Bulova 1930 President

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on March 10, 2023 - 3:43pm
Manufacture Year
1930
Movement Model
9AT
Movement Date Code
Shield
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
405?05
Case Serial No.
3018837
Case shape
Rectangle
Case color
Green
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

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.

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Alex
Posted March 10, 2023 - 11:22pm

Correct. It is from 1930. 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted March 10, 2023 - 11:25pm

In reply to by Alex

Thanks! Date changed above. Thanks for the valuable info, that is something I wasn't aware of.

Kathy L.
Posted March 11, 2023 - 10:19am

An excellent find Bob!  Love the scroll detail on this case.  I am leaning toward President but I would say we should keep all three together as whatever is decided. 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted March 11, 2023 - 11:34am

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

President lineup

1928 President                                                        1930                                                         1930 President

Geoff Baker
Posted March 13, 2023 - 8:44pm

Panel - I need some votes. Either way we go we need to update a watch ID other than this one.

mybulova_admin
Posted March 13, 2023 - 9:14pm

1930 Bulova President for me. The Dictator model is similar, but has defined lugs.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted March 13, 2023 - 9:22pm

I vote President until such a time that it  is ad proven to be something else.

Geoff Baker
Posted March 14, 2023 - 8:27pm

In reply to by neetstuf-4-u

I'm opposite Bob - I vote Unknown until we have an advert naming it, We've never had one

Geoff Baker
Posted March 14, 2023 - 8:26pm

2 President, 2 Unknown

Kathy L.
Posted March 18, 2023 - 10:49am

I will vote President.