Bulova 1959 Sea Clipper

Submitted by gareth896 on June 16, 2014 - 1:47pm
Manufacture Year
1959
Movement Model
11AFAC
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
203105
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
Low dome 33mm excluding crown
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

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.

Bulova self winding June 2014
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Bulova Watch
JP
Posted June 16, 2014 - 2:00pm

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

bobbee
Posted June 16, 2014 - 3:00pm

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.

 

1959 Bulova Sea Clipper watch

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.

Geoff Baker
Posted June 17, 2014 - 5:40am

Hi gareth, I'm not sure I can make a case for a model ID without a pretty firm year of manufacture. As Bob demonstrates above there are some good possibilities. At this point I'm inclined to some type of Clipper.

Reverend Rob
Posted June 17, 2014 - 10:35am

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!

gareth896
Posted June 17, 2014 - 5:59pm

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.

William Smith
Posted June 17, 2014 - 6:46pm

In reply to by gareth896

gareth896  Looks like the case back says Water Proof w/ the small star symbol.

bobbee
Posted June 17, 2014 - 6:10pm

They were extremely water resistant, most one-piece cases were.

gareth896
Posted July 7, 2014 - 4:00pm

The watch is currently off being serviced, so I should have a few more details on the date markings and movement in a week or two.