I bought this one blind. No clear photos and no indication of movement or age. I was pretty sure it was a non-Bulova case based on the fact the engraving pattern is like I have never seen and there were no visible stampings on the back. I thought it was likely a "President style" replacement case.. Even so, it looked cool and was apparently green gold.
It arrived in the mail and even in hand I had doubts. Upon opening it, I found the case back is stamped Bulova inside with a serial number dating the case to 1933 with a 1927 Pat. date and 14K Gold Filled. Movement is dated 1929 with a serial number. Movement is really dirty, but with some coaxing, it started to run. Starts and stops, but balance looks good. Watch is mounted on a period black leather band that could very well be original based on style, buckle and how crudded up the spring bars were.
I have no idea what it is besides "All Bulova". Never seen another.
In reply to Correct. It is from 1930. by Alex
Thanks, Kathy. I agree they should be grouped together. I'm also leaning towards President. I searched 1925 to 1931 Presidents, and see 2 distinct engraving patterns in white gold plate. Only one in green gold, and it matches one of the white gold patterns. These watches were grouped by Bulova under the generic of President. We now have 3 examples counting subject watch in green gold with this distinct engraving and no ads showing it, but ads calling out a choice of colors. I have to wonder if the onset of the Great Depression was a contributing factor in some way. This is all speculation on my part
2 ad confirmed patterns - Leaf & X's and Dashes, We have leaf in both green and white and only white in X's and dashes. Cases are identical except for engraving.
I wonder out loud, if this unique engraving on subject watch was the second choice for green gold. It seems highly unlikely that Bulova would use the identical case, dial and jewel count with the only difference being engraving pattern and give the watch a unique name during this early time period. We have never found an ad calling out the "dress dials" of this period but have accepted they legitimately existed per the model they are in and the many seen examples across many models we have encountered.
Photo below of 3 in my possession. Green (tarnished) Leaf pattern, subject watch and White X's and Dashes
1928 President 1930 1930 President
In reply to I vote President until such… by neetstuf-4-u