Bulova 1963 Astrojet

Submitted by Andersok on July 17, 2015 - 9:51pm
Manufacture Year
1963
Movement Model
11AFCD
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
-
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Tentative Bulova Astrojet

Stainless case with champagne color dial with Bulova and Astrojet printed; caseback is stamped M3, #398-1, MLB manufacturer. Movement is an 11AFCD 17-jewel manual wind with the calendar window, dated M3.

No ads have been found for this model and this model is not listed in any pricelists we have, though no pricelists are available for 1963; the case catalog does not have this case number listed as being excluded from US sales.

Benrus trademarked the name Astrojet in 1961 for watches, and American Airlines in 1963; perhaps Bulova had to stop using this model name and then moved to something else like Aerojet, which is a very similar design though not yet seen prior to 1966.

Andersok_1963Astrojet_071715
1963 Bulova watch
1963 Bulova watch
1963 Bulova watch
1963 Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
Geoff Baker
Posted July 18, 2015 - 6:18am

Great looking watch Ken (by the way, you're one of the guys whose photography skills I'm in awe of).

Astrojet for me.

Andersok
Posted July 18, 2015 - 7:17am

In reply to by Geoff Baker

Thanks Geoff, nothing professional in my photo taking, but I think I'm getting the hang of it.

jabs
Posted July 18, 2015 - 9:27am

Second one Astrojet :), nice

William Smith
Posted July 18, 2015 - 11:48am

Astrojet from me!
Great theory Ken, If Astrojet was trademarked by Benrus in 1961, then Bulova may have had to discontinue selling such a model by 1964, including those which were produced earlier and still in stock.  This could account for their absence in the Spring 1964 price lists cumulative section. If the Bulova model was not available until after Fall 1961, it would not have been listed in the Fall 1961 price list either (the next earliesst list we have before 1964 list).  Both examples we have in the database are dated 1963.

JP
Posted July 18, 2015 - 2:42pm

Another fine example of your restoration skills Ken.

Astrojet from me, three ticks.