A very nice Bulova Mignon. Checking the adverts on this site, the Mignon seems to be the first model to have black enamel inlay. The bezel has the number 283 imprinted, that corresponds with the case serial number on the back.
A nice detail: in the advert of 11 December 1926 you find the Mignon underneath the Theodora, a watch I am lucky to also own.
The size is 15mm wide by 24mm long.
I purposely chose a lighter color strap to have the black enamel stand out.
Alex
There are two different patents (dates) on the inside case signature. I see the June 10, 1924 for the dust-tite technology, but it looks like there's a second patent below 14K hallmark (along w/ little insignias flanking both sides). is it July 20, 1924??
I wonder if if this other patent is held by Bulova, or if they used someone else's "patented ___" in this watch, and had to cite the use of someone's patent?
Underneath the 14K it says "L" then "Patented July 26 1921" then "Co" and then the number "268238". It was the standard case signature of the case company L. Lewitt, that was registered in 1922. I have several cases of them for other brands and always with enamel. They seem to have been the early enamel specialist and American Standard probably had not yet the technology in 1926 when the Mignon was introduced. As from 1928 Bulova has enameled cases signed with only Bulova (Barbara, Colette), so that might have been the moment Bulova (American Standard) mastered the enamelling process. I suspect the patent of 26 July 1921 could refer to the enameling process. Is there a way to find out?
In reply to Underneath the 14K it by Alex
Thanks
There may be ways to "check", but its laborious. There are patent and trademark search engines where one can search by patent number, patent type, company, and keywords, but it's hit and miss. One could bracket by the month and year.... Let me check for link to patent search.
EDIT: Same case hallmarks as this 1926 Unknown watch.
In reply to Thanks There may be ways by William Smith
This may only work if you have google ap "Patent Search"?