Bulova Dictator. Inside case back stamped Bulova 14 k Gold Filled New York Pat June 10, 1924. Bracelet is unusual deployment style with two opening clasps
Added 12/11/2011 Case S/N updated 1/25/2013 Photos Updated - New bracelet
Geoff,
I agree the engraving pattern is identical, but the Case has zero curvature. Unless the Camera angle is playing tricks it looks completely flat.
The 'WINDSOR' also appears to have a curved bezel admin.
The 'MAGNOLIA' however has the flat bezel and the engraving pattern and Jewel count match.
ad Dated 1927
If someone can provide a clearer detail on either Magnolia or Windsor that matches the case detail on this watch (as the Dictator clearly does) ....I'll stay with the current, albeit tentative ID.
I trust you would both agree that the curvature shown in the 1926 ad is technically impossible to acheive using any 15 or 17 jewel movement know to exsist in 1926? The case BACK has a slight curve, like other models of the period.
http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1929-Brewster-60 - this is close, but the six is covered - but the engraving is a match.....
What fun, eh?
Oh, forgot this - waferish?
Hmmm, I see a slight curve in the caseback. We also know that the curvature shown is alot of the ads is highly overstated in the graphics so I'm inclined to believe that could be the case here as well. They certainly couldn't make it that thin either. Geoff, your starting to convince me. 2 stars worth for now.
I'm leaning more toward the Windsor based on case style and jewel count. It would be nice to have a clearer picture of the Windsor engraving, though, to be sure, as it is impossible (for me) to tell whether the Windsor has the larger flourishes in the center of the sides. I do not see a significant curve to the bezel of the Windsor as noted by Fifth.
The Magnolia is a ladies' model, and, therefore, would be smaller than this watch appears to be. I know that the ladies' sports models were larger than normal, but they are still noticeably smaller than the mens' of the same period. I have examples of this in my own collection and have posted side-by-side pictures elsewhere. I would expect Geoff to have the experience to know if he has a smaller ladies' model. Along these lines, it would be useful to have case dimensions, so that we can compare to other, similar mens' models, like the President. I also note that the engraving pattern on the Magnolia appears to be non-matching, as it lacks the larger flourishes on the sides of the bezel. A clearer view of the Magnolia can be seen in the watch database under Terry K's posting.
I could go along with the idea that the Dictator illustration is exaggerated, except for the fact that they made such a point of the curvature in the text as well. To say that it is "curved to fit the wrist" would imply a noticeable curve, not a watch that is nearly flat and that requires one to really look to find any curve at all.
For now, I can only give this one star, but I would gladly revisit that assessment if we could get our hands on a clear image of the Windsor.
I guess the direction of waferish thin-ness and case curvature continues to surprise me. No watch manufacturer, least of all Bulova in the 1920's could possibly have created a movement that would have fit into the case pictured in the ad. That the bezel is not curved I agree, that the back is SLIGHTLY curved is demonstrated but please don't judge this ID based on a grossly exaggerated artist's rendition of the curvature of the case.
Sorry, but still the Dictator at my house.