1965 Bulova Ambassador. I picked this one up just the other day on Facebook marketplace of all places for $50. It had a cracked crystal and a hideous yellow gold stretch band on it. After I serviced it and put on a crystal, it looks as good as new. The LL case is stamped M5 and the 30 jewel 12EBA is stamped M4. The pictures don't do the dial justice. The roman numerals and other printing are a light grey color on a brushed silvered dial. It's a real stunner. I found the way the case works to be very odd. Instead of using a 2 piece split stem, there is a gasketed access screw on the case back to get to the set lever screw to remove the one piece stem. Surprisingly this is a waterproof case design. I've looked through most of the ads on the site, but can't seem to find the exact model. Maybe there is something in the line book that can help or maybe I missed the right ad.
The Ambassador line has so many interesting models. This one is very sharp looking.
I could find only one example sporting the Roman numeral dial markers; it looks like a close match. I found it in our 1966/67 International pricelist. One thing I don't see on your watch is an import stamp on the balance bridge, so I think it is very likely an International model of the Ambassador.
1965 Ambassador
In reply to The Ambassador line has so… by Andersok
I'd say that's a pretty good match. The lugs look a little shorter, but the printing, and hands look the same. The features listed match what the case and dial says too (waterproof, Automatic, Stainless, etc.). I also had an inkling it was an international model because of the odd serial number, and the lack of an import mark, both of which point to an international model.
Today I bought the same watch, but a little older: 1-342425. The date stamp is indistinct, but it looks like 1964.
The case is excellent, the hands are mint, the dial is very good and the crystal is fair. The crown is signed and original, and it seems to be running about a minute slow per day.
If my watchmaker can locate a low profile crystal I'll have him regulate the watch at the same time.
It is very elegant and simple, perfect for a dress watch. I paid eight bucks for it . . .
In reply to Today I bought the same… by Daniel Dravot
In reply to Does yours also have the… by GuyMontag
My watch is identical to the one owned by the original poster, down to the screw in the case-back.
I am something of an Omega collector, but at the right price I'll buy just about anything of interest.
Once I got the Ambassador cleaned up and the crystal polished up, I put a vintage black strap on it and I've been wearing it ever since.
It is an excellent size and the simplicity of the dial is super. It's 30 jewels, Swiss and to my eye, very subtle.
Once I get it regulated and a new crystal fitted, it will be in my regular rotation . . .
In reply to My watch is identical to the… by Daniel Dravot
In reply to Does yours also have the… by GuyMontag
The screw on the back is purposeful and was from the factory. It is there so that you can remove the stem when servicing the watch. The 12 EBA and similar movements never came with a split stem so to remove the stem from the watch you would have to loosen the set lever screw on the movement. The access port on the back of the watch is there so the watchmaker could reach said screw. The screw cap does have a seal on it so it is waterproof as long as the gasket is in tact. I wouldn't test it though!