Apologies, there are not many details about this newly acquired watch. From what I do know of its history it dates from around late 40's/early 50's (so for the purpose of this listing I have shown it as 1950). I've worn it for the last week and it keeps time and functions impeccably....and I think it looks great. I understand that to reach the movement the crystal has to be removed and because the crystal is a low dome type this is hard to do with a normal crystal grip. My watch repairer says it can be removed but he is reluctant to do so unnecessarily (i.e. just to photograph the movement) for fear of potentially damaging a hard to replace crystal. In addition to the case serial number shown below, the rear of the case shows "Bulova Watch Company Inc, self winding, shock resistant, anti-magnetic, stainless steel" I'd be grateful for any more information about the watch, in particular its age or which movement it is likely to be fitted with.
Welcome to the club. Thanks for the posting and we will do our best with the little information we have to ID your watch. Your repairman is not correct in the idea of the crystal being hard to find if it needs replacing. We have many members who posses crystals for sale from the vintage era.
JP
Date will be on the inside of the case back, accessed through the crystal.
Possibly a Sea Clipper, 1959 advert.
Another 1959 Sea Clipper ad.
It is not the white-dialled Midnight Clipper either, they have same dial, but a yellow case.
Not a Watertite, as the markings and hands differ.
1952 advert.
Not a forties Watertite either, they had a fully-numbered radium dial.
Nice watch, Gareth, I always liked the clean lines on these.
If you plan to run the watch and wear it, I cannot over-emphasize the need to have it professionally serviced. A dry and dirty watch can destroy itself in a relatively short time, I had one do it in three months before I went to watchmaking school.
A full service includes full disassembly and cleaning in industry approved solutions, and re-assembly, lubrication and regulation with de-magnetisation. Mechanical watches are like tiny engines, and require periodic maintenance. During the service, your watchmaker will be able to ascertain the year of the movt and maybe take pictures if you ask.
Wear it in good health!
I bought the watch online as "fully serviced". I appreciate that these claims can be unreliable but it was from a reputable watch enthusiast so I've no particular reason to doubt it. Unfortunately the vendor had kept no record of the movement or age.
To be on the safe side I'll probably get it serviced anyway, that way I can obtain the details necessary to identify it.
Am I correct in assuming that the "Sea Clipper" was a waterproof variant of the "Clipper"? They are no markings on this watch case to suggest it was waterproof model.
In reply to I bought the watch online as by gareth896
In reply to gareth896 Looks like the by William Smith