Bulova 1923 Lady Maxim

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on
Manufacture Year
1923
Movement Model
10AI
Movement Jewels
15
Movement Serial No.
69094
Case Serial No.
1000241
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
American Standard
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

This one really wound my mainspring. Overall exceptionally clean and still bearing the hands shown in period ads for Lady Maxim. Hinged case is American Standard "25 Year Monogram Quality" with a 3 letter monogram on back. Note the low serial number on case that I assume means it's watch number 241 for 1920. Movement is hand engraved on the edge with "II IIII I" - Roman numerals for 241, the last 3 digits of the case serial number. Face is hand engraved in the center and around the perimeter and marked BULOVA.

The only other like it in the database it is seen here with a case s/n starting with 11, so I suspect that one is actually a 1921.

The unusual expansion band is marked Pat. Pending and a dead match for Bulova bands shown in 1920 and 1921 ads.

Running, but currently gaining about 4 min per hour.

1920 Lady Maxim ?

 

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neetstuf-4-u
Posted July 30, 2022 - 1:50pm

 

1921 Ad

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1920 Bulova Bracelet Watch Ad

1920bandad

1921 ad showing band on 3rd Lady Maxim from left

1921 watchesad

 

mybulova_admin
Posted July 31, 2022 - 3:27am

I suspect that the 2nd advert above isn't showing a Bulova watch. I've not seen a dial that has the minute (x5) numbers on the dial

neetstuf-4-u
Posted July 31, 2022 - 8:10pm

I suspect the same; and included the 1920 ad not for the watch illustration, but more for verification of the band as well as for the early notation of the "Bulova" name. 

I also found it curious that first 1921 ad above depicts "Lady Maxim" on the dial and calls out "Bulova Movement", The third ad (also 1921) shows dials with no text on them and calls them "Bulova Wrist Watches"

mybulova_admin
Posted July 30, 2022 - 8:58pm

I believe this is actually an early 1923. The case has the shield rather than the globe and the movement has the 1923 company markings, rather than just BULOVA.

I've been recording early case numbers for a few years and the shield typically came after the globe. The serial number is low and my theory now is that these and just low shield cases rather than low cases in general (if that makes sense).

I think we still have a ways to go to fully understand these early cases and this may lead to a bunch of changes to existing entries to correct.

The BULOVA Watch Company didn't technically exist until 1923.

JimDon5822
Posted July 31, 2022 - 7:49pm

I will have to defer to the early watch experts on the panel.  Great looking orignal watch!

mybulova_admin
Posted August 5, 2022 - 11:57pm

From what I've seen it's normal for the following:

  • Rubiayat dial - Rubiayat movement
  • Rubiayat dial - Bulova movement (usually co-signed)
  • Lady Maxim dial - Bulova movement (sometimes co-signed)
  • No name dial - Bulova movement
  • Bulova dial - Bulova movement

At what point they started stamping movements "BULOVA W.Co." I'm not certain, but it would have to be no earlier than 1923.

1923 j.Bulova name change to the Bulova Watch Company

1923 J.Bulova name change annoucement to the Bulova Watch Company

mybulova_admin
Posted August 6, 2022 - 12:00am

I would ID as a 1923 Bulova Lady Maxim, noting the later 'shield' casing with early serial number.

Geoff Baker
Posted August 6, 2022 - 9:17pm

Agree - 1923 Bulova Lady Maxim