I bought this one (20 minutes after it was listed as a buy it now) based on 2 blurry photos (front and back) and a 5 word description. Seller emailed me that "it starts and stops....do I still want it?" Yes..... It arrived running and within 15 minutes of exact time minus time zone difference between CA and NY. Seller said it was a donation and he knew nothing about watches. It originated within 3 hrs of 3 dealerships in Hollywood, CA and one within 20 minutes of his address.
Watch is almost perfect, with some plating wear on the crown edge and dial is obviously Bulova done, with no black on the swedged markers indicating the dial blank was black before it was assembled.. Minutes track is gold, like the Rolls Royce emblem. Case and movement dated 1950.
Based on the indice shape, this was a non-luminous style dial and the hands are a match to that, seconds hand may or may not be a replacement. In 1950, the non-lumed Duo-Wind was the Duo-Wind "F".
After literally hours of seaching the internet, I found one similar Bulova that was listed on ebay one year prior. A 1951 (Coincidence?) Director - black dial with same gold logo. That one was listed as a dealership gift to a car buyer. I have to believe this was a special order dial and a "hen's teeth watch". I think it's my new favorite watch, and the oldest factory custom advertising dial I have ever encountered.....
1950 Duo Wind "F"
Ad is dated 1950.
Here is the only other Bulova I find that is similar. A 1951 Director that sold a year prior to this posting for 5X what I paid for the DuoWind! I suspect this was the "women's gift" as a 1950 women's watch would never have been big enough to accept the custom dial print.
.jpg)