The other day my grandparents gave me a watch. i thought it was just a old typical watch. got to doing some reserch on it. and its a nice watch. from what i have found out so far it is a 1979 Bulova Oceangrapher 333. everything is in good condition. im wanting to find out more about this watch. it looks as if elecroplated. not sure though
Hi snowcolt, what type of info are you looking for? First of all, welcome to myBulova, we're glad you found us. I think the coolest feature of your watch is the family history, I have a Bulova (my first) that was given to me by my father in the 70's - I will treasure it forever. We know the watch was made in '78, assuming that's an M8 under the Bulova name on the back. By the late 70's Bulova had stopped naming most models and only retained the numerical system. Having a late 70's watch with a name is fortunate. The Oceanographers were made starting in the late 60's and were made in many different case / dial combinations over the years. The 333 stands for the water resistancy depth at the time of manufacturing and, in this case would be considered a 100 meter depth rating (by the way - please do not assume it retains ANY water resistancy today - you could have it checked by a watch maker but PLEASE don't jump in the pool just yet?). Oceanographers were also rated 200 meter (666). The gold content is generally spelled out on the case back but I can't quite read yours. My guess would be electroplated as you stated.
If you check our database you'll find several other Oceanographers listed, we'd love to have yours too. Here's a forum that can help you take some clearer photos.
thanks for the reply. :)
it has n9(where i got 1979 from) i think my stepgrand father bought it new in 79' as he was a big business man.
as for the elecroplating.. it has base metal bezel and stainless still back. the pics doesnt pic it up well but it looks golder. not sure though?
A basic service would cost $40- 60, and you watch would be good as new. I t should include clean/oil of the mvmnt and a clean light polish on the case and crystal.well worth it !!! Several members here do that sort of work if any one wants to chime in....
A nice watch for sure
thanks shooter. when i get the money i will do, kinda short on cash right now. but i cant wait until i get her looks perfect again :)
probably not the smartest thing.. but i wear it as a daily watch, not much of a watch person but i love it. everyone like it. :):)
In reply to only problem i am worried by snowcolt17
my question to you would be "worth to whom"? To you, as a family keepsake? To you, as a daily wearer? I've spent $250 on a watch that I could have probably replaced w/ another very similar for $125 because I liked that particular watch. There was emotional/personal attachment in the equation- for which I have found nothing like a multiplier to the "trading value" to quantify.