Bulova 1937 -Non-Conforming

Submitted by codi1027 on
Manufacture Year
1937
Movement Date Code
Arrow
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
805466
Case shape
Oval
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

14k gold. There are other markings inscribed on the inside of the case that I would love help identifying. Seems like maybe another number under the serial number and then possibly a word just above the 14k gold symbol.

Front overview
Front close up
Back close up
Inside
Inside case
Inside 2
Alex
Posted July 9, 2021 - 8:43pm

Dear codi1027, a very beautiful and interesting watch you placed here. Inside it is stamped with the case maker sign of Louis Lewitt and a 6-digit serial number in the format that Louis used. The rest are scribbles of watch makers they put when servicing the watch. Bulova had bought enameled watch cases from Louis Lewitt earlier in 1926 and 1927 until Bulova sewed him over a patent and stopped buying from Louis. So, I am surprised to find this Lewitt-Bulova combination of 1937. Apparently the dispute was forgiven and forgotten. Although..........Lewitt went bankrupt in February 1937. So maybe all was not "forgiven and forgotten" after all. Bulova simply may have bought some left over inventory after the bankruptcy.....

Although the 30's era is not my specialty, I have never seen a watch like this. Assuming this combination is original, the watch is an unknown for me.

JimDon5822
Posted July 9, 2021 - 8:56pm

Wow I would have guessed this to be a 1960's era watch based on the style, not 1937.   It is a BEAUTY!  I have not seen anything like it.  1937 Bulova Unknown.

Geoff Baker
Posted July 9, 2021 - 10:31pm

I like it. My guess is that the bracelet was soldered in place to the watch case and is not original to the watch. I'm looking for a match to just the actual watch case

Alex
Posted July 9, 2021 - 11:04pm

You are right Geoff. The closure of the strap is of later age. So probably the strap was added later. 

mybulova_admin
Posted July 10, 2021 - 2:01am

I think the only aspect of this watch that was produced by Bulova is the dial and movement. Looking at the dial, the number layout does not match the bezel shape.

It's quite possible that the original movement was replaced with a 1937 donar Bulova movement.

The overall styling is like nothing we have seen in any 1930s or 40 ladies watches and I also feel it's from a later time period,

Non-Conforming for me.

However with all that said and done, I love this watch and it's pure gold bling aspect.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted July 10, 2021 - 7:20am

I'm afraid I have to go the Non-conforming route as well for reasons previously stated. I'm inclined to think the case/band is as manufactured and the movement /face was put in at a later date than the movement as a "jeweler upgrade" for lack of a better term.That in no way detracts from the watch, it's pretty amazing and truly a treasure..

codi1027
Posted July 10, 2021 - 8:53pm

Thank everyone for your expertise and compliments on the watch. This has all been SO helpful. I do have a photo of it on my grandmother from around 1959-1960 so the style being from that era makes complete sense. 

JimDon5822
Posted July 10, 2021 - 10:23pm

I have to agree on non-conforming but that does not take away from the great workmanship on the watch and overall beauty of it.  I beg to say they out did Bulova on this one.