Red 12, indicating a very early wrist watch. It is a common belief in the horology world that a red/blue 12 was used during the transition period (post WWI) from pocket to wrist watches, as a quick visual indicator as to where the 12 o'clock position was and thus the correct orientation of the watch so that the correct time may be read.
This particular watch I believe is so far the ealiest Rubaiyat (oldest Bulova) watch we have seen and the balance bridge uses the older style "Advance / Retreat" script rather that the "AF/RS" we typically see. Also the case serial number is the earliest and I'm suggesting that the second number in these American Standard Watch Case Company cases is indicative of the year of manufacture (the case not the movement). So in this case I'm dating this watch to 1917.
Movement is stamped Rubaiyat SWISS and double stamped 15 Jewels 3 ADJ (bridge and plate).
Movement plate is a Swiss patent FHF 51482 with a lignes (size) of either 9 or 9.25.
Note the center, third and forth wheels have been plated with red gold (gold + silver + copper)
Another aspect to note about these early Rubaiyats is the movment layout. A typical Rubaiyat/Bulova movement has the balance wheel positioned opposite the crown, however the very early versions had it at a right angle to the crown (ie the 3 or 9 o'clock poistion) as shown in this watch.
Very nice watch Admin! It is yellow gold? I wonder what Reverend Rob can say about the movement.
It looks more like coral/rose gold but not overly red. It also says it's gold filled. I'll have to add a picture of the back side as it has some nice deep engraving showing the base metal.
Wow, what a great looking watch Stephen,. You've really gone past cool on this one. I never knew about the red 12, that's an interesting fact.
I see it's half published already but I'll add a vote it a 1917 Rubaiyat too.
Nice addition Stephen, 1917 Rubaiyat
Just off the top of my head this looks like an FHF Robert, typical ebauche in the early watches, used by many brands also. The patent owned by FHF refers to the keyless works and was used under license by makers other than FHF, like Gruen and AS.
Rubaiyat she is, 1917 by the serial number.
Yes an early Rubaiyat. Nice watch. I'd never heard about the red/blue 12, but is sure makes sense!
1917 Rubaiyat
Great watch Stephen and cool bit of info about the colored "12". Never heard that one before.
Current residential address: 605 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017, United States
Let's all meet there this spring, I'm dying to see that place! Is it attributed to you or did you sell it to Carl?