Description: 1924 Unknown |
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Model Name |
Unknown |
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Case Date |
Unknown |
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Case Serial |
None |
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Signature Locations |
Movement, dial? |
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Case Signature Format |
Apex, 14K |
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Movement |
6LA, 15J, 2 Adjustments, signed "Bulova Watch Co." |
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Movement Date Code |
None |
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Movement Serial |
None |
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Case Material Description |
14K (solid white gold with black enamel) |
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Case Dimensions |
28mm x 16.5mm without crown |
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Case Type |
Single hinged, oval with straight sides |
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Crystal Specifications |
23.5mm x 11.9mm, oval with straight sides |
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Other Details |
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NOTES: This is a very unsual watch in several respects.
- First, the name is worn off the dial, so it cannot be confirmed to have once read Bulova. However, the style of the dial is characteristic of early Bulovas in every aspect of its design.
- The solid gold case is not Bulova signed, nor does it bear a serial number. However, as noted on quite a few other watches in my collection, I have found that solid gold models routinely bear atypical case markings. I have seen the Apex signature on one other Bulova watch owned by a fellow collector. It was also a solid gold model. It bore both Bulova and Apex signatures on the case, leaving no doubt that there was a legitimate association between the two companies.
- The style of the case and band are characteristic of a Bulova watch in every respect, including the size, shape, engraving pattern, and enameling pattern (see 1928 Daphne for a very similar bezel design). The engraving pattern on the back of the case includes an image of a sun rising or setting, which has only been seen on very early Bulova ladies' models (e.g., 1925 Pater). The wire lugs and grosgrain ribbon band are typical of the early 1920s and Bulova ladies' models.
- The movement bears neither a serial number nor a date code--which is quite unusual--but it does have the Bulova signature, printed in an old style, and the movement caliber (6LA) is one that I have not seen or heard of before, nor have I found any information on that movement through Web searches. So, I believe it to be a very old, rare movement.
- Both the movement and the inside of the case are inscribed with what appears to be "18", which could signify 1918, although that seems too early for this style of watch.
- I have recently seen a later model, solid gold watch bearing both the Bulova and Apex signatures, so there was, apparently, a relationship between the two companies specifically involving the production of solid gold cases.
To view all ladies' models in my collection, visit Ladies' Models.
1924 Unknown
