I really like that Bulova had such a range of watches and that even their entry level watches are just gorgeous. Adding this to my Baroness and Corinthia that are also entry level but beautiful.
I am thinking 1928 by the case serial number but the movement date stamp is not as obvious as I would like it to be and the case is engraved 1927. The movement is working well and overall the case is in nice shape with just a corner of the back having wear. It seems like maybe this model went from a snap on back to a hinged back as I have seen both types. Overall I am very happy with this one and like the black leather strap that came on it.
Pretty sweet, Kathy. A beautiful example! Better than I expected :o)
Looking at the "Bulova" stamp on the movement, is the "B" overstruck over an "N"? It would be interesting to track 6AF movements with s/n's that are close to see if this happened more than once. Seems like we just ID'd a watch that had a movement stamped "sisteen jewels". Great watch!
1928 Rona
In reply to Pretty sweet, Kathy. A… by neetstuf-4-u
In reply to Thank you Bob! It does look… by Kathy L.
A super interesting watch Kathy. The holy grail to prove why this watch is 1927. Firstly: the case signature. It is "American Standard". As from 1928, Bulova switched to the "New York" signature. Secondly: you will see the white gold color is the old color, not the new bright color. Thirdly: the movement is stamped with the "triangle/arrow" combination. We are not sure what it means, but the only explanation I could come up with is that these are left over movements from 1926, sold in 1927. My book explains more details as to why they had overstock from 1926. Fourthly: the back is stamped with "5-1927", placing it early in the year.
As I stated many times before, the serial numbers in 1927 (and ONLY in 1927!), are a bit of a mess since they can start with number 7 or 8 or 9, but always have an "American Standard" signature. Over the years I have been trying to figure out two things: the "Why" and what was the order of serial numbers. The "Why" is still a mystery, but the order I have 90% figured out. Indeed the 841 comes around spring, so the engraving of "5-1927" totally fits. The sample size of 1927 watches is meanwhile 250, and your Rona is an important contributor!
With respect to the case back, when Bulova introduced "rolled gold plate" for the first time in 1927 (again 1927, a pivotal year!), these models came with a snap back, not hinged. Why? Nobody knows, maybe to differentiate from gold filled cases or just to try it out. If the latter, the test failed, because in 1928 as from case serials 81, Bulova switched the rolled gold plate cases to being hinged, like all other watches.
Congrats with this extraordinary "Rosetta stone" watch: 1927 Rona.
In reply to A super interesting watch… by Alex
In reply to A super interesting watch… by Alex
In reply to Kathy - does your husband… by Geoff Baker