Bulova 1969 Oceanographer

Submitted by dc.gronlund on December 12, 2022 - 9:33am
E
Manufacture Year
1969
Movement Model
11blacd
Movement Date Code
M9
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
90612
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
31.5mm
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

First time posting on the site. I appologize if i mess this up.

This was purchased off ebay, 1969 Oceanographer 333ft. Movement is 11blacd. Case is round, front loader with split stem. The case resembles an Oceanographer 'k' marked 706 on inside. But the dial resembles an Oceanographer 'e'. The inside had no signatures and everything seemed like I may have been the first one in this watch. I'm trying to find the Oceanographer variant, if it has one. Thanks all!

Heres my video of cleaning it.  https://youtu.be/PHt9bkKT3KM

Complete dial side
Back
Crown side, alt crown
Lug
Movement 11blacd
Inside case
Geoff Baker
Posted December 14, 2022 - 8:26pm

I'll go with Oceanographer but no variant, this watch does not match the E variant shown in the advert.

dc.gronlund
Posted December 16, 2022 - 8:24am

So, I went on Google and took a snap shot of all the "E" and "K" variants I could find. I made a list of all the serial numbers and it appears that, for the most part, all the notched bezels have lower serial numbers and the round bezels have higher serial numbers. I also noticed I seem to have the only 1969, haha. To me it looks like the notched bezel came first and may have been dropped for the round bezel? It's not unheard of to see bulova make changed. I think the jet star "A" or "B" got a major dial change. Also, if this was infact a change, that would be reflected in the 1968 book since we see both models in 1968?  Date/serial number list

dc.gronlund
Posted December 16, 2022 - 8:45am

Actually just found 2 more and just noticed that serial numbers beginning with 7 have the extra writing on the back, the rest are kinda plain. Also the notches bezels look like they do not have a flat mating surface with the case. Possibly creating a high and low spot with the tension fit crystal, since it's a front loader. If there was a change, I bet it was for quality control. It would be easier to install and align the round bezel and they changed the mating surfaces to flat, creating a tight even grip/seal around the crystal. This is all my opinion, based off pictures and no real evidence, haha. Dates/serial numbers

JimDon5822
Posted December 18, 2022 - 8:50pm

That is great research Dave.   I have to agree the notched case probably was problematic and replaced.   I am good with 1969 Bulova Oceanographer "E"

Geoff Baker
Posted December 18, 2022 - 9:29pm

Panel? Two votes for Oceanographer E, one for Oceanographer

neetstuf-4-u
Posted December 19, 2022 - 10:50am

Oceanographer E