Bulova 1916 Rubaiyat

Submitted by FifthAvenueRes… on
Manufacture Year
1916
Movement Jewels
7
Case Serial No.
None
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Rubaiyat W.Co.
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I do enjoy a good challenge.  WWI era 1914–1918  'RUBAIYAT'.   the production date of 1916 is an estimate only.  

1916 RUBAIYAT
1916 RUBAIYAT
1916 RUBAIYAT Case
Horological Journal 1917
1918 Los Angeles Times
FifthAvenueRes…
Posted August 30, 2026 - 12:09am

We've seen the 2 on the inside caseback of a 'RUBAIYAT' before so it isn't a case serial number imo. 

mybulova_admin
Posted August 30, 2026 - 1:33am

I vote that you go full-hog with a full no expense spared restoration...you owe it to the watch :-)

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted August 30, 2026 - 5:37am

I agree Stephen.  The case is missing the lower lug, the tube is there.  I'm going to send it out..   Balance is fubar with a hairspring all over the place and a broken staff - the main problem.   The dial is very nice, the Hour hand was inside the bezel. I'm missing a seconds hand.  

Kathy L.
Posted August 31, 2026 - 1:21pm

Truly amazing!  Congrats on a great find.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted August 31, 2026 - 7:33pm

One more added thought to this thread:  The vintage newspaper ad published by the Los Angeles Times in 1918 states that watches offered by the Geo. D. Davidson Co are from the J. Bulova Co of Bienne, Switzerland.  There is no mention of New York, U.S.A. 

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted August 31, 2026 - 7:39pm

Could this be an example of the first Gents wrist watch introduced to the United States mentioned in the Bulova History timeline? 

maybe

mybulova_admin
Posted September 2, 2026 - 4:15am

I would put money on it, which is why it belongs in the museum or my personal collection once you've fully restored it :-)

I'm hoping you can find a donor movement for the hairspring.

mart1n888
Posted September 6, 2026 - 11:28am

if you talk about this one, i will keep it in my collection as far as she run pretty well.... its my little treasure i cant make a donation 😂

mybulova_admin
Posted September 2, 2026 - 4:19am

The year is still the question. Did you say the advert is dated 1918?

We know Bulova first started 'using' Rubaiyat in 1916 and trademarked as early as May 15, 1917. I do often wonder what if any the difference between 'Rubaiyat W Co' and just 'Rubaiyat' is?