Bulova 1961 Midshipman

Submitted by gmmy775 on May 5, 2019 - 10:33am
CW
Manufacture Year
1961
Movement Model
11AFC
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-unknown
Case Serial No.
173004
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Other
Crystal details
Crystal in watch: 28.70mm
Watch Description

Bulova Senator model 271 17j 11AFC ss 173004 M1__M0 stem wind swiss  Case w/o crown:  32.05mm  SS  Case material:  Stainless steel  Crown:  4.03mm not signed, recessed   Crystal in watch:  28.70mm  Lugs:  17.91mm  Movement year:  1961; no serial number  Inside Back:   R+W inside a square box with a curved top; MADE IN GERMANY  Back:  BULOVA WATCH CO; Stainless Steel; Ant-Magnetic; 173004; M0; Waterproof; Shock Resistant engraved on 6-slot threaded slightly beveled stainless flat pan, one-piece  Note:  Keeps excellent time; probably as close to a truly “mint” vintage timepiece as I have ever acquired.  A couple of weeks on MyBulova will do some very positive things to elevate your ability to identify, and subsequently acquire a Bulova.  With some soft coaching from the esteemed "Panel" I have learned how to better use both the known models database, and the ad archive.  I found this watch on the end of the second row of the 1960 ads, and it matches as close as any Bulova I have yet to own, including the stubby sweep second.  And about the sweep hand, I captured these pix at 6am with an exposure of 5 seconds, so of course it is blurred.  When it runs down I will re-shoot.  It only extends to the inside track, and it is blued steel.

1961 Bulova Midshipman watch
1961 Bulova watch
1961 Bulova watch
1961 Bulova watch
gmmy775
Posted May 5, 2019 - 10:57am

I still have much to learn.  I did not get that watchband with it though, but nothing ever fits my 8.5 wrist anyhow.  So is this an "EW" variant?

gmmy775
Posted May 5, 2019 - 11:45am

You rule!  The way you come up with this data is impressive.  I might ad that the fit and finish of this case is above average, even for Bulova

neetstuf-4-u
Posted May 5, 2019 - 1:57pm

In reply to by gmmy775

I just revisited the photos, and have a question. Is the date code on the case back M1 or M0? It appears to be M0, in which case the watch should be dated 1960. I missed that first time around.

Andersok
Posted May 5, 2019 - 3:38pm

Looking closer at the somewhat straighter lugs on this watch, I would have to say that it does not match the Senator EW, which has much wider lugs at the base which extend towards the case sides.

Best match I can find is to a Midshipman I posted some time ago.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted May 5, 2019 - 4:31pm

In reply to by Andersok

Wow Ken, well done. I stand corrected. Lugs are indeed different. I was so focused on the face that it got by me.

After close examination I agree with you that  it's not a Senator EW, and likely a

Bulova  Midshipman

gmmy775
Posted May 6, 2019 - 12:19am

Hi Neetsuf Sir

I have been in Sacramento all day, just got home.  The reason I dated it 1961 is because the movement is 1961, while the case is 1960.  I made the assumption that, given the understanding that Bulova did not discard either movements or cases, the youngest date of the two would determine the vintage of the watch.  Don't know, you folks have forgotten more than I have learned.

Reverend Rob
Posted May 6, 2019 - 1:32am

Hey gmmy, Hirsch makes straps that are Long and Extra Long, as does Alpine and some others. You can order them at jewellers and watch shops. Just take the watch with you and they'll measure it and get the right strap for you. I have the same problem, and vintage watches being on the smaller side exacerbate the length issue. 

Geoff Baker
Posted May 6, 2019 - 9:39am

In reply to by Reverend Rob

I have bought a couple straps from this fellow as well, he sells extra long and short: 

http://www.internationalwatchman.com/bands.html

He sells Open-End straps which I've had to use on occasion. I found then quite helpful with this type springbar. I haven't worn these straps for long periods of time so I cannot vouch for their durability but they look great.