Bulova 1969 -Unknown

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on March 12, 2022 - 4:08pm
Manufacture Year
1969
Movement Model
11BL
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
G358070
Case shape
Other
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Just got this one. it was a "what the heck is that?" purchase. White RGP bezel with stainless back. Dial is high gloss black with raised silver numbers. Luminous dot at each number and lume on hands. Movement dated M9, just like the case.

My initial thought was it is a Banker variant. Number font matches this one. However, All Bankers, with black or white face we have so far identified or have ad / linebook verification for are in yellow gold cases. I find one other example of this casing in 1970 LinebookBAWDO174 in a white gold plate listed as Minuteman "V" with a .silver dial with stick markers. So, I tend to think this is an unknown Minuteman variant based on case color but may be an unknown Banker which seems less likely. Which ever, it's a first for the database. My vote at this point is Minuteman. 

It came to me on a generic expansion band with no maker marks; I put it on the nice NOS stainless band with leather inserts as seen. I've had the band for several years and have been waiting for the perfect watch to put it on. Watch looks basically brand new and keeps excellent time.

 

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neetstuf-4-u
Posted March 12, 2022 - 4:19pm

mmv1mmv2

Here is the band that was on the watch as received. It's pretty minty like the watch. I'll be holding it in case at some point it's determined to be the original.

mmvb

Andersok
Posted March 15, 2022 - 7:20pm

The models using this case (Banker or Minuteman) call for a grey dial or white or silver. I could not find one calling for a black dial, and none has the numeral markers.

I'm going to go with Unknown in this configuration. 

JimDon5822
Posted March 16, 2022 - 8:04pm

This looks to me like a banker case with a replaced movement and dial.  Thinking phantom dial.  Non-conforming is my take.  

neetstuf-4-u
Posted March 16, 2022 - 9:23pm

In reply to by JimDon5822

 Phantom used a different font and alternated numbers and non-numeric markers. I was unable to find a Banker variant in a white gold casing, only Minuteman in this timeframe. Date on movement matches case

Geoff Baker
Posted March 18, 2022 - 9:31am

I'm going 1969 Bulova Unknown for now.

Kathy L.
Posted March 18, 2022 - 11:13am

I like this one Bob, nice case shape.  The dial looks like a SVP/Surf King but not sure if those went to 1969.  Unknown for now.