Late 1920's Bulova 'WINDSOR' vs 'CROMWELL'

Submitted by FifthAvenueRes… on

When doing some research on a recent database addition it has come to My attention that We have a couple of models confused with one another. 

The  1929'ish Bulova 'WINDSOR' and the Bulova 'CROMWELL' 

Whilst both are very similar, there are subtle differences that distinguish the 2, I have brought this to light in the individual watch threads but it seems it missed the mark so I'll bring it here. 

The 'WINDSOR' ad is 1929

*note the curvature of the case bezel, deliberately illustrated by Bulova and the partially visible 6 numeral below the sub-seconds dial.  

These watches seem to have the 8AN movement.

 

The 'CROMWELL' ad is also 1929. 

*note the flat case bezel, narrower case(?) and lack of any visible 6 numeral below the sub-seconds dial.

These watches seem to house a 13AF movement. 

 

This case, along with others is currently ID'd as the 'WINDSOR' 

The bezel is perfectly flat, no curve. 

Side by side comparison:

Left is the 'WINDSOR', on the right is the 'CROMWELL'. 

Subtle differences but they are different, each matching their representative ad.

 

 

 

 

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted September 24, 2024 - 8:42am

*Also noting the numeral placement on each individual Dial

'WINDSOR' - 10 thru 8 & 2 thru 4 are stacked.

'CROMWELL' - 1 thru 5 & 11 thru 7 are stacked.

again matching the individual ads 100% which also leads Me to believe the 'CROMWELL' case will be slightly narrower vs the 'WINDSOR' 

mybulova_admin
Posted September 25, 2024 - 8:53am

A side on veiw of both watches would really show the difference.

I do see the difference though. Good pickup.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted September 25, 2024 - 5:40pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

ask and You shall receive.

The upper image is a side view of the 'WINDSOR' case in comparison to the lower image which is the 'CROMWELL' case. 

also noting a difference in the case lugs. 

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted September 25, 2024 - 5:43pm

In reviewing the vintage ads admin, Bulova shows Us which cases have a convex (curved) bezel and which are flat.

The curved case ads will show a side portion of the case bezel, emphasizing the curve.  The flat bezel watches simply have a straight on image of the case. 

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted September 25, 2024 - 5:49pm

another difference I'm seeing is the 'CROMWELL' has a snap fit caseback, separate of the bezel, the 'WINDSOR' case is hinged.