This one looks to be a unicorn. Amazing "curvex" style watch that appears to be shorter and more narrow than the Wilson. The watch is 45.5mm x 20mm. The crystal dimensions are 27.1mm x 14.3mm. Note on the dial does not have the partial 6 like the Wilson. The movement is a 7AP with 21 jewels and an Omega date code. The case is 10KT yellow gold filled with a very unusual serial number beginning with a dash.
Ladies and Gents! I give you the 1940 Bulova Palm Beach. My watch has 21 jewels but the case looks to be the same. Possibly a jewel count change in later years. The crystal dimensions seem to be dead on also.
Winston-Salem Journal (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) · Fri, Dec 17, 1937
At first I questioned the profile of the case sides, but after looking at it a while, I will agree
1940 Palm Beach (noting jewel count discrepancy.)
Nice ad find, by the way and a first for the database as well as a new name!
It certainly looks like a proper model name! San_Antonio_Express_News_1940_05_26_4
1940 Bulova Palm Beach (noting movement replacement)
Anyone ever see a serial number beginning with a dash? Makes we wonder if the watch is an earlier than 1940 and the movement was a later addition.
In reply to Anyone ever see a serial… by JimDon5822
I have a rose gold Pilot case (empty) with an original band attached that has a dash s/n. I installed the movement and dial from a Westchester to make a complete watch. My thoughts are a dash in 1st position is a factory replacement case for a non-specific year. Yours is only the second I personally have ever seen.
I think this one is a good example of when movement date is the deciding factor, as the case is basically neutral.
1940 Bulova Palm Beach is a good ID. I thought we had one the the dB but this is the first
Noting the mismatch in jewel count and a likely movement replacement, it seems the case style can only be a Palm Beach.
In reply to Noting the mismatch in jewel… by mybulova_admin
Why is this not a 'MINUTE MAN'?
I'm almost certain the 'PALM BEACH' crystal I have fits a flat bezel.
In reply to Why is this not a 'MINUTE… by FifthAvenueRes…
The curve of the case. This is a very pronounced curvex. Not the same as a minute man.