Bulova 1961 Sea King

Submitted by moby 1961 on March 31, 2018 - 7:06am
A
Manufacture Year
1961
Movement Model
11afc
Movement Date Code
Circle
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
F169362
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Hi

I have collected a number of Accutron and Precisionist models over the years, but this is my first venture into vintage.  Im hoping I have bought well it is my birth year watch.  I have little knowledge of this era or really what to look for so it is very much a leap into the unknown.

I would be interested to see forumites opinion on the shading inside the numbers?  Also would it be worth having a full restoration to make it pristine?

Many thanks

 

1961 Bulova Sea King A watch
1961 Bulova watch
1961 Bulova watch
1961 Bulova watch
mybulova_admin
Posted March 31, 2018 - 7:12am

You did very well. That's a very clean piece. I'd get the movement serviced but would leave everything else just as it is. Looking now for a model ID.

mybulova_admin
Posted March 31, 2018 - 7:16am

The 1961 Bulova Sea King 'A' looks to be a match, right down to the number font.

...and here is a colour version showing an exact match for your watch as the Sea King 'A'.

moby 1961
Posted March 31, 2018 - 8:09am

wonderful.  What would the markings inside the numbers be?  It may not be clear from the photographs but there seems to be marks?  Is this normal for Sea King or has somebody placed the markings in after?  I cant think anyone has removed the face to draw marks on it.  It seems in suvch good condition?

jabs
Posted March 31, 2018 - 9:02am

1961 Sea King "A" good match

Geoff Baker
Posted March 31, 2018 - 9:53am

Hello moby, welcome to myBulova, it's exciting to see a modern Bulova watch collector turn to the vintage models. Bulova has an incredibly rich history for you to explore - enjoy the ride. As a collector of vintage Bulova watches for decades, I have recently gone the other way and purchased a couple modern Bulova watches.

I agree with the ID of your watch as a Sea King. I do see the markings you refer to but can't say I ever noticed them on other watches, they certainly are curious.

1961 Bulova Sea King A

Reverend Rob
Posted March 31, 2018 - 10:21am

Normally I would say dirt, but the dial looks NOS. A good look with a loupe might reveal more.

1961 'Sea King A ' gets my vote.

moby 1961
Posted March 31, 2018 - 11:54am

Thanks for the identification.   The markings are very curious.   Only in the rounded numbers.  It looks like a child had drawn inside, but I cant see how that would happen. Or why?

i shall investigate further and let everyone know if I find anything of interest.

Andersok
Posted March 31, 2018 - 1:49pm

A very nice Sea King 'A'

neetstuf-4-u
Posted March 31, 2018 - 6:53pm

Marks in the circles of numbers are indeed odd. I wouldn't worry about it. Watch is a beauty as it is. I'll follow the lead - 1961 Sea King A is a excellent ad match.