I'm not sure what this is. So far, I can't see a date code. From the case and 15 jewels, I'm thinking maybe a "round the world"?. I'm not even sure of the year. I'm guessing based on the movement code and comparing it to others in the database. If'll go back in to look for a symbol on the movement, but I'm not too optimistic.
Rich
Based on the case serial number of 0420616 this is a 1930 case and would be a
Fleetwood model.
This became the Round the World in 1931.
I originally thought "Fleetwood". But, weren't those 17 jewels?
Additional info: the word "swiss" is present on the movement. I still can't find a date code.
Looks to be in really nice condition Rich. I agree with Dave, in 1930 this one is Fleetwood. I'm willing to bet the movement is not original as the Fleetwood was advertised with 17 j.
I can just make out what I think is the date code on the movement near the 'SWISS' stamp. Case dates it to 1930.
I don't believe its the Fleetwood as other than the jewel count difference the case is also different. There is a lack of engraving on the upper and lower bezel on the Fleetwood.
The subject watch looks exactly the same as other 'Round the World' watches we have in the database. Whilst I'd like to confirm the date of the movement, if they are both 1930, I could't see a problem with IDing this as a 'Round the World' with the event occuring in early 1931. This RtW is also a 15J movement.
In reply to I can just make out what I by mybulova_admin
I too am curious to know the movement date code but I stand by the case being Fleetwood. Post and Gatty flew 'Round the World' in June 1931, I doubt Bulova would have known about it or even had a watch prepared to commemorate in 1930. Additionally, the watch was advertised as new in 1931. Here is an advert for the Fleetwood date December 1929, I believe its the same case as this example.
I think I also can see part of a date code near the "swiss" imprint. It looks a right angle to me, but that's all I can make out. I'm going to play with the lighting angles and see if I can get a bettter image.
Regarding having a "round the world" prepared in advance. (I'm the newbee here, so I may not know what I'm talking about). Is it possible that Bulova had a batch of Fleetwood cases and 15 jewel movements sitting on the shelf, and saw the flight as an opportunity to use them up by introducing a "new" model?
In reply to I think I also can see part by rbaines
That would be my thinking. The exact same as what they did with the Conqueror model, re-badging it as a Lone Eagle for the occasion.
The case looks to me to be the same as one in the dB listed as 'Ambassador.'
In reply to The case looks to me to be by Reverend Rob
The Ambassador was the same case, only all white and none of the yellow highlights.
In reply to The Ambassador was the same by Daca102090
I missed that entirely- Amazing what the eye sees when it wants to see it! Other than the gold, I believe we may have a matching case, and as these cases are embellished with gold in a second process, it easily becomes something else.