Mystery Watch

Submitted by Aroberts0820 on May 6, 2011 - 12:40pm

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and joined because I have an old Bulova watch that I'm trying to get identified. What I know about the watch:

  • It was purchased around the 60's and it originally had a leather band.
  • It is a self-winding model.
  • The following information is on the back of the watch, I didn't open the case because I'm not really sure how and I don't want to mess it up.
  • Bulova
  • 10K. R.G.P. Bezel / Stainless Steel Back
  • Shock Resistant
  • I650262 (That is a capital i incase anyone asks)
  • Anti-Magnetic
  • Waterproof

And here are some images of the watch:

 Again, the band is not original and the bottom text reads : Water30Proof.

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj266/synergy421/IMAG0099.jpg

Here's the back.

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj266/synergy421/IMAG0103.jpg

This is with the flash on and the color is more accurate.

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj266/synergy421/IMAG0101.jpg

Side.

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj266/synergy421/IMAG0105.jpg

Other side.

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj266/synergy421/IMAG0106.jpg

Other side.

 Let me know if there's anything else I can attempt to answer.

mybulova_admin
Posted May 7, 2011 - 12:03am

Have you contacted Bulova direct? They may be able to help.

Aroberts0820
Posted May 7, 2011 - 12:47am

No, I haven't. I never thought of it. I guess I'll try that.

Aroberts0820
Posted May 9, 2011 - 3:29pm

Well, I called Bulova. They weren't able to tell me anything about the watch either :(. Guess I'll try a local jeweler.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted May 9, 2011 - 3:57pm

The Jewel count of the movement would be a great help.

Aroberts0820
Posted May 10, 2011 - 1:24am

I assume that information would be on the inside of the case, I don't have the tools, knowledge, or confidence to open my watch without damaging it.

mybulova_admin
Posted May 10, 2011 - 1:38am

Bulova couldn't help?

What did they say? I've been told that have an index of every model release going back to 1957.

Did you send them a photo? I'd be very interested in what their response was.

Aroberts0820
Posted May 10, 2011 - 1:41pm

I called the hotline I found on the website. 1-800-A-Bulova I think it was. They were asking me for a code like the ones I've been hearing about that has a single letter and a number on the back of the case. I didn't have the exact code the lady was asking for so I was transferred to someone else. The next lady also asked for the code, when I could not produce it she told me that their codes only go back to the 50's and that I could try a local jeweler. I did not send them a photo, if I had contact with them through email I would have. Maybe I'll try calling back and asking for email correspondence.

geezer_D
Posted May 10, 2011 - 2:23pm

It faintly appears in the image that there is a date code below the case serial number (I0650262), that looks to be either L6 or M6.  L6 would be 1956, M6 is 1966.  The script "Water30Proof" may indicate a 30 jewel movement.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted May 10, 2011 - 2:55pm

30 J auto would be a 'COMMANDER' in 1966 - prior to was named the 'BULOVA 30' (?)

geezer_D
Posted May 10, 2011 - 3:14pm

 That's what I am thinking, but I have not seen enough examples of a Bulova 30 to identify this watch and the dial is definitely not a 1966 Commander.  The date code will reveal much.

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted May 10, 2011 - 4:56pm

1965 'BULOVA 30'

http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1965-bulova-30-1692

 

 'water30proof' Dial insignia could indicate Waterproof to 30 meters and have no bearing on the movement inside which would mean an entirely different model.

 

The Finish to the OP's Watch Case and Dial are 100% 'COMMANDER':

found in the descriptive text - lower left of the 1965 ad.

Aroberts0820
Posted May 14, 2011 - 6:30pm

Hi guys! Thanks for the input. In regards to the text under theserial number. I'm not really sure what you're looking at, there is an imprint on the band that appears in the photo but I don't think that's what you're looking at. Please let me know if I can submit some clearer images for you.

geezer_D
Posted May 14, 2011 - 9:51pm

Take a look with a magnifier directly under the case serial number. There should be a letter and a single digit .     It may be worn and hard to see.

mybulova_admin
Posted May 15, 2011 - 12:16am

Normally a 30 jewel movemet of this vintage would have 30 jewels written on the dial. Can you confirm what is actually written on the dial.

It certainly has the look and case of a Commander.

Popping it into a jeweler to take the back off and noting down all the numbers on the movement and inside back case would also benefit.

 

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