[robetalks]

Hello, just got to old watches, one Bulova Selfwinding 10K gold filled and a Helvetia. From what I know, I'm guessing that the Helvetia one is from the 20s-30s (but just guessing) and Bulova, probably 40s-50s, but again, just guessing. Can anyone give me a history lesson on them? I'll attach some pics of the watches.

 

[simpletreasures]

Bulova is from 1958, can't help you on the other one.

 

[James A]

Here is your movement for the Helvetia.

bidfun-db Archive: Watch Movements: Helvetia 81

Interesting early shock absorber - I couldn't find the patent date but it is quite early.

Think this is a later version

Regards,

 

[Dan S]

Based on the general style, the shock protection and luminous dial/hands, I would guess that the Helvetia is from the late 1930s or possibly the early 1940s. But this is just shooting from the hip.

 

[robetalks]

Thank guys, but I have another question. Is the Helvetia for men or women? I know back in those times, watches were smaller, but this is quite small.

 

[Chascomm]

Thank guys, but I have another question. Is the Helvetia for men or women? I know back in those times, watches were smaller, but this is quite small.

How small is "quite small"? It looks like about 28mm based on the dimensions of the movement. Am I right?

To my eyes it has a very masculine style.

 

[robetalks]

How small is "quite small"? It looks like about 28mm based on the dimensions of the movement. Am I right?

To my eyes it has a very masculine style.

yeah, the case without the crown is around 25.60mm-27mm.

 

[Enfield]

Hi, I know this is an old thread but thought you might like to know your Helvetia dates to 1931/32. They only numbered their movements for a short period of time in the early 1930s. If the case had a serial number I could be more exact.

Movement is Helvetia 81-24

Have a look here if interested. https://www.helvetiahistory.co.uk/