Not very early but a rarity

Submitted by vintagebulova.com on May 28, 2011 - 6:20pm

Recently picked up this one.  I've never seen it before and I think it may be a very early example as it has no patent date at all on the inside of the case and does not have provision for the plastic protection on the back of the movement.   I'm pretty sure that the 10AN movement is not original to the watch so we can't go by that.  It's date code indicates 1933.

Jay

vintagebulova.com

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted May 28, 2011 - 6:26pm

Jay,

If the movement sits in the Caseback not in a movement holder there would be no dust shield.

1933 is most likely correct, a pre-curser to the non hinged Case.

2c

vintagebulova.com
Posted May 28, 2011 - 7:01pm

In reply to by FifthAvenueRes…

Yes I know.  But did they produce this style of case in the 1930's?  By then they were on to different styles and had left this 1920's look behind.  Has anyone seen another one like it in a square deco type model?  Had I not indicated the movement date code would anyone think this watch was from the 1930's?  Just has that 1920's look to me. 

Jay

vintagebulova.com

Wayne Hanley
Posted May 28, 2011 - 8:36pm

Notice the side engraving is not the mandatory opposing arrow heads. I call that engraving pattern the bowling pin & ball pattern, and it didn't show up until 1930. Because most of the thirties watches had step sides the arrows dissapeared from the sides of most Bulova watches. My guess is 30s.

vintagebulova.com
Posted May 28, 2011 - 9:01pm

Ok, so it's not an early model.  Has anyone seen it before or know what model it is?

Jay

vintagebulova.com

Wayne Hanley
Posted May 29, 2011 - 3:05am

The front vertical engraving pattern of XIXIXI is 1930 design e.g. President & Sky King. Dial with open 9 is 1927 or earlier. The cathedral hands are good from 1927 thru 1931. I have never seen this case before.

Wayne

mybulova_admin
Posted May 29, 2011 - 6:06am

At first glance this could be from either the mid 20s or the early 30s, as this shape (Ambassador style) was very common. However we keep coming across these variations with the side engravings.

Jay, does this one have small stepped sides or is that just a reflection?

Also the dial looks to have been refinished. Has it?

Open 9 suggests mid 20s, but cathederal hands suggest late 20s early 30s.

Case design and stamp look to be correct as with no dust proof shield it wouldn't have the typical Jan 11 1927 patent date.

I'd say early 30s aswell, meaning the movement might very well be original.

mybulova_admin
Posted May 29, 2011 - 8:11pm

Also Jay, is it a two toned effect?

Stepped sides...hmmmm....very different. I certainly haven't seen that before.