The 1920 date is just a guess. The movement is marked AI and there is a 10 inside a trapezoid. The watch runs when I wind it a turn or two. That's it unless or until it is serviced.
It isn't really clear as the dial has condition issues but, yes, it does say Lady Maxim. This was part of an on-line auction lot I picked up this morning. The solid gold wasn't mentioned so was a bonus, as was the fact that it runs.
On a related but separate note, another watch in the lot was a ladies' 14K diamond and sapphire watch with a Pery movement. The case is marked Bulova. Is anyone aware of a collaboration between Bulova and Pery (aka Sigma/Rotary)? Thanks!
This is just wonderful to see in 14K. Most of the Lady Maxims in the DB are dated between 1921 and 1922. The serial # could indicate 1920 but I will leave the dating to the more experienced in the early models.
The good thing on your dial is that the movements and dials were all sized the same at this time so you could possibly pick up a replacement.
Lady Maxim
Great find!
This adds to the mystery of early Bulova cases.
We have this with a Rubaiyat movement and a solid gold case serial of 1000162 and wire lugs and 3 o'clock config.
This one over at Watchophilia marked Rubaiyat with a Bulova movement, and a gold filled case with a serial number of 1000166
An now the subject watch marked Lady Maxim, with a Bulova movement and a solid gold case serial of 1000197 and a 12 o'clock config.
Head spinning anyone?
I think this just highlights the point that a lot was going on with Bulova at this time.
The casing serial numbering system is still an absolute mystery.
My research has some 80+ pre 1923 case examples and other than a few grouping I'm snot seeing any pattern when it comes to branding (Rubaiyat, Bulova, Lady Maxim), case style (shape, engraved, stem config) and gold content (filled, solid).
Model wise and with the early serial I'd be at 1920 Bulova Lady Maxim.