Director vs. Statesman

Submitted by timeless on April 17, 2018 - 5:00pm

How does one tell the difference between a Director and a Statesman (same case design)?

Is it year made, dial style, case composition, or any/all; or is it a case of a name change on a whim?

 

Andersok
Posted April 17, 2018 - 7:50pm

One of the differences for me has been the design of the lugs. The Director (A, B, C) & later His Excellency (DD & EE) have lug angles that are more straight and crisp; whereas the Statesman (A, B, C) & later His Excellency (like the SS) have a lug with curves with a smoother shape. There are probably other differences, like strap vs. band or different prices. Here is a visual of the lug differences:

I believe that the same crystal may be compatible with either case.

Hopefully others will agree.

timeless
Posted April 17, 2018 - 8:34pm

Very enlightening.  It's very difficult to see any difference in the ad drawings, especially since I only have the one model for comparison, which I now know is a Statesman.  Seeing your comparison clears things up.

Thank you, Andersok!

New question: the bottom two ads you show are both His Excellency...

I'm differently confused  : ?

 

 

 

 

Andersok
Posted April 17, 2018 - 9:44pm

Around 1947 Bulova marketed the His Excellency line, which basically re-named many familiar models like the Statesman and Director. Depending on the year of the watch, you may have a Statesman (pre-'47) or a His Exc 'SS'.

-Ken

timeless
Posted April 17, 2018 - 10:11pm

Thanks, Ken.

Interesting...

 I have a 1948 14k rgp case.  : )