Bulova 1959 -Unknown

Submitted by tlk on December 27, 2013 - 10:42pm
Manufacture Year
1959
Movement Model
11afc
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
204609
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I believe this to be a 1959 Yankee Clipper, it belonged to my grandfather and then my father. It was given to me when I started college. When I got it, it had seen better days. Cracked crystal, broken band and hadn't ran in years. I had the crystal replaced, new band put on and the watch was returned to its time keeping glory. I am trying to find out more about it as well as track down an original band and box. Any help with that would be greatly appreciated.

 Thanks!

1959 Bulova Yankee Clipper
Bulova watch
Geoff Baker
Posted December 28, 2013 - 6:31am

Hi tlk, welcome to myBulova. I am the guy that gushes on family heirlooms and yours is over the top. To think that you have the watch that you father AND your grandfather wore is amazing, congratulations to you!

I think you're spot on with the ID. This is a tricky era as Bulova was advertising Clipper, Sea Clipper, Royal Clipper AND Yankee Clipper. I agree with the Yankee Clipper based on this ad:

 

I don't recall ever seeing a Bulova Box specifically labeled for the Yankee Clipper and would suggest you look for something from the era. In terms of band it's off to ebay for you. There are several watch band, strap bracelet sellers that specialize in period items. One of them, "Timesofplenty" is a member here. The lug spacing will help you narrow your search. It really is personal preference as to leather strap or stainless band, either is appropriate. At the point of sale it is possible your grandfather had the band removed and a strap installed.

Oh, one more thing, it is possible to have the dial restored on your watch. I will look exactly like it did when it was new. As you've replaced the crystal and had it serviced I assume you'll be wearing it. the dial restore would make it look very nice.

William Smith
Posted December 28, 2013 - 7:17am

I'm with Geoff on sentiment.  If you pass this on to one of your kids, it will be 4th generation family heirlooms.   Priceless.  Unfortunately many folks today don't know much about their grandfather, let alone have his watch.   If you can add a few more pictues or details about the watch- details like case back and gold content, that would help with ID.  The ad Geoff posted states stainless steel back and 10k Yellow Rold Gold Plate case.  
 

Geoff Baker
Posted December 29, 2013 - 6:31am

Oh, good catch Will, I missed the YELLOW verbiage. Hmmm......

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted December 29, 2013 - 6:53am

a 'CLIPPER' of sorts, not the 'YANKEE'

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted December 29, 2013 - 6:58am

ad is September of 1959

?

I'm almost pretty sure the 'SEA CLIPPER' is Stainless.

mybulova_admin
Posted December 30, 2013 - 6:53am

More photos of the movement and case back may certainly help us narrow down the model.

This will be great to see fully restored!

tlk
Posted August 3, 2023 - 2:23am

This is kind of hysterical. I was going through older photos on my phone and came across some of the original photos I took of my watch shortly before my initial post back in 2013. I realized that all the markings were buffed out during restoration. I randomly decided to dust off the old watch and see if I can find more info using the newly discovered pics.

I began googling the serial number, mvt and 17 jewel. Found a bunch of original adverts for the watch and year. One of the hits was here on this page… COMPLETELY FORGOT I posted here. 

You are all amazing with your feed back and input. Looks like it is a 1959 sea clipper. 

since my original post life has gotten more adulty. Grad school, married and yes… 2 boys, so the watch will see it’s 4th generation. 

I am still on the lookout for an original band or similar. 

I do YouTube content, I believe with all my newly acquired info, i will be doing a video centered around the watch and its history as i piece together its history. 

1955mercury
Posted August 3, 2023 - 8:06am

In reply to by tlk

Welcome back tlk. Life can certainly change a lot in 10 years. I think it's wonderful you still have this watch. If you do a utube video on your watch, you might want to take another look at the movement. The 11AFC movement is not a self winding model. Post a link if you do the video. I'm sure we'd all like to see it.