Please share photos of your vintage Bulova boxes. Please indicate a year and model of watch associated with the box if possible.
I'll start off by posting a recent purchase. Whilst we see plenty of presentation boxes that hold the watch we don't see too many early outer boxes such as this. The inside artwork suggest late 1920s or early 30s.
I think most of these would have ended up in the trash, the owner only keeping the presentation box.
Very nice. We should be able to come up with an earliest possible date by using the Bulova Observatory reference. Maybe the tagline "Americas Finest Timepiece" would narrow it down as well. Cool find, I'm glad you posted it.
In reply to Very nice. We should be able by Paleotime
March 1930 is about the first time we see adverts showing the Bulova Observatory building on Fifth Avenue, so I'd probably date the box to around then. 83 year old card board box....very nice!
I call these "Point of Sale" Boxes. I expect that the store sold it in addition to the watch for an extra amount. Special Occasions. My best guess is the late 1950's early 1960's.
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In reply to I call these "Point of Sale" by Geoff Baker
We have ads with all these boxes, from late 1940's to early 1950's Geoff.
In reply to I call these "Point of Sale" by Geoff Baker
In reply to (No subject) by mybulova_admin
Doesn't it seem like they should have shown a TREASURER in that TREASURE chest?
Late 1920's
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Note that the inside watch holder of both these boxes has a piece to stand (prop) it up for display.
1930's
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Did you know that the watch rises up out of the box when the lids are opened?
1940's
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1950's
It is the box below the Mark (at least I recall it being Mark) noted as being transitional from the Academy Award. The exterior is the same except 'Oscar" has been replaced by 'Lady Bulova'. The inside AA 'curtain' detail is replaced by the tan colored material.
1960's
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1970's
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There were several variants of the octagon box, including a couple that had watch names in them
...and last but not the least, my favorite of all, a plastic (left) and REAL WOOD (right) model Accuton display clam shell
Just how many Woodies do you have and what was your address again?? ; ^ )
HAD three, SOLD two, NEVER, EVER will get rid of the last one (you can have my Woody when you pry it from my cold, dead, wrist). I moved, I can't remember my address.
Geoff thats an amazing collection!!!
Goddess of Time. Ad from 1955
Nice Bob.... cool green color.
In reply to Nice Bob.... cool green by plainsmen
Jerin.......just imagine how it looks in the 'pale green glow'.........
In reply to Jerin.......just imagine how by Geoff Baker
Yep I bet that green on green was pretty cool!
Yeah Plains now all I need is the watch to go with it! :)
In reply to Yeah Plains now all I need is by Bob Bruno
I'll keep my eye out for that model for ya and shoot you the link if I see it.
Picked these up a couple weeks ago.....
In case you're wondering......it doesn't really say ANYTHING!
In reply to Picked these up a couple by Geoff Baker
G, those really are too cool for School!
In reply to Picked these up a couple by Geoff Baker
Very nice. Love that red and gold wax seal emblem on the paperwork. Great additions to your collection Geoff.
This box has been seen in a 1929 ad with a Ambassador in it.
Can anyone identify the factory? I have tried elsewhere, and it was suggested as the case factory at Sag Harbour, but I think it is not.
Come on guys, thinking caps on!
In reply to This box has been seen in a by bobbee
Why don't you think this is the factory at Sag Harbour?
....but, would you not agree Mark, that if these two still had watches IN THEM, they would be among the most desirable of all the Bulova boxes pictured here? Talk about an NOS find......that would be the motherlode.
Geoff,
There was a 3818A in the Brown bag pictured.
Methinks the factory is the Swiss one. The text describes American 'methods', in use from the start. That and the age leads me to believe the factory pictured is not on American soil.
Can't figure out if this box is from the 60's or 70's? Anyone know for sure?
Thanks Mark :)
That guys necktie screams 1970's though doesn't it? Caravelle's of the era (mid 70's) were also being sold in that style of display case
Here's an interesting Bulova "Excellence Collection" Clam shell display case - it has a factory applied foil seal of the President of the United States.
The BIG SURPRISE comes when the case is opened........
Yes, it is Richard Nixon's signature, on a Caravelle watch!
In reply to Here's an interesting Bulova by Geoff Baker
Could this be an actual watch presented to Nixon?
In reply to Could this be an actual watch by mybulova_admin
I doubt it Stephen, it's more likely a presentation piece that was given either to White House visitors or political campaign contributors. The date code is 1972, the year of Nixon's re-election (resigned in 1974). I saw one sell on the bay recently on a best offer, the seller told me he got $1000 USD for it. This one is NOS (imagine that - gb with an NOS watch!). The seller I bought this one from told me the owner was BOTH a regular visitor to the White House and a large campaign donor. She wouldn't tell me who it was but based on her cryptic comments I have an pretty good idea. What fascinates me is that it's a Caravelle watch ( cheaper ) in a Bulova clam shell - I assume to get enough space to slap the Presidential Seal sticker on!
In reply to Here's an interesting Bulova by Geoff Baker
I've seen similar watches available directly from the White House Gift shop. Actual Signed items as well.
Very nice, too bad we don't collect Caravell watches.
In reply to Very nice, too bad we don't by JP
Some may.
Yes but we don't have a data base for them here. If we did it would be interesting to see how many different styles there are. I am betting there are a bunch.
Thought I would share several varieties of watch boxes that I have/had:
1940s:
1950s:
1960s:
1970s:
Late 50s His Excellency:
Late 50s Waterproof:
Late 50s and very early 60s S.V.P. (Style.Value.Performance):
60s Bulova 30:
60s President:
60s Regatta 23:
60s Waterproof:
60s Sea King:
60s Jet Clipper:
