I have multiple photos of inside and back, the back inside reads BULOVA 14k solid gold NEW YORK. The band is a 2 layer band, reads LA PETITE stainless back. OK folks, after being unable to identify, and before I post my next 3 watches, I wanted to be certain it was not human error on my part, due largely to the fact after being a member only 1 week, I have seen only a few watches still unidentified, this possibilty seemed likely, and yes. I am very distressed to report the 5AE is in fact 5AB. I do not know haw I misread the B for an E, a bit of dust or not a strong enough lens, I dug out my large magnifier, and well, here it is. I apaologize for the time you all have spent looking for my model, when perhaps someone that read theirs properly the first tie could have benefitted instead. I only ask you forgive this blunder, particularly as I have more to list. The rest of the information stands, circle, 17 jewels, solid gold case, LA PETTITE stainless backed band, the gold portion having a rather long pat.# on the ends. Many apologies. NY
NY - We use both stamped date codes AND case serial numbers to date watches. When a date code is presented that covers more then one year we use the style to further define the year. The circle does cover three years and your watch is in the style of 1940's vintage Bulovas. Prior to 1948 Bulova did not date code watch cases so we use the first number of the serial to date the case. Solid gold cases don't seem to fit that pattern however. For your watch I'm comfortable assigning it 1944 as the year of production.
In reply to NY - We use both stamped by Geoff Baker