14K WG case; six 3mm x 1mm baguette blue sapphires; movement is cradled in frame inside case with clear plastic dust protector back, allowing a view of the movement; The outside back is unmarked; the watch appears very similar to 1926 Theodora, but this one has a barrel shaped face and case with curved sides at 3:00 and 9:00, where the Theorora is rectangular with straight edges.
Dear Plees1, your watch is the Natalie. Unfortunately we only have one blurry newspaper ad until now, but maybe more ads will show up in the future. You are correct saying it is similar to the Theodora. Bulova did that more often to bring a certain design i.e. 6 sapphires placed 3 by 3, and bring it to market in different case shapes. The Theodora is one, with a rectangular case, but in this collection is another one with tonneau shaped case, without a name for the moment: http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1929-unknown-4726
Enjoy your lovely watch!
HelloPlees1, welcome to myBulova. I think Alex is right, that your watch is the Natalie model, thanks for sharing it. The dust cover you mention is a feature of most Bulova watches from the mid 1920's and early 1930's. The patent date in the back cover is for that Bulova feature.
Here's the advert Alex referred to:
Thanks for both your responses. Excellent sleuthing on your parts! I am in agreement that it is the 'Natalie' and that ad is from 1929. As we know, the date stamp on the movement is from 1928, so there was production lag there, but not a surprising amount. That is a very fuzzy ad. An interesting note, the 1926 'Theodora' cost $65 and the arguably more complex and heavier "Natalie' is only $60. Can you help me with deciphering the text? I have:
"Elegantly engraved 14 kt. (solid?) white gold (dust-proofed?) (case?) (set?) with 6 sapphires (or?) (emeralds?) 15 jewel (Bulova?) (movement?) ....$60.00 "
In reply to Your text is correct. That is by Alex