Bulova 1959 Yankee Clipper

Submitted by geezer_D on March 26, 2011 - 4:42pm
Manufacture Year
1959
Movement Model
11AFC
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
E281597
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Bulova watch
Wayne Hanley
Posted October 2, 2011 - 10:33pm

William Smith
Posted January 7, 2012 - 7:51pm

So I see this Bulova Clipper TV commercial from late 1950's.  Commercial is well done, so I expect wide use at the time.  They sent a Clipper over Niagara Falls tied to a ball to demonstrate durability.  Reporter Lyle Van states "handsom, rugged, and waterproof".  Case looks like this example above (and ad above), but case and dial looks more like the three "Royal Clipper" ads from 1959. 

Do I have too much time on my hands....or just poor time management skills?

simpletreasures
Posted January 7, 2012 - 8:01pm

Geezer, I'm guessing you haven't received the watch yet? In particular, lack of details???

William, Never too much time on your hands, especially when it comes to research :-o

William Smith
Posted January 7, 2012 - 8:17pm

In reply to by simpletreasures

I haven't even seen it yet.  My watch friend got it for me on a recent trip to CA for some shows.  She called this AM and said she got me a 1959 clipper "like the one they sent over Niagara Falls"... and in anticipation, I just ran with things from there.  She gets back this weekend.... :)  I may as well be snowed in somewhere in Montana as on the bech in Waikiki- when it comes to being able to go find watches in person anyway.... but I have friends and the internet....and a tan.

bourg01
Posted January 7, 2012 - 9:29pm

In reply to by William Smith

I'd take the beach anyday! Don't have snow here yet but I'm sure it's coming as it's cold enough. Been a balmy 40 degrees the past couple days but -2 before that so , it's coming. besides Will, when your watches shipping to you in the belly of a cargo jet at 30-40,000 feet, they'll be frozen for sure and suffer from oxygen deprivation as well!

William Smith
Posted January 7, 2012 - 11:49pm

In reply to by bourg01

Almost no joke here- I've had watches arrive, and w/ the quick decline in flying altitude and relative quick temp change from unheated 30,000ft cargo hull to a warm humid Hawaii at ground level, the watches have had some minor issues associated with cold condensing moisture.  For watches I ship, I always place them in a airtight bag, which doesn't address temp changes but does deal with moisture from cold condensing.   Heck, I've had cold condesning moisture issues on watches I take from my dry air conditioned 66 degree bench to my 90 degree garage.  I thought my glasses were fogged from this quick temp change, but it was both my glasses and the inside of my watch crystal that had cold condensing moisture.  Minor, but something I'm now aware of.   

geezer_D
Posted January 8, 2012 - 11:30am

 Details updated.  So... Sea Clipper?

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted January 8, 2012 - 6:41pm

Tough call.

The 'SEA CLIPPER' ad is full color yet shows a Silver Case, Silver Hands and Numerals. IMO this Watch appears more similar to the 'ROYAL CLIPPER' minus the 2 tone Dial.

'CLIPPER' is a safe bet, but which one.

'YANKEE CLIPPER' is the match.

simpletreasures
Posted January 8, 2012 - 6:44pm

I agree in the "Yankee Clipper" call, model 1185 shows yellow and everything else matches.

JP
Posted November 21, 2013 - 4:10pm

Yankee Clipper. Nice detecive work fellas.