Bulova 1939 -Unknown

Submitted by Kathy L. on
Manufacture Year
1939
Movement Model
7AM
Movement Date Code
Shield
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
9367662
Case shape
Cushion
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
Flat Cushion
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

I picked this one up just because I think the dial is pretty cool.  I know they made these black/gray dials but haven't seen one on a ladies model like this.  Looked through the ads and didn't find anything.  The box it came in reads Lady Bulova on the outer box but I don't know for sure it is the original box.  Love to hear what you all think it might be.  Thanks.

1939 Bulova watch
1939 Bulova watch
1939 Bulova watch
1939 Bulova watch
1939 Bulova watch
Bulova Watch advert
Kathy L.
Posted June 23, 2018 - 12:50pm

The box is very worn.  Here is a better look at the band.

jabs
Posted June 23, 2018 - 1:30pm

a similar case this year had Lady Bulova and Rona, the dial is really very unusual, I've never seen it

hard to say at this moment,  only a beautiful watch :)

Kathy L.
Posted June 23, 2018 - 1:32pm

I think it may be a Lady Bulova with a Dolly Madison band.  It also looks like Rona but with softer edges.

Geoff Baker
Posted June 24, 2018 - 7:06am

I love the dial, I'm  not certain it's original to this watch but it sure does look good.

I'm on the fence for an ID, This case was definitely Rona in 1938 but I don't see it in 1939. I find two 1939 watches that are similar, Barbara and Lady Bulova but they have engraving around the dial.

I'm staying with:

1939 Bulova Rona

 

Kathy L.
Posted June 24, 2018 - 10:35am

Oh yes I can see the etching on the Lady Bulova there.  So no real match on a case and jewel count then.  The second hand and unusual dial probably made it a less popular model and not advertised.  This lovely lady may have to be unknown.  

jabs
Posted June 24, 2018 - 1:06pm

Unknown watches are rare because they are usually watch them previously unpublished, either it was not necessary or was not produced much

neetstuf-4-u
Posted June 25, 2018 - 7:46am

This one is a bit of a puzzle. The dial is unique and paired with a center sweep second hand suggests the need to time some event in seconds. That's a pretty unusual attribute for a 1930's women's watch; as well as a black face for contrast of numbers in a time period when most women were "housewives" and male dominated society and marketing would likely determine women "didn't need or want" such a feature.

I agree the case is likely the same as used for Rona, band appears to be Dolly Madison.

I have to wonder if this is an unknown "Nurse" watch?

It looks a lot more military themed than the norm. I'm willing to bet that if it's an all original watch, it didn't sell well or for very long.

Thinking outside the box, it could have been a special order run (like later era award watches with company logo face) for a hospital and presented to staff as a service award. Just a thought.

Slim possibility it's a masterful marriage, but I doubt it.

At present, for me this is a very unusual and attractive 1939 Unknown - possible Nurse/medical.

Kathy L.
Posted June 25, 2018 - 9:41pm

Yes that was my first thought as well, probably a nurse watch.  I also think it is probably a model because it is unusual and it seems to be a perfect match with the case shape.  Thanks for thinking it over.  

Andersok
Posted June 25, 2018 - 12:23pm

I've been through the ads, and found nothing to match. The watch looks to be correct; the outline of the dial fits perfect to the bezel opening. Case design is similar to a few models discussed already, but I have to designate this one as Unknown, for now.