Bulova 1969 Commander

Submitted by Sguy on February 9, 2019 - 1:28am
Manufacture Year
1969
Movement Model
-
Movement Jewels
30
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
F999985
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
Domed
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Found this beauty at a local thrift store for $3. My first Bulova, bringing me here. It needed a polishing, but I don't understand how they missed that it was a vintage gold Bulova in working condition. Face says Bulova 30 Jewels below the 12 and Automatic above the 6. The back says Bulova, water resistant, stainless steel back, anti magnetic, shock resistant, .0015 gold electroplate bezel, M9. Serial number is F999985. Band says Kreisler 1/20 10KT G.F. T01 Stainless bottom. When I dated it at 1969, (M9 code) I googled Bulova 30 Jewels Automatic 1969 and an ad on Etsy came up with an identical watch. This one claimed to be a Surf King, but there was no information as to how they had come to that conclusion. I have not been able to find any matches in the ads or pictures on this site, so any additional information would be great. I feel very lucky to have found a vintage watch for so cheap, we found a 1963 women's at the same @thrift shop the same week that I know even less about, but that's for another post. My jeweler friend tried to open the case to look at the movement, but he said the post was fixed in place and he didn't want to damage anything so we left it alone and closed it back up. He says the crystal is domed but I'm not sure what the significance is there. It is in good condition and seems to be original. I am curious if this is the original band, as it seems era appropriate. Pictures turned out horrible after compression, used imresizer like suggested but it didn't turn out well

1969 Bulova Commander watch
1969 Bulova watch
1969 Bulova watch
1969 Bulova watch
Geoff Baker
Posted February 10, 2019 - 6:44am

Very nice watch. I too am tentative leaning toward Commander

1969 Bulova Commander

Kathy L.
Posted February 10, 2019 - 11:43am

I will go with the guys and vote Commander 

1969 Bulova Commander (tenative)

Sguy
Posted February 12, 2019 - 6:24pm

Thanks a bunch everyone. I think it's really great it's probably the original band, it's a really neat vintage look. I still can't believe I paid so little for it, I almost feel bad having it as it would have made a beautiful heirloom. Probably the best $3 I'll ever spend!

neetstuf-4-u
Posted February 12, 2019 - 6:33pm

In reply to by Sguy

Consider this: You can heirloom it to someone down the road with the great story of where you got it. :o)

JimDon5822
Posted June 22, 2021 - 10:57pm

Confirming model and variant from the 1966 Line Book BAWD0162-2

1969 Bulova Commander "AG"

Commander AGCommander AG

Sguy
Posted June 23, 2021 - 2:18pm

In reply to by JimDon5822

I'd say close but no cigar, the ad you posted has self winding inscribed in the bottom of the face, my watch says automatic in that spot as you can see in the pictures

Sguy
Posted June 23, 2021 - 2:21pm

In reply to by Sguy

Also, the font is different as well, the 30 jewels in the ad you posted is much more cursive, the 30 jewels on my watch is boxier

neetstuf-4-u
Posted September 11, 2021 - 9:35pm

In reply to by Sguy

Mid 1966 was the transition for "selfwinding" changing to "automatic" on watch faces. I agree with Jim, it's a Commander "AG"