Bulova 1966 Ambassador

Submitted by JeffWecker on August 18, 2018 - 5:28am
Manufacture Year
1966
Movement Model
12EBA
Movement Jewels
30
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
1 469231
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Recently purchased at auction, I fell in love with the look of this watch - just the classic style I was looking for.  Propose Model: 1966 Ambassador Automatic 30 Jewels Waterproof  Case material was x-ray tested by the auction house to be 18ct gold Case Date code M6

1966 Bulova watch
1966 Bulova watch
1966 Bulova watch
1966 Bulova watch
1966 Bulova watch
mybulova_admin
Posted August 18, 2018 - 6:56am

What a great unique case. The dial says it all as far as the model name goes, but I've never seen a screw in tha caes back like that before.

Is the watch hallmarked on the back or inside?

1966 Bulova Ambassador

neetstuf-4-u
Posted August 18, 2018 - 8:36am

In reply to by mybulova_admin

I seem to remember reading someplace that the screw was used to lightly pressurize the case with nitrogen or something to make it more waterproof. That may be bologna, but thought I would mention it.

Non-standard s/n configuration may indicate a non-US model. It would be interesting to know what if any info is stamped on the inside of the case back.

1966 Ambassador

JeffWecker
Posted August 18, 2018 - 8:38am

In reply to by neetstuf-4-u

When I get it serviced, I will make sure I get some photos and more information from the inside. Thank you!

JeffWecker
Posted August 18, 2018 - 8:36am

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Thanks for the replies. There dont appear to be any hallmarks on the case, and as I have only just taken delivery, I am yet to send it off for a service. I will check with my watchmaker/repairer that he knows what to do with Nitrogen, if that is in fact what it is.

I thought I saw another watch on MyBulova exactly the same, so I might contact tje owner of that one to find out any further information.

Andersok
Posted August 18, 2018 - 7:34am

Ambassador

Geoff Baker
Posted August 18, 2018 - 9:06am

Cool looking watch Jeff - nice find

1966 Bulova Ambassador

Kathy L.
Posted August 18, 2018 - 11:03am

This is a great looking watch and nice find with it being 18K.  The jeweler should be able to confirm that.

1966 Bulova Ambassador

Reverend Rob
Posted August 18, 2018 - 11:17am

I can't imagine why that screw is there. If the watch is a front loader, the crystal comes out and the stem is split. The screw is in the right place to possibly access the setting lever screw and release the stem, but why this would be necessary is beyond me. Maybe they had some issues with the split stems? Or is this a snap back?

There is a mark to the right of the '1' of the serial number, can you tell if it is a hallmark, Jeff?

Otherwise, it's obvioulsy an Ambassador, 1966.

JeffWecker
Posted August 20, 2018 - 12:14am

In reply to by Reverend Rob

Hey Rv Bob,

I have found my loupe and looked at that mark - I cannot distinguish what symbol it might be inside.... It looks funnily like a pelican. A better description is that the obloing stamp has a small dot first and then a symbol that could be the outline of a country....

Another owner of the same watch on here has indicated that he is pretty sure it was made outside of the US. Other locations include one in England and one in Italy. So only 4 known.

What I now also notice is that there is a word under the case below the 6 mark - but it is mostly (90%) obscured by the case.

There are no other marks on the case that aren't evident in the photos.

Thanks, Jeff

 

Reverend Rob
Posted August 20, 2018 - 2:00am

In reply to by JeffWecker

Thanks Jeff, if you get the watch serviced by a watchmaker, we'd be very interested in further pics from the inside of the case and the movt.