Bulova 1971 Ambassador

Submitted by tiamat on January 26, 2015 - 9:29pm
Manufacture Year
1971
Movement Model
unknown
Movement Jewels
30
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
-
Case shape
Other
Case color
White
Crystal details
32.84mm round appears to be acrylic, easily scratched
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Bulova Ambassador.  Automatic. 30 Jewels. with magnified date window. case material appears to be stainless steel. identified as 'waterproof' on back case. 'Bulova' on crown. 'SWISS' appears below the 6 o'clock position on the dial. original band has been replaced. I have not had the case off. This was my father's watch, which he obtained either during his time serving in Vietnam (1967-1968) or sometime shortly afterward, although based upon other pictures and information I have seen, this watch appears to be from the 1970's.  Edit: talked to my mother about this - she doesn't remember much (anything) about it either, but did say this could have been her uncle's watch since my dad was known NOT to wear jewelery, so it doesn't make sense that he would have bought it himself or that my mother would have bought it as a gift or anything.  That also makes more sense since this watch has much more wear and scratches on it than I would think it would, considering how infreqently my dad would have worn it. I have no other information about this watch. However, I am curious if this is even a real Bulova watch, or if it is a fake. There is no serial number or other date code marking that I can see anywhere on the outside back case. Also curious is the dial - every picture I have seen of any Ambassador watch of this era, at the 12 o'clock position is the brand 'Bulova' and directly underneath 'Ambassador', and at the 6 o'clock position 'Automatic' and 'XX Jewels' (30 in this case).  However, this watch has 'Bulova' and '30 Jewels' at the 12 o'clock, and 'Ambassador' and 'Automatic' at the 6 o'clock.  The 'Bulova' is also done in raised lettering. 

Bulova Ambassador watch front
Bulova watch
mybulova_admin
Posted January 27, 2015 - 3:10am

 

Any chance of a photo of the movement?

tiamat
Posted January 27, 2015 - 9:48pm

I can try perhaps, but fear damaging the case as I am unsure even how to open it.  If I do manage to get it open, or take it to a watch repair shop to open, I will definitely get pics of the movement.

Geoff Baker
Posted January 27, 2015 - 9:48pm

Hi tiamat, welcome to mybulova. I'm a big fan of heirloom watches, I think you're very lucky to still have your father's Bulova. I too would be interested to see the movement and the inside of the case back to nail down the date. It is possible that he did purchase it during one of his tours in Viet Nam. Off hand I want to say it's an Ambassador because of the dial marking but I have a doubt that the Ambassadors came in 30J. Can we get a couple more photos?

tiamat
Posted January 27, 2015 - 10:14pm

I can surely try to take more photos of any aspect of it that you would like, as best as my cell phone will allow anyway.

I FINALLY found another pic on the internet of one as similar to this one I have ever seen:

http://www.ranfft.de/bidfun/katb/2usau/1234972819.jpg

(I don't seem able to get the IMG tags working to embed this image).

note this one also indicates a 30J Ambassador, but the markings on the dial are as I describe in my initial post, and are in line with all other Ambassadors I have seen.

Reverend Rob
Posted January 29, 2015 - 3:35pm

Ambassadors of this vintage may be the micro-rotor variety, in which case, the top jewel count would indeed be 30.

mybulova_admin
Posted February 5, 2015 - 11:25pm

 

I have no concerns that this is an all original Bulova Ambassador.

tiamat
Posted February 9, 2015 - 8:49pm

Thanks for the update.  If there really is no concern that this is a legitimate Bulova, then I will proceed with getting it serviced.

Has anyone had any experience with Watch Repairs USA?