No history is available for this watch. A similar watch with Bulova in the centre of the back and marked Automatic in the border rather than Selfwinding is listed on your web site. The dial is as pictured; multi-toned with shading. The stem is missing but the selfwind function works fine and the watch runs when shook. If someone can tell me how to remove the back without damaging the watch I will take additional pictures. Based on your picture gallary I believe this is a Clipper from the late '50's or early '60's. I appreciate any assistance you can provide in properly identifying this watch.
Hello Lionel, welcome to myBulova. I think your watch might be a Yankee Clipper. A larger photo would help us see detail used to ID it better. Is there a jewel count noted on the back?
This is what I see as a possible match
http://www.mybulova.com/sites/default/files/vintage_ads/Bulova_AD_1960_…
Geoff, I've found that the Yankee Clipper had raised numerals shown in ads starting in 1958, and it looks as though the subject watch has the flatter applied type. I did find one Yankee Clipper ad from 1956 that looks very similar to the subject watch, with lugs that appear to jut upwards where they meet the bezel, and very similar otherwise with the dial and hands:
If we could get more detail in the photos and what datecode is stamped on the back this would help.
In reply to Geoff, I've found that the by Andersok
Thank you for the feedback. I tried to send larger pictures but they exceed the 150 KB size limit. Is there a way to increase the picture size and stay within the limit? I will continue to try to solve this problem.
The number on the back of the case is 24 6613, The word BULOVA is across the centre of the back and the text around the edge starting above BULOVA reads - Automatic - Antimagnetc - Shockabsorber - Steel-Back - Waterresistant - The back is identical to the watch submitted by peter-g on June 5 2012 at 8:53 am, and the case appears to be the same shape.
I will buy the tool referred to by Reverend Bob and remove the back. It will take a while to get.
In reply to Thank you for the feedback. I by lionelttrain
In reply to Thank you for the feedback. I by lionelttrain
Here is the link to the identical watch that is mentioned. That is an interesting caseback; does not appear to be the typical Bulova, does not have a datestamp on the outside or inside, does not have gold content, and strange font used also; Shockabsorber instead of Shock Resistant / Steel Back instead of Stainless Steel Back. I also do not believe it matches the Royal Clipper; that watch had lugs that covered over part of the bezel
Suspect non-Bulova case.
I just uploaded the larger size photos from Mike, the case back is like the one linked above. It appears that Peter never created a watch entry so we have just the forum topic. The watches are the same although we never really Identified Peter's.
In terms of the case authenticity, I rather think it is but don't really know. I guess I'm leaning toward an ID of "Unknown". Based on what I see I don't think it's Royal or Yankee Clipper.
You may have assumed that I collect Lionel Trains as well as watches and much like Bulova Lionel were excellent at marketing their products. One technique they used was to box sets for specific retailers to meet a price point dictated by the retailer. Is it possible that Bulova cased a selfwinding watch to sell at a price point below the Clipper as evidenced by these two watches?