This is a 1930 Bulova I recently acquired. It runs although I don't know how accurate it is. I mainly got it because I didn't have one with a 13 movement. Not sure which model it is. I didn't find one in the data base like it.
Is there a yellow gold stripe on either side of the crystal? Is so, we discussed this combination of dial, case and movement previously here.. Bulova appears to have experimented with this movement in 1930, using it in several watch cases. Generally, the stubby hour hand is a good indication without opening the case.
I would say the identification of yours will be the same. The confirmation of a second watch with this dial and movement in this case seems to verify it's correct and not a dial replacement.
1930 Dewey
In reply to I saw that one. Mine doesn't… by 1955mercury
It's quite possible we have miss ID'd some of the watches listed as a Lafayette. The advert shows a clean bezel with no front side ridges. The Lafayette examples we have show both with and without the front side ridges as shown on the subject watch.
Merc, is it possible this watch had the yellow gold tone at some point? Is there any indication that at one time there may have or even removed?
The Dewy does match the case design (with front side ridges), just is listed as two-tone and is a match for a 15 jewel movement.
In reply to It's quite possible we have… by mybulova_admin
Stephen, I don't see any traces of yellow plating on the ridges. It has some plate wear through on the ridges and traces of old crystal glue that has turned yellowish. It may have had yellow plating at one time and has been polished off. With a watch this old, there's no way of knowing what might have been done to it over the years.
Take a look at this. This is a comparison between the watch in question and one I posted on here in 2015 identified as a 1931 Lafayette.
The bezels look identical and measure identical (lug to lug) and across from side to side. Measured with a digital caliber. The only noticeable difference is the case back is shallower on the watch in question with the 13AF movement.
In reply to Take a look at this. This is… by 1955mercury
It is possible that we mis-ID'd that watch back in 2015...possible.
If we look at the examples we have there are 2 distinct case styles. Only one seems a good match to the advert. It would be great if we can find another advert to confirm the case front bezel style.
Plain bezel
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...and then those with a front side ridges
I got out a Dewey and compared it to the one ID'd as a Lafayette and the one in question. The cases are all identical in size and shape except the Dewey has the gold bands down the sides of the crystal. Would that be the only difference between the Lafayette and the Dewey or did the Dewey come with or without the gold bands? I don't know the answer.
Left to right: Lafayette, Dewey, unknown
I'm still torn with ID'ing these with a front side ridge as a Lafayette. Here's another advert that looks (I think) to show a clean front bezel without a ridge.
Text translates to roughly: Model "Lafayette" extremely perfect strap watch! A beautiful case, carved, any fit on the hand. The hands are clear with a clamp and a nice mesh band.