Picked up this Mystery Dial. Might be worth putting into the databasesince it is different than the others. First, this one is SOLID 14K Gold, the others are RGP. The minute hand is Radium filled unkile the others that are not. BULOVA 23 JEWELS at the top, and SELF WINDING at the bottom are both straight across the face unlike the others that are curved to match the face curve, and the 12 and 6 numerals are significantly smaller. The crown is different - don't know if it is a replacement, or from factory.
Ken S
Very Nice Ken,
One day we will find the proper name for these, yours is the first solid 14K I have seen.
First solid gold I've see too. Nice watch. I'm hoping these turn out to have a nice model name- or at least something "nicer" than a possible "Bulova 23 BW" or some such variant designation. We always have the variant field into which we can also add the nick-name for something as entrenched as "Mystery Dial"
I have seen a half dozen of these beauties pass me by on the bay over the years. That's a nice example.
I'm going out on the "23" limb for openers. Anyone care to join me? There's plenty room out here.
I found a readable Ad for this watch, and offer to the Panel the name Ultra Thin"23" for consideration.
Ken S.jpg)
Great find Ken!
Another "I told you so"! :^D
You might be on to something Ken, it looks like a "Mystery" dial...
Is this ad onsite?
Yes Greg, here:http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/vintage_ads/1959_AD4.jpg but not so clear. EDIT:- The dial on the subject differs slightly to the one in the ad and the two in watch DB, although the case seems to be the same.
Dreamweavers 1960 model:
Bob Bruno's 1959 model:
I think it would be incorrect to just call these "23" s. The New Ultra Thin "23" ad shows much smaller lugs than the "23", and the "23" has a standard hour hand. The only difference I see in the watch I have is the BULOVA 23 JEWEL and SELF WINDING are straight as opposed to curved. Different minute hand. Otherwies they are the same. I think it's an Ultra Thin, just a varient.
Ken S
Different numbers layout, Ken. Yours has 2,4,6,8,10,12. Th ad and the other watches above have just 3,6,9,12. I don't think ultra slim is the name, it's just a part of the description, buddy. EDIT:- Still a "23" mystery dial. Do you have a date for the ad Ken?
Bulova 23 for me. We could enhance that by adding the a variant of "Mystery Dial"