Bulova 1961 Military Issue

Submitted by Bryan R. on July 7, 2022 - 7:18am
A-17A
Manufacture Year
1961
Movement Model
10BNCH
Movement Date Code
M1
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
10063
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Star
Gender
Mens
Front
Back
Case back
Movement
Bryan R.
Posted July 7, 2022 - 7:27am

Case serial # is actually 10063, my mistake.

Bryan R.
Posted July 7, 2022 - 9:48am

In reply to by Kathy L.

Hi Kathy, thanks for the welcome.

Thanks for the link as well, what a beautiful example!

Bryan R.
Posted July 7, 2022 - 9:59am

In reply to by Bryan R.

I did notice some slight differences between my example, and the one provided in the link. The one in the link, 1959, has the AF-59 denotation in the serial #, where my 1961 doesn't. Also, 1959 version has second markers every 5 seconds, 1961 only marks every 10 seconds. Did the A-17A have sub-models?

Also, I entered the Case manufacturer as Bulova erroneously, if it could be corrected to Star, thanks!

Kathy L.
Posted July 7, 2022 - 12:32pm

In reply to by Bryan R.

My guess is that these difference are per the year made and maybe branch of service.  Maybe one of the guys will know more.

Geoff Baker
Posted July 7, 2022 - 9:37pm

A147A MIL-W-6433A as noted is a Navigation Watch, note the dial has 24 hr markings. Having been serviced several times I wouldn't work too much about the possibility that a hand may have been replaced. While it's possible to update some components, why not honor your father's memory and wear it just as he did? It's a suggestion but entirely up to you. You should have it serviced if you intend to wear/use it.

1961 Bulova Military Issued A17A

Bryan R.
Posted July 7, 2022 - 10:15pm

In reply to by Geoff Baker

Hey Geoff, thanks for your comment.

I agree about the hands, and the sentiment. It was actually my Father-in-laws, but I respected him just as much as my own.

I actually brought it to have the hands worked on, and a cleaning/oil/regulate done, since it hasn't had a documented service in 52 years. I put those leather straps on it myself, so am going to purchase a nato one piece for it.

Definitely don't plan on wearing it daily, but will on occasion, and keep it to pass to my son one day.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted July 8, 2022 - 8:58am

1961 Bulova Military "A-17A"

A very nice example. Heirloom watches are the best. I think it's great that you intend to pass it on to your son.