-Conforming

Submitted by catangen on
Manufacture Year
1925
Movement Model
10A
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
153642
Case Serial No.
234720
Case shape
Square
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Other
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

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. 

Front
Movement
Movement
Movement
Case stamp
catangen
Posted March 17, 2025 - 7:07am

In reply to by FifthAvenueRes…

Were you able to view the video link i posted? I cleaned up the movement and you can see that area a bit better. You can see what one could argue is a double mis stamped circle. 

mybulova_admin
Posted March 17, 2025 - 7:16am

In reply to by catangen

You did  agreat job with the video and the high powered magnification which clearly shows (IMO) 2 overlapping mistruck circles.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted March 17, 2025 - 8:34am

In reply to by catangen

I did and I am not sold on the idea.

Also, the 'A' appears to be an upside down Y , which is the Greek letter L. 

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted March 17, 2025 - 8:46am

In reply to by FifthAvenueRes…

I will add that in the Bulova book 'It's Time You Knew' We are informed that Bulove movement markings are not struck. 

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted March 17, 2025 - 9:09am

In reply to by FifthAvenueRes…

I apologize for the indifference but the markings on the subject Watch movement do not coincide with 1925.

catangen
Posted March 17, 2025 - 9:13am

In reply to by FifthAvenueRes…

I agree. Everything about it is different and seems "earlier". 

mybulova_admin
Posted March 17, 2025 - 4:57pm

In reply to by FifthAvenueRes…

I would suggest that this is referring to the general word and number markings on a movement and not the date codes which IMO are hand stamped.

My feeling is that Bulova engraved their movements using a 'Pantograph' mchine similar to what is used in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQneYKsjrME

catangen
Posted March 19, 2025 - 4:19pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Agreed. I am familiar with that machine. I am wondering if in those days, before the introduction of standardization, each individual watchmaker had his own set of templates they made for themselves? Using whatever style best suited them, as long as the info was correct who cares what font is used. That may explain why there are so many different styles of lettering. 

catangen
Posted March 17, 2025 - 9:19am

In reply to by FifthAvenueRes…

I agree the A is not very well defined and totally different than other A's we see on 10A movements. However, if you watch the video I made and posted the link to, you can see in the zoomed still image of the 10A mark that the A mark does indeed look to be intended to be an A, although not very well done. As well you can see in the serial number, one digit appears to be a lower case 'a', I believe that's intended to be either a 3 or an 8, but turned out looking a bit wonky like the 'A' did. 

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