Bulova 1963 Sky Clipper

Member for

4 months 1 week
Submitted by olpercy on May 20, 2023 - 3:26pm
Manufacture Year
1963
Movement Jewels
23
Case Serial No.
G493657
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
30 mm
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

This was purchased new by my father in 1963 - 64. Everything is in original condition. Has never been serviced. Bracelet was broken and thrown out . I am trying in vain to identify the model name and after long research I could never find any picture of a similar face anywhere. It is in good working condition.

White dial with gold hands and minute markers (numbers)
Gold case, with features, serial number and year code

Member for

14 years
mybulova_admin
Posted May 21, 2023 - 5:21am

Yellow version would make your watch a 1963 Bulova Sky Clipper "EW". (1963 Linebook)

1963 Bulova Sky Clipper "EW"

 

Member for

10 years
Andersok
Posted May 21, 2023 - 5:28pm

I think the case is a match, but subject watch has 23 Jewels on the dial; jewel count is not a match to Sky Clipper. I cannot find a 23J version with this case.

Member for

12 years 10 months
Geoff Baker
Posted May 21, 2023 - 9:26pm

Good eye Ken - so might we stick with SkyClipper and wonder if the dial was refinished? (It looks like it might have been?) It would be nice to see the actual movement to verify the jewel count.

Member for

4 months 1 week
olpercy
Posted May 26, 2023 - 7:12pm

Thanks for your quick replies. There is no way that anything was ever done to this watch. Everything you see is original, my father bought it new, wore it for about 8 years and it sat in a drawer for the last 50 years ! About looking at the movement: Is opening the case a simple thing ? I don't want to damage this watch in any way whatsoever...Thanks. Robert

Member for

12 years 10 months
Geoff Baker
Posted May 24, 2023 - 9:25pm

Panel - final thoughts?

Member for

6 years 5 months
JimDon5822
Posted May 24, 2023 - 10:59pm

Without seeing the movement and confirming jewel count I would call this unknown due to being a 23J vs 17J Sky Clipper. 

Member for

14 years
mybulova_admin
Posted May 25, 2023 - 5:35am

Wow how did I miss that simple point? The numeral font is unique and a match so I wonder what if could be, I don't think there is any mis-matched parts, just another model we are missing.

Member for

14 years
mybulova_admin
Posted May 25, 2023 - 5:45am

olpercy can you please see if you can take a photo of the movement or confirm if it is either 17 or 23 jewels.

Member for

4 months 1 week
olpercy
Posted May 26, 2023 - 7:19pm

I can confirm that the pictures are of the original watch from 1963-64, which has NEVER been taken anywhere for service or repair. I would very much like to see for myself the movement, but I have no knowledge whatsoever if I can open the caseback by myself or I have to send it to Bulova service.. Thanks