Hello one and all, I'm new to vintage watch collecting but have been checking it out for a while. This is my first vintage watch,a Bulova unknown? I bought it on ebay usa recently but I don't know what it is exactly I hope someone can help me out. It's is quite small even though I checked out the dimensions I thought it would be bigger in reality,it's 27mm by 18mm lug,to small and feminine for me to wear,it was listed as a mans watch,were mens watches sometimes this small? As ladies watches are tiny in comparrison. The inside movement states seventeen jewels,Bulova watch 10CL and adjustable Swiss M6. The stainless steel back states Bulova M6 10k R.G.P Bezel and J195777 ( is that year 1957?) The case it self has no markings at all,I do believe it's gold plated though. Is it possible that the case does not belong to the movement? I would be gratefull if anyone could help shine a little light.
Many thanks.
Adam - Nice watch, and congrats on your first Bulova.
M6 = 1966
This is a model we have seen before, but we don't have a name for it. It is a man's watch, and not small at all by the standards of the time. You can see another fine example of it here: http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1966-unknown-2787
In reply to Adam - Nice watch, and by NOVA
Hi Lisa
Thanks for that,you've been a great help.
The link shows a really lovely example too with a great looking period strap,I did wondered what the original strap looked like I will have to try and find one.
Do you think in anyway this may be a rare Buova watch?
Also is it unusuall to have a watch that can't be named?
Many thanks Lisa.
If you've been hanging around the site for a while, then you may already know this, but, just in case, here are some tips on finding information about a watch:
Under the "Information" tab at the top of the screen there is a menu item called "Bulova Date Codes". That page will tell you how to interpret the symbols and codes on the movement and case of your watch.
Once you have the date of your watch, you can search both the "known" and "unknown" watches listed in the database by date to see if your model has been previously posted. I recommend looking at watches dated at least five years before and after the date of your watch.
- To search the models that have an ID assigned, click on "Search", then "MyBulovaWatches", then use the fields to enter your search criteria. For example, you could enter the year 1966 and see what's listed, then try other years if you don't find what you're looking for.
- To search the models that do not have an assigned ID, i.e., the "Unknowns", click on "Search", then "MyBulovaWatches", then "Help Identify an Unknown Bulova Watch". That will get you into the "Unknown" database, and you can use the fields there to search through that collection of watches the same way you searched through the identified models.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
- Lisa
In reply to Well said Lisa, Welcome to by bourg01
In reply to With out a doubt, one of my by Geoff Baker
Adam - welcome to myBulova, yes it was my watch Lisa linked to. I wish I did know more but don't. I see this case style about once a month. I don't think very many of the watches Bulova made are 'rare', but some certainly are seen more than others. It seems as if one that sells for a lot on an auction site like ebay will 'open up the sock drawers' as we say. In other words if a watch like yours sold for a bunch there would suddenly be 50 for sale. We don't give values here but if you watch auction site you can usually get an idea of value for most watches, condition is everything. The slight wear, or gold loss areas on the high spots of your case could detract from value, the closer to perfect condition equals highest value USUALLY. In the collectible market there is no such thing as consistent selling prices.
What I do know for sure, it's a case style I see less than others and I REALLY like it.
In reply to Adam - welcome to myBulova, by Geoff Baker
Hi
Thanks for the info Geoff,I like the strap on yours,is it difficult to find that strap, I would imagine
trying to find/date a strap (especially as some watches are unknown) is pretty difficult ?
My watch is a lttle worn I guess and there's a little scratch on the glass but I just thought it lookd great so I went for it.(my 1st vintage watch)
I was surprised with the size does it vary with the same style ? and do you ware yours ??
Cheers Geoff.