I wanted to post this for the database, but recognize it will be listed as an “unknown” without a confirming ad. As you can see, it is a 1930 Bulova Doctor’s watch with a sweep second hand in a case that matches the Revere model. It has the omega date code, and the case number begins with a 0, so it appears correct for 1930. I really couldn’t resist buying this one, since it is the same type of dial with the chapter ring for seconds with five ticks per second as the dial on the 1935 one that I’ve previously posted, but with radium numerals and cathedral hands that look correct for 1930. http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1935-unknown-6124
The 1935 is in a case that appears to match the Trident model. The Trident watch had two date codes, for both 1930 and 1935. It also has raised gold numerals. Also, this one has 17 jewels, while the 1935 watch has 15. I also have a 1930 Revere in my collection, and this one is noticeably a bit thicker, which I assume is to accommodate the additional gear for the sweep hand? Its running strong and looks much nicer now that I put a nice leather band on it…Its interesting to see the similarities, but also the differences between the 1935 and this watch...
Nice watch, love to see these early sweep seconds.
Below is an advert from the London Illustrated News of 1915, in which we see a 'medical wrist watch' with a centre sweep hand. This watch most likely uses a 7-jewel Gallet movement, the first known to have a sweep second hand made for a wrist watch and made from 1912- onwards.
It says also 'registers 1-5th. of seconds' and 'invaluable for hospital work'.
This proves that these watches with the fifth of a second gradations on the outer track that incorporate a sweep second hand are primarily for hospital or medical people, whether intended solely for military medical staff or not is an unknown factor.
Maybe to avoid being lumped in the "unknown" pile, these centre-sweep seconds watches that have a fifth of a second track markings but no name could be put in a "medical watch" category?
In reply to Maybe to avoid being lumped by bobbee
Bob, I agree that it's unfortunate they get swept into the abyss. I'm not sure I'd favor a designation though that doesn't have some Bulova advertising support.
Cool watch David. I'm a fan of these one-off models. They make collecting fun. Short of an advert though I'm afraid it is heading for the "Unknown' category.
At least we know it is a medical watch, not just an ordinary model and this advert above proves that, whether it is a Bulova advert or not.
Just as some chronograph watches are still categorised as chronographs-even with no supporting advert-these watches have been made for a specific purpose. In that case these come under the same sort of identification "reasoning", and either should be named as "medical", "doctor's", or suchlike, or the chronographs without supporting ads be placed under the catchall "unknown" too.
In reply to At least we know it is a by bobbee
Yeah...
I say we designate all the Chronographs as "HORSE RACE WATCHES" because they can be used to time a Horse Race ;)
In reply to Yeah... I say we designate by timerestoration
[quote=timerestoration]
Yeah...
I say we designate all the Chronographs as "HORSE RACE WATCHES" because they can be used to time a Horse Race ;)
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...and those with telemeters re-named "storm/cannon rangers"! :-)
In reply to Yeah... I say we designate by timerestoration
That's a good one Jeff but I fly commercial airlines four times a week, I use mine to check that the time the pilot tells us the flight will last is accurate. I think we should call them "AIRPLANE TIMER WATCHES".
In reply to That's a good one Jeff but I by Geoff Baker
Kidding aside...
My point is, that I have no problem designating any Bulova with a Stop-Watch function as a Chronograph. A Chronograph is simply a Watch with a Stop-Watch function used to time an event...no matter what that "event" may be.
But, a "Fifth of a Second" Sweep Seconds Track does not necessarily indicate "medical" use, and it might not have been marketed as such
As Geoff pointed out...
"I'm not sure I'd favor a designation though that doesn't have some Bulova advertising support."
But what about all the "Physician" watches in the DB that are ID'd as such?
Those with a centre sweep have no supporting ads.