Bulova 1960 Sea Clipper

Submitted by neetstuf-4-u on January 12, 2023 - 4:27pm
WW
Manufacture Year
1960
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
E790278
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Just got this one and it's got a crazy cool dial like I have never seen before. Ever so slightly raised ribs on a silver dial radiating from the 6 upward. The ribs are just high enough to cast a shadow on the dial low areas in bright light. The effect is pretty amazing.

Single piece stainless steel case is a front loader. "Marks" seen on dial at 10 and 2 position are actually shadows from imperfections in the crystal that look like melted spots from solvent. I polished the majority out but it needs more. My fingers started to cramp up......

I looked for ID on this one for a couple days plowing through the linebooks from 1957 to 1965 looking for the dial ribbing with no luck. My second time through, I looked for recessed crown and indice/number style. Got a hit in 1962 book 148. When I enlarged the images and manipulated light/shadow, the lines are faint but visible. It's all about the angle the photo was taken from, resolution and the lighting.

1960 Sea Clipper "WW"

A first for the database. I have to believe this one is pretty uncommon. Speidel band was installed by me and really close to the linebook. Runs and keeps time. Yay!

seaclip1
seaclip2
seaclip3
seaclip4
seaclip5
neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 12, 2023 - 4:34pm

seaclipww1seaclipw2

Kathy L.
Posted January 12, 2023 - 4:46pm

Nice linebook match and I like that dial!  The band is a great match as well.

1960 Bulova Sea Clipper "WW"

neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 12, 2023 - 5:00pm

In reply to by Kathy L.

Thanks Kathy! This was one of those "under the radar" auctions. Lots of watchers, but only I think 4 very cautious bidders besides me.  I suspect everyone thought it was a "Frankenbully". I got it for 1/3 of the high amount I bid :o)

Andersok
Posted January 12, 2023 - 5:11pm

Gotta like the dial on this one; is it a sea shell pattern.

Agree with Sea Clipper "WW"

mybulova_admin
Posted January 12, 2023 - 5:23pm

I love that dial, it's definitely the first time we've seen anything like it on a Bulova watch.

I stood with my left leg in the air, my right arm held above my head and both eyes closed....I think you're spot on with the linebook entry. You can just see the radiant lines.

1960 Bulova Sea Clipper "WW"

neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 12, 2023 - 6:04pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Thanks for the extra effort Stephen, I hope you didn't hurt yourself.....I bid this one with 5 seconds left. Put my right hand on the keyboard, put down my beer, took my wallet in my left hand, closed my eyes, hit "bid" and threw my wallet at the window. Thankfully, it hit the window frame and the winning bid amount only went up $1.

mybulova_admin
Posted January 12, 2023 - 6:28pm

In reply to by neetstuf-4-u

LOL! Nice. Thankfully this one didn't cost you the house. It's always nice to see something different pop up isn't is. Something that is getting harder and harder to see these days.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 12, 2023 - 6:54pm

I love finding previously unknown models. You're right they are still out there but increasingly difficult to find (and afford). Price? I got it for approx. the current US price of 15 Gal of gas.

mybulova_admin
Posted January 12, 2023 - 8:18pm

oh and here's a close up of the linebook entry showing the shell like radiant lines.

1962 Bulova Sea Clipper "WW" dial.