Bulova 1961 Sea King

Submitted by msteen1314 on December 23, 2020 - 11:42am
Manufacture Year
1961
Case Serial No.
F481878
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Know nothing really about the watch. Have no way to access movement as I believe it is removed from the front. Currently on a Genuine Sea Snake strap.Manual wind.

10 KT RGP.

Water Proof, Anti Magnetic.

No signed crown

Any info on this watch would be appreciated

 

Unknown Model
Unknown watch
neetstuf-4-u
Posted December 23, 2020 - 12:26pm

Neat watch, love the lugs. Without seeing the movement and no jewel count on the face, we can assume it is 17 jewels. In 1961/62; it appears that the only watch using this unique case paired with 17 jewels is the Sea King. Only reference I find is for Sea King "M", however the face and hand style don't match ads or the Line Book for 1961/62.

I would definitely say it's from the Sea King series, but can't  assign a variant letter. I see 2 possibilities. It could be an "M" with a replaced dial (or movement & dial), or it is a variant we have yet to ID. Ad below dates 1961.

1961 Sea King.

1961seaking

msteen1314
Posted December 23, 2020 - 12:33pm

Thanks for the prompt reply. I came to the similar conclusion based on the kugs but again as you said, the dial does not match. Do not have a crystal remover yet so cant check the movement. Hopefully this will be obtained soon to ket a look at the movement.

Thanks Again

Geoff Baker
Posted December 23, 2020 - 9:03pm

Bulova used this case style for three watches in 1961, the Sea King M as Bob stated above. It was also sold in solid 14k gold as both the Bulova 30 and the Beau Brummell. I agree that this is most likely the President case and a possible dial (movement?) swap. 

JimDon5822
Posted December 23, 2020 - 9:26pm

Interesting watch.   This case I also believe was used in the Jaguar and was 14kt gold also.   I noticed the dial seems to be misaligned. The 3 seems slightly turned 1 or 2 degrees past 45 degrees.  Probably a Sea King but I have to go with unknown.  

msteen1314
Posted December 23, 2020 - 10:05pm

Thanks Geoff, not familiar with the President case, so in both your opinions are we looking at a mixed bag here of interchangeable parts

 

Geoff Baker
Posted December 24, 2020 - 9:10pm

Oops - I meant SEA KING case! sorry for the confusion. I might be favorable to categorizing it as a Sea King noting a possible dial change out.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted December 24, 2020 - 9:13pm

I think that's a good call, based on the fact the only known examples of this case in gold plate are Sea King.

msteen1314
Posted December 31, 2020 - 12:50pm

Thanks everyone for their assistance. Hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year.

Very new to this and your information about dial swaps etc has been invaluable. Obviously at this point the watch would not (even if rendered functional) be close to water but the Sea King designation, would that put in a category similar to something like a recreational watch that is at home on the water.

What would have been the value of a new version of this watch with the original dial in 1961. I just want to learn on lesser value than ruin a watch that would be of higher value if I progress that far.

Thank you again all

 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted December 31, 2020 - 1:14pm

Well, the Sea King ad above gives a retail of $65. Calculating inflation, that would be approx $561 today. As far as the value of your watch, we don't do appraisals or attempt to set values. There are far too many variables (I have a car, how much is it worth). For an idea of current value, search on-line auction completed listings and see what sells similar to yours and for how much, as opposed to seller asking prices.