Bought this one cheap thinking it might be an Ambassador. Nope, unengraved back and no bevels at crystal corners. Case is 2 piece and marked "GF" on one end in between the lugs.
It appears to be an unengraved white gold filled version of the Executive. Measurements and case style are a match, as is movement and face.
There is only one 1925 Executive (also 2 piece case) in the Db, and it is engraved. Case s/n of that one is 5228038 (difference of 236) , with a movement s/n of 67222.(difference of 246). If this isn't an unengraved Executive, the proximity of the s/n's is a remarkable coincidence.
We have seen multiple examples of watches in this time period (1925-1935) advertised as engraved , with an unengraved version also available, but not in ads. I have to say this is the oldest Mens Bulova wristwatch I have ever held in my hand and likely one of the oldest yet submitted with the standardized 7 digit s/n.
No apparent plating wear or "egging" of lug holes. Clean glass crystal. Lots of service marks - running and keeping time. Noting mismatched hands. Replacement stitched leather band as shown in ads
In reply to I'm at unknown for now… by mybulova_admin
This one is indeed a puzzle. I looked at all men's watches in the Database dated 1925 and the serial numbers are all over the place with differences in the thousands range, with only one being remotely close to subject watch; that's the 1925 engraved Executive. It's case number is 5228038 , subject watch is 5228274 (difference of 236). Movement serial numbers are separated by 246. Does anyone have a theory to explain this if they aren't from the same production model run?
