Bulova 1953 Seabee

Submitted by Wangbow on June 5, 2015 - 7:40pm
Manufacture Year
1953
Movement Model
10BUC
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
7002720
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

1953 (L3 on case back and movement) Water Tite. I believe this to be the model with chrome plating and stainless back. Most of the plating has worn off revealing a more golden color underneath, especially on the back. Crown is heavy and signed. Radium hands and hour markers, did not glow after being exposed to sunlight or LED light. Red sweep second hand. Swiss below 6 o'clock. Inside case back reads "Bulova Quality". Back reads "Stainless steel back. Anti-magnetic. Shock resistant. Water Tite".

Updated with movement info. Shout out to Andersok for the help.

1953 Bulova Seabee
1953 Bulova watch
1953 Bulova watch
Andersok
Posted June 5, 2015 - 9:16pm

The bezel ring around the crystal needs to be pried up and the crystal removed in order to access the movement/dial; but before you do that, the two-piece stem needs to be separated. This can be done with something rigid pressing against the back of the crown and forcing it outward, but best to leave that to someone who knows how to do this. Be careful with prying the bezel ring, as this chrome plated case will damage easily.

I think this one is a Seabee model - if the movement is 17 Jewels. The Seabee was advertised in 1953+. I've found ads for a similar 15 Jewel Watertite with full numeral dial through 1952, not sure if these were available in 53+. These were both with radium hands and dial and chrome case. The id may depend upon the jewel count, so verification of the movement will be very helpful.

1953 Seabee ad

1953 Model

1952 Watertite ad

Geoff Baker
Posted June 6, 2015 - 6:07am

I agree with Ken that it wants to be Seabee. I do note the slight difference on the seconds track between this and the referenced model.

bobbee
Posted June 6, 2015 - 12:43pm

1954 Seabee advert. This appears to match.

jabs
Posted June 6, 2015 - 1:57pm

1953 Seabee no doubt

William Smith
Posted June 7, 2015 - 1:52pm

+1