Bulova 1963 Senator

Submitted by Bimmer328 on November 15, 2021 - 5:54pm
X
Manufacture Year
1963
Movement Model
11AC
Movement Jewels
23
Case Serial No.
G263867
Case shape
Tonneau
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

The date code on the movement is L9, the date code on the case is M3. The list of Bulova movements on the myBulova site does not include a 23J 11AC, although there was some discussion of this movement on the forum in January 2016. I purchased the watch at a second-hand shop around 2014-2015. I replaced the crown, which was missing. Other than that, the watch is as I obtained it.

front Bulova 23 Jewels SWISS
movement Bulova 11AC 23 JEWELS ADJUSTED SWISS L9
back Bulova M3 	10K RGP BEZEL STAINLESS STEEL BACK G263867
caseback inside no markings
mybulova_admin
Posted November 17, 2021 - 5:01am

Might be a mix-match of case and movement. Case is stamped 1963 and movement 1959 which is too far apart and would explain why I cannot find a linebook match for 1963.

Non-conforming would be the official ID from me.

I'couldn't even find a dial match from 1959 or 1963.

 

Andersok
Posted November 17, 2021 - 6:40am

When it comes to the men's 21 and 23 jewel models during this late 50s early 60s period, there seems to be several unknown models and many where the case and movement are years apart. Seems to me to be a common thing, and this one looks to fall into that category. I could not find a match...Unknown model for now.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted November 18, 2021 - 5:26pm

I searched linebooks from 1958 to 1963 as well as ads with the assumption it was a combination of parts.  I find no match for either the dial, case or combination as seen. The date gap between movement and case is a bit large, but as Ken stated this is not that uncommon. My initial thought was it looked like it might be a Senator by style, however I am on the  unknown bench dating it by the case. I also entertained the idea this may be an earlier watch with a replaced case back? Haven't researched earlier 50's models as of yet to see if anything could possibly match the case.

1963 unknown for now.

 

Andersok
Posted November 19, 2021 - 7:13am

I have a potential match - I went back through my ads and found this one from 1966 Canada | Ottawa Citizen.

It lacks the inner and outer dial pattern differences of the subject watch. Zoomed in the dial does state 23 Jewels.

I also do not see a USA import code, so subject watch may be from Canada?

1966SenatorX_Canada

I don't recall where I found the ad, likely through the newspapers.com site back when I had a subscription.

Additionally, I do not find the Senator "X" in our linebooks or pricelists.

 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted November 19, 2021 - 7:53am

Wow, Ken, well done! Case sure looks to be a match and minutes track, seconds sub-dial, hands, dial numbers and markers are as well. Dial differences from ad could potentially be omission of texture for print clarity or production year changes (1963 vs. 1966) to "modernize" the look. It certainly appears it is indeed a Senator.

I am good with

1963 Senator "X", noting dial variance from ad as well as date gap between case and movement.

Bimmer328
Posted November 19, 2021 - 9:25am

Sorry, I didn't mention it, as I didn't know it was relevant. Yes, I purchased the watch in Nova Scotia.

Geoff Baker
Posted November 19, 2021 - 9:15pm

So advert could well be Canadian as well I suppose.....1963 Bulova Senator X

Kathy L.
Posted November 20, 2021 - 1:21am

1963 Bulova Senator "X"