Here is an unusual one that has me a bit perplexed. Two tone case is white with a yellow gold stripe on the bezel opening verticals. Face has raised gold numerals - "Dress Face" and is a perfect match to the case. Inside of single hinge case back is marked "Bulova Quality o A o" with the 1927 patent date and serial number. Movement is a 7 jewel 10AN retaining the original crystal clear dust shield.
Watch appears to me to be all original, but who knows. Overall physical condition looks like it wasn't worn very much and was put away in a drawer after the crystal was severely damaged. No plating wear or "egging" of the lug pin holes. Back of case nearly perfect. Leather band appears to be from the same time period and looks like it has been on the watch a very long time.
This appears to be a 1930 LaFayette variant based on case shape, side engraving, measurements and crystal dimensions. My measurements may be off a little off, as my digital mic is acting up and not working properly. Based on other Lafayettes in the Db that provide ballpark measurements of crystal, this one is really close.
Anybody have a spare crystal they can be talked out of? I really like the simplicity of design of this one, and it's keeping time. Would love to bring this survivor back to "wristworthy".
Well found, Jim. Looks like you are indeed correct! This is one I had no memory of seeing before and had no luck with research....perhaps because of the pre-conceived notion of what it might be. I got as far as LaFayette, case appeared to be a match w/raised ribs on front (not contrasting) and figured that was it.
I will agree with you, by all outward appearances and confirmed Db models backing it up
1930 Dewey (w/Dress dial)
In reply to The watch is a Dewey, but… by Alex
I'm wondering if the movement might have been downgraded as an experiment during the early Depression to continue to sell watches, perhaps at a lower unadvertised price.There are currently only 5 watches in the Db counting this one that possess a 7Jewel 10AN. Three of the other 4 are popular pre-Depression models (Envoy, Treasurer, Conqueror and an unknown) , and all 5 are dated 1930 - 1932.
The 3 watches case dated 1930 all have matching 1930 dated movements. The 1931 and 1932 case dates have 1931 dated movements. It seems all of these were advertised with a 15 jewel movement and they all appear to have been 10AN's. In my opinion, this is either an extraordinary coincidence of replaced movements matching case dates, or the 7J movements are original to the watches.
Just thinking out loud.
In reply to Indeed. Only question is why… by Alex
Again, this is pure speculation based on the depression. Maybe Bulova offered dealers the option of purchasing downgraded less expensive watches as a special order; with the majority contacted deciding not to invest in more watches they might not sell in lieu of trying to sell the ones already in the store at a reduced profit.