Bulova 1959 Ensign

Submitted by Gunther on June 10, 2014 - 11:08am
FW
Manufacture Year
1959
Movement Model
11AFC
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
E480195
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Watch Description

I've searched and searched to find info on this watch to no avail. I'd love any information possible. Model name, original retail price, etc. I contacted someone from Bulova parts department but as of yet haven't heard back. Thanks for any help!

Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Gunther
Posted June 21, 2014 - 5:36pm

I've continued searching with no luck as of yet :(. I also asked over at the forums at watchophilia.com and they are stumped too. Eventually I'd like to sell this, but honestly, I don't know what to ask for it. I really don't want to get ripped off. It's maddening I tell ya.

William Smith
Posted June 21, 2014 - 5:53pm

Case back says "Water Proof" but doesn't have the "Star" symbols on each side of verbage....

bobbee
Posted June 21, 2014 - 10:02pm

Star symbol is the Star Watch Case Co. logo, I'm pretty sure of this. 

I'll have to check, but I think watches with this symbol will be in a Star WCC case.

mybulova_admin
Posted July 5, 2014 - 9:09pm

 

Believe it or not but I'm starting to think 'Sea King'

bobbee
Posted July 6, 2014 - 12:49pm

Yes.

The Whale logo is seen on many different models from only 1969-onwards, but even then not on all water resistant models, the Oceanographer line for one.

The Whale does not mean "waterproof" as previously thought, but "water resisitant", as makers were not allowed to call a watch waterproof unless it really was totally waterproof , from around 1969.

All watches in ads seen with a Whale logo are "water resistant" in the descriptions, never waterproof.

 

http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/imagefield_thumbs/vintage_a…

http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/imagefield_thumbs/vintage_a…

1969 ad.

 

 

JimDon5822
Posted March 10, 2020 - 9:03pm

This appears to be a 1960 Bulova Ensign "FW" based on the 1960 Line Book BAWD0139 Page 32 of 48

1960 Ensign FW ad1960 Ensign FW Ad

Gunther
Posted March 11, 2020 - 12:19pm

In reply to by JimDon5822

Thanks, JimDon. I appreciate it! I just looked it up. $59.50 (1960) would be $514 today..