Bulova 1961 International

Submitted by DeluxeRaccoon on March 13, 2019 - 10:18pm
Manufacture Year
1961
Movement Model
10BZAC
Movement Jewels
30
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
-
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I bought this 30 Jewel on eBay from a seller who seems to specialize in classic Bulovas. It seems that all the watches they sell are restored by them and seem to be in excellent shape, so I felt very confident in spending a little more than I usually like to on this gorgeous watch. Unfortuately, the stamping on the caseback was either originally very shallow and has worn over time, or was worn down during it's restoration when the caseback was polished. Either way, I could not find any date or case number, but the movement is dated 1961 (M1). The inner caseback is stamped "BEZEL GOLDLAYERED G 40 MICRONS" then there looks to be a case maker stamp and other case maker information. It looks like the case maker is MLB Modele Depose, I believe, but I'm not sure who that is as I've never seen it before. These stampings are what confuse me the most on this watch. The movement is a 10BZAC and has, of course, 30 jewels. The dial is marked "BULOVA 30 Jewels" and "SELFWINDING". The hands and markers and been redone and glow brightly.  The watch showcases exactly what I love about vintage Bulova watches: The style, elegance, and panache of late 50's and early 60's America. That "Breakfast at Tiffany's" style, to quote the seller. But it's that time in American design that really speaks to me, and why I love this watch. It's another one that only comes out at special occasions. Any help and information on this watch is much appreciated!

[field_year-1961] Bulova 30 Jewel
[field_year-1961] Bulova 30 Jewel Caseback Outside
[field_year-1961] Bulova 30 Jewel 10BZAC Movement
[field_year-1961] Bulova 30 Jewel Caseback Inside
[field_year-1961] Bulova 30 Jewel
Kathy L.
Posted March 20, 2019 - 10:55am

Beautiful watch.  I would agree with it being an international model.

1961 Bulova Unknown

mybulova_admin
Posted March 22, 2019 - 11:20pm

I think ID'ing it as a generic Internation model seems the logical choice for now.

honeyimhome99
Posted August 16, 2020 - 9:32am

There is an advert for this watch in the database, 1962 advert 27 of 36 relates, albeit with a white dial. It is a 'Bulova 30' not an 'International'. 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted January 18, 2021 - 3:32pm

1962snippet for30

1962 ad snippet, yup, it's a 

1961 Bulova 30 

I found the white dial version in the 1961, 1962 and 1963 Line Books with no mention of the existence of a black dial version. I suspect the seller refinished the dial black on what was a "KW" as stated in line books and ad.

bully301

bully302

1961 Bulova 30 noting likely dial refinish