This sure looks like a Governor case to me, judging from the ad that's in the database (reproduced below for convenience), but does that dial look authentic? Certainly, it doesn't match that ad. It looks like it doesn't fit well in the case--sort off to one side.
So, any thoughts on 1) whether this is a governor, and 2) whether that dial is for real?
10AL, 15J
1929
Bulova signed case, hinged case with 1927 patent date and dust cover
Unspecified metal content
Case serial #9354308
Movement serial #901531
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1. Pass
2. I'll stick My neck out Lisa and say it's real as not all of the Dials in this era were 'Radium'.
The non luminous Dial characteristics would also correspond with the non luminous Hour and Minute Hands which look correct also as Minute Hand reaches perfectly into the track and doesn't fall short or overextend past.
Interesting Sweep seconds Hand, is that a Gold tip?
: )
We have no examples in the database of the 10AL after 1931, which is why I assumed that, in this case, the shield indicated 1929. That, and the fact that the case looks just like the Governors from that time period that are in our database.
Also, keep in mind that the dial doesn't really seem to fit the case. One would think that, if it were a Revere case and a Revere dial, the two would fit together better than that.
I agree, at times the cradle block is slightly offset to center the movement. Maybe a different movement / dial ?
If the Dial were the only thing offset the Hands would rotate off center wouldn't they? the movement would have to be off center also.
I wouldn't automatically assume a swap on this Watch as if it is 1929 it is built in the 'time of change' for Bulova and if the 10AL can be placed in '39 then it's not a Banker. lol
....are We having fun yet?
In reply to Would it not also be unusual by NOVA
Okay, so, then maybe we could agree that all evidence points to the case and the movement dating to the late '20s - early '30s? Which means this movement, with it's shield symbol, dates to 1929. And if we can agree on all that, then a review of the database and the ads certainly leads one to the Governor as a match on the case. If there's no disagreement on that point, then we're back to where I thought we started, i.e., what's up with that dial?
?
You have a '29 Lone Eagle with the 13 AF? So do I, so does Wayne. The Dial is off, the Hands are off but it's obviously a production piece as there are more than one.
I wouldn't assume anything with Your Watch Lisa, does the condition of the Dial match the overall condition of the Watch?
Unless You simply hate it, then change it.
: )
P.S. If it were mine I wouldn't do anything with it, looks too original IMO.
If this watch were next to the 'oddball' LE2 and without knowing what I know I'd call the LE2 the imposter. If this is a redial it's a very good one, the Hand alignment to the Minute track is spot on.
I have a file of all the tonneau shaped watches that are in the on-site ads from 1924 to 1930 & cannot find one dial that has the outer minute chapter. However, the font pattern of the painted numbers on the dial do match the 1939 Ambassador A style font, although they are attached numbers (first match I stubled onto). 1929 Governor Case, later dial.
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Wayne
In reply to New 1935 ad in the database - by FifthAvenueRes…
1929 Governor is also my vote. Sorry I just realised that the movement has a serial number putting it as 1929 as they stopped putting serial numbers on movements in 1925.
IMO, everything is original except the dial...but then again you just never know 100% with Bulova.
Exactly, this is a learning process as We have shown on numerous occasions as of late that because a Watch hasn't been seen before doesn't mean it did not exist.
I stll say this is one of those types and not a redial. Time will tell.
The bezel opening on the Case in question is inconsistant with the 1929 ad for a 'GOVERNOR' shown on the right it looks much wider at the 9 <-> 3 position and more consitant with the opening style of the 'REVERE' shown on the left. But, then again the ad could be mis-leading....
Glass dimensions could help (?) as a lot of these older Tonnaus (sp) are similar in style but differ in design.
2c
I don't think Fifth's, or any other Governor in the database, exactly resembles the ad for the Governor. The illustration appears more elongated and angular than any we have ID'd as that model.
As for the Revere, not only does the time period not coincide with the particulars of my watch (i.e., dates, case style), but the case is simply too different. The lugs on the Revere do not continue from the case but rather are attached. The case is much thicker around the dial. The case is less elongated.
admin,
The printed numerals on Nova's Watch are consistant with a 1927 Ladies Model I own, so it's possible the Dial did exist.
Nova,
The ad is not a very good example of the Case design in question, and does look identical to the Governor agreed.
Plain Dial Governor (?) or unseen Model.
The Dial is too consistant with the period to say it's not and the Hands showing are definately period.
Wayne, you posted that picture of the Governor when Fifth's Governor was discussed. Look at his 1929 Governor listing in the DB, and you'll see it on p. 2 of the discussion.
You cited it as having coming from "Complete Price Guide To Watches page 714, bottom left column".
In reply to That sure looks like the dial by NOVA
In reply to cept that dial doesnt look to by shooter144
In reply to I think it just needs to be by NOVA
In reply to LoL would have to bend the by shooter144
Lisa
You are exactly right on the source of the Governor picture. The problem with that picture is that it has weathered too many copy & printing editions through the years that the case has grown so fat that if you compare a suspected Governor watch to the picture, you will doubt the watch, rather than the price guide.
I made this mistake on Stephen's slick bezeled tonneau & told him it wasn't a Governor. I was wrong!
Wayne