13,750 HKD
BULOVA ACADEMY AWARD GOLD-FILLED Bulova, case No. 2878400, made circa 1950s, 10K gold- filled rectangular wristwatch with expansion bracelet. Accompanied by an original fitted box. Two-body, polished, ridged bezel, hooded lugs. Ridged gold with black painted numerals and dart indexes, subsidiary seconds dial. Alpha blued steel hands. Cal. 7 AK, rhodium-plated, 21 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance. Notes Dial, case and movement signed. DIM. 21 x 37 mm. Bulova entered a licensing contract with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of Hollywood in 1950 for the use of the name “Academy Award” and the image of the iconic Oscar statue. In order to maximize its licensing rights, Bulova named the model of the watch “Academy Award” and the advertisements and the fitted boxes also often featured the model name and the Oscar statue image as well. There were various models made for both men and women and the line proved to be a success for Bulova. However, the licensing agreement fell apart when the Academy was dissatisfied by the use of their reputation being associated with the product, which insinuated their approval of Bulova being the best watchmakers in the world. After several lawsuits, they have officially severed ties in 1954. Although it is reported that the watches were sold under the same name after the termination of the licensing agreement, due to the short production period, it is widely considered as a highly- collectable model a
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2014-02-22
