I'm not ashamed to say this one has me mystified. When I bought it, I was sure it was a Men's Douglas, based on overall dimensions (35MM x 23MM) and lug side profile. Once in hand, it's not a Douglas. The engraving pattern on the top around the crystal is a dead match to the Ladies Sport Watch Magnolia. A small flower shows at 12, 3 , 6 and 9. I went as far as counting the leaves chevrons on Magnolias in the database. Count and corner 45 degree pattern transition is the same.
The Magnolias in the database display a round movement, this one is a 13AF and barrel shaped with a dust cover. Case movement holder is a perfect fit to the movement, as well as the casing. Back is marked with the 1924 dust cover patent as well as serial number and "Bulova".
The side engravings match neither the documented Douglas or Magnolia, however, I find a Douglas with a 13AF movement that does match, and the placement of the seconds hand is correct, while the Magnolia shows the seconds shaft closer to the center shaft and showing the bottom of the "6" on the face.
My theory is that in late 1929 or early 1930, Bulova was experimenting with the short lived 13AF and it had limited use in several watches including the Lone Eagle. Lone Eagles with a 13AF movement had; almost to the watch, the stubby hour hand. When you are looking at them, the unusually short hour hand is almost always a give-away.
Lug profile on this watch matches the Douglas and top engraving matches the Magnolia. I put forth the theory that Bulova used the same casing for both watches on a limited basis in 1929 and 1930, changing the Douglas face engraving to be a Magnolia and side engraving to match neither, except possibly others with the 13AF installed. Changes being to adapt for the new movement..
Ad included is dated 1927 and the latest one I could find.
Well, that's my take on this one, I believe this to be a short lived version of the "Ladies Sport Watch" Magnolia.............panel? Ever seen one?
Hi, the watch is an Unknown.
This model came in 3 sizes (Small, Medium, Large). Other than the size, they are identical: having mitered corners and a laurel leaf engraving with a flower in the middle. Seeing them in a picture, you can't tell them apart. Only next to each other, you notice the difference in size.
The sizes are:
- Small: 19.6 x 32.7mm, having a 7(A)T movement (measured with caliper)
- Medium: 21.7 x 33.4mm, having a 8AT or 8AN movement (measured with caliper)
- Large: 35 x 23mm, having a 13AF movement (indicated by neetstuf-4-u)
The Medium and Small were first introduced in 1926 as the male Windsor and ladies' Sports model Suzanne respectively. To prove how identical they are: Bulova used the same illustration for both models, creating some initial confusion (with me at least) thinking they were one and the same i.e. it was a name change from a men's model to a ladies' sports model.......until I had them both in my hands.
In 1927, the Suzanne changes name to Magnolia. That is also the year the first example of the Large version appears. There is one posted on watchophilia having a 13AF, and also Lisa is puzzled about this watch (and measures it as 36mm, not 35).
The Magnolia does not survive beyond 1927. The Windsor makes it into 1928, when it is replaced by a new Windsor with black enamel, and still with an 8AN movement.
The longest survivor apparently is our "Unknown" subject watch. Only two examples are found so far. And the only one with an example of 1929.....the subject watch.
In reply to I'm impressed Alex! It would… by Geoff Baker