Here's another one with "turtle leg" lugs. Case back is marked M9, Waterproof, Shock Resistant, Stainless Steel Case, Anti-Magnetic, Bulova and serial number. I first thought this one was a front load, but while cleaning the outside, the back with movement and crystal (press fit on back) popped out of the bezel into my hand in one unit like a coin. I balked on removing the crystal from the back plate to expose movement for fear of destroying it. Movement is a hand wind only, so I assume it's a 17 jewel. Blued hands with factory lume on the tips of all 3; and a lume dot at each number.
Face is off white leaning towards light tan and about perfect. The marks seen are shadows cast by small scratches in the crystal that should all polish out. Numbers and "Bulova" on face are raised silver colored. Maybe I'm naive, but this is the first one constructed like this I have ever had in my hands.
This was an ebay purchase, purely for the reason I couldn't ID it.....and I was the only bidder at $19.95. At present, I've owned it about 6 hrs and it appears to be keeping near perfect time. It doesn't appear to have ever been apart farther than shown in photos here.
As far as I can tell, the only other watch in the database with this style lugs is also in my possession; and currently listed as a 1961 unknown.
Well, I think I found it. Seabee "A" ?
Geoff has one (added to database in 2012) dated 1959, which is a big time gap and face is different. I have no doubt the very distinctive case is the same. Is it possible this model flew under the radar for 10 years without being advertised?
http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1959-seabee-4712
Ad dated 1959/60, and pricelist is the same.
I really like this design, maybe because it has a different look to it that you don't often see. I think the Seabee id is a good match, but I am not sure it is correct for 1969. The model number 249 is listed in the pricelists for 1958 only; however it looks to have changed to model 11239 (seabee 'A' @ $59.50) for the 61 and 64 pricelists. I suppose it is possible that it continued under the new model number through the late 60s, but there are no ads aside from the one above showing this Seabee. I'm leaning towards Seabee, but the gap between watch and ad is a bit too much.
In reply to Panel -Thoughts? by Geoff Baker
In reply to Panel -Thoughts? by Geoff Baker