In reply to If You'd like to update the by FifthAvenueRes…
The crystal dimensions are correct, I have a feeling the date is wrong, I will try and post a clear pic of the date symbol.
Done. The symbol on the right kind of looks like the shield, and the one on the left defies description, and was engraved at another time, as it is not filled in with gold like all the other engravings. When I first noticed it, I took it to be some kind of mark added by someone, and I thought it resembled a smiley face, but I didn't look very closely at it, because I considered it to be a non factory mark. Looking at the date codes, it still appears to be 1939, or possibly 1940 if you consider the other mark to be an imperfectly struck Omega type thing. The movement is based on an ETA 735, which was manufactured between 1937-1944. The other examples of Directors I have seen don't look like this, but they are different years.
In reply to Does anyone know what the by Reverend Rob
do we have new examples or thoughts on the Triple A for this period? I see a 10AE w/ the AAA here , and another 1940 here and a few more here. I'm not talking about the AAA seen on the inside of some Bulova case backs in the 1920's thru maybe early 30's, but this insignia on the movement bridges. Wayne and Fifth noted these are all 21 jewelers and USA movements. Seem to be mostly 1938 through 1940, although Wayne lists a possible 1935 example. Any new ideas on this?
Thanks, Bob. The nicest thing about it is how well it runs. A lot of old watches really don't run that well, especially if they went long periods with no service while being constantly used. Even the rubies will wear when they dry out, and the damage can be to the pivots also. I find that watches from the 20's are especially worn out, and having been used through the depression, it is not surprising that watch maintenance was not a priority.
Bearing jewel caps can perform two functions, first they protect the oil from contamination and evaporation, and they strictly control endshake. As long as wear is minimal, the watch will perform very well.
I should add that a pivot in a cap jewel setting turns on it's end, so the shoulders of the arbor do not touch the jewel. This means less friction overall, but lack of service can result in divots being 'drilled' into the cap jewels and they have to be replaced. Also, a cap jewel in the train (e wheel is most common) can be fitted with a shock setting, further guarding against damage.