Bulova 1966 Counselor

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on February 11, 2024 - 3:11pm
Manufacture Year
1966
Movement Model
10CL
Movement Date Code
M4
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
J193485
Case shape
Other
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Well, I stumbled down a rabbit hole. This one is obviously a Counselor, but what year and variant? The dial has been refinished black, so that isn't much help. There is a tiny "v" in dial at the 3 position.

Movement is correct for the Counselor, as the 4 examples in the database all bear this movement - 10CL dated 1966 matching the case. Movement in subject watch  is dated 1964.

Initial case stamp in M6, but right next to it in the same font is a lighter M9 stamp that was almost impossible to photograph. I have never encountered a double dated case.

Every "circle/square" Counselor in the database is dated 1966 and ID'ed off a single ad dated 1966 as silver dial Counselor "A".

I went through the linebooks from 1964 to 1971. The first mention is in 1969, showing 2 variants - one with a silver dial "J"  and one gilt as "K".  In 1970, the silver dial disappears and in 1971 the remaining gilt dial is gone. I personally have never seen one of these dated past 1966 or one with a gilt dial.

There is my research, make of it what you will :o)

Is this a 1966 Counselor "A" or a 1969 Counselor "J" with refinished dial????

66OR69A
66OR69B
66OR69C
66OR69D
66OR69E
66OR69F
neetstuf-4-u
Posted February 11, 2024 - 3:21pm

Ad dated 1966.

lockport

Linebook entry for 1969

1969counselor

JimDon5822
Posted February 11, 2024 - 8:47pm

I am going to go with a 1966 Counselor A with a refinished dial.  

mybulova_admin
Posted February 12, 2024 - 2:52am

Wonderng if it started it's life off as a 1966 Counselor "A", but was then refurbished by Bulova in 1969 as another variant (Blk dial)?

Variants J and K suggest there may have been a few options.

It is certainly possible that it was originally the "A", but I suggest we leave out the variant at this stage.

Based on the 64 movement I'm also inclined to go withy the 1966 date.

1966 Bulova Counselor

Andersok
Posted February 12, 2024 - 3:11pm

Counselor w/o a variant

Geoff Baker
Posted February 12, 2024 - 9:47pm

Who knows on the phantom stamp? I'd call it a 1966 Bulova Counselor (with a refinished dial)