The manufacturer's date is a guess based on help from Google Gemini. Most of this is correct, but I think it says 15 jewels, not 17. Look at the plate of the movement, just below the large gear and to the right of the winding stem. There is a small, rectangular stamp with the number "1928" inside of it. This is the definitive production year for the movement. This information is consistent with everything else we've determined:
- The watch has a case patent date of June 10, 1924. This means it couldn't have been made before that year.
- The watch has a clear Art Deco style, which was highly popular in the 1920s.
- The movement is stamped "17 JEWELS" and "BULOVA WATCH CO. SWISS", which are all correct markings for a high-quality Bulova movement from this period.
Conclusion: This is a 1928 Bulova women's watch. The movement was manufactured in 1928, and the watch was assembled and sold that same year or very shortly after.
Nice watch, thanks for sharing. The rectangle on movement indicates the movement model. If you look again, it is likely something like "6AP"; it's not a date. The case s/n shows date. I believe the first number of yours is a lightly stamped 9 (rather than a 3) - indicating 1929. Below is an ad dated 1929, showing your watch as a
1929 Bulova Ardsley
solid gold case with 15J movement. A first for the database.
I will change date and s/n above to match.
Wow, thank you!
I came to the right place.
Having a Bulova/ American Standard case signature, your watch is even 2 years older: a 1927 Ardsley.
Is there a square stamped somewhere on the movement?
In reply to Is there a square stamped… by Alex
Not that I can see.
I've taken multiple photos in an attempt to see the movement clearly.
I'll try to get a jeweler's loop
1927 Bulova Ardsley is a good match.