Dating MODERN bulovas

Submitted by Sbmclean on July 23, 2015 - 3:36pm

Hi all!

 

I bought a Calibrator, and it has date code B3 on it, but I can not find anything anywhere that gives modern date code information. Also does anyone know how many years they manufactured the Calibrators? I always wanted one but they were to pricey. lately they are way down. I also noticed the blue face models have the sellita in them, but the white faced 63B161 had the ETA. I realize they are identicle but since ETA are getting more rare in watches i thought it would be nice to add to the collection a calibrator with an actual ETA in it. Anyway if anyone knows the date code B3, would appreciate it. Thank you.

Andersok
Posted July 23, 2015 - 4:07pm

I can only speak to the datecode, which I believe equates to 2013...Ken

Geoff Baker
Posted July 24, 2015 - 6:17am

Yeah, 99.99% sure it does designate 2013. In the 2000 decade Bulova started back to A for the date codes so the 2010 decade is B. Question is, what will they use for the 2020 decade. They passed over "O" for the 80's, I wonder if they'll skip "C" too.

Sbmclean
Posted July 24, 2015 - 2:41pm

Thanks allot guys! That explains the movements. I THINK they were using ETA 2824-2 in the 2012 and 2013... but in 2014 they seem to have eliminated the exhibition back on all models, and put in the Sellita. Although I saw one blue faced 2013 (B3) with an exhibition back AND a Sellita.. perhaps was during transition. Anyway, glad I got one with an ETA in it, and an exhibition back. Some peopel hate the calibrators, but I think they are attractive.

Anyway I was wondering when I should get it serviced, so now I know I still have some time.

cheers!