I've looked at ads from '68 (case date) and ''69 (movement date), but I didn't see this version of a 333 Oceanographer. I want to know if this is an authentic version, if it's been been pieced together, or if it was possibly made outside the US. Any insight you can provide will be appreciated. The bracelet is aftermarket.
Thanks, TQ
Kathy, you beat me by mere minutes. I've been pondering this one for a while. The dial indices match the "E" variant, but that variant is white dial; and text doesn't match. The "K" sports doubled markers at 12, 6 and 9; while the "E" has triple like subject watch. Both the "E" and "K" have an obvious cutout where band attaches and appear to have a smaller bezel ring. Subject watch when assembled doesn't show this.
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Case markings would seem to indicate a model produced in Europe. I am wondering if this is indeed an international variation that may or may not have an oversized replacement bezel ring that hides the lug cutout?
I also have to say this is the first potential Oceanographer I have seen that is a front loader. I also thunk it's legit. Face variation could very well be a year thing or an international model variance from US produced.
1968 Oceanographer - unknown variant
Clearly a Bulova Oceanographer. It is possible that this is how the 1968 model looked since we cannot verify it due to the lack of the 1968 line books. I have a far fetched theory that it did in fact have the over hang in 1968 but was removed as it would catch on things and pop the bezel off.
1968 Bulova Oceanographer.