Bulova 1965 Ambassador

Submitted by RUPPE on October 22, 2021 - 5:44pm
Manufacture Year
1965
Movement Jewels
30
Case Serial No.
1-417161
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I'm unsure of the exact date but I think it's from 1959-1969. The (Swiss) case appears to be solid gold, unsure of the purity. There is a mark at the top of the case which reads 40 with an LL hallmark. The dial has some corrosion that is visible in the picture but not clearly apparent to the unaided eye. The watchband appears to be the original, gold plated Speidel Twist-O-Flex with a little wear on the edges. This was my grandfather's watch, he lived from 1913-1996.  This watch was given to me in 1999. It runs well, and I wear it on occasion!

C. 1960s Ambassador Automatic 30 Jewels (Front)
C. 1960s Ambassador Automatic 30 Jewels (SWISS Dial)
C. 1960s Ambassador Automatic 30 Jewels (Back of Case)
C. 1960s Ambassador Automatic 30 Jewels (Hallmark)
C. 1960s Ambassador Automatic 30 Jewels
Andersok
Posted October 24, 2021 - 7:19am

I'm going to suggest, based on the serial number beginning with 1-, that this is an international Ambassador model. I checked the int'l linebook and there are some close matches, but I could not narrow down one with certainty.

I feel 1960 (posted date) is too early for this model, so in order to properly date the watch, the date stamps would need to be verified. The case looks to be top-loading.

mybulova_admin
Posted October 24, 2021 - 5:25pm

40 might refer to 40 microns. I've seen this listed before in many Linebook entries.

We know the model is Ambassador, but I do take Ken's point about it also being an International release.

In the strict terms of an model ID, I'd go with Ambassador as we typically use the International ID for those watches that we cannot determine a name (if it was given one).

neetstuf-4-u
Posted October 24, 2021 - 5:38pm

Based on case markings, I agree it's an international model and should be ID'ed as 

Ambassador, no variant.for the time being.

Geoff Baker
Posted October 24, 2021 - 9:30pm

I'm OK with Ambassador, but what year?

JimDon5822
Posted October 24, 2021 - 9:49pm

I agree it is an Ambassador but without a good date we cannot confirm. 

mybulova_admin
Posted October 25, 2021 - 9:43pm

We have this Ambassador example in the database that has a similar case back and dial configuration. This example has a internal case stamp of M5 and a serial number less than this example.

Movement is dated M4 and the case is stamped M5, so I suggest we use this year 1965.

Reverend Rob
Posted October 27, 2021 - 12:30pm

LL is Louis Lang, casemaker, Switzerland. Likely the Micro-Rotor 12EBAC, but we'd have to see inside the case to be sure.

RUPPE
Posted October 27, 2021 - 4:54pm

Thank you all so much in helping identify the possible year of the watch, and what LL stands for. I appreciate it. I will definitely update you when I get around to seeing the inside.