Bulova 1972 -Unknown

Submitted by mrradloff on March 7, 2021 - 10:51am
Manufacture Year
1972
Movement Model
11ANACD
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
J346529
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

10KT RGP Case  -  Watch was a gift to a family member 25 years of work from the the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company.  No band was found.  I'm having trouble identifying the mode and was curious if this was a commercial model, or perhaps some model specifically sold in some quantity to large company's like CCI to give to employees.  Thanks!

Front of Watch
Back of Watch
Inside Movement
Inside Back Case
Front-T Swiss T
Andersok
Posted March 7, 2021 - 1:20pm

My guess is that it was a model available to anyone, but a particular company could have had some customized. I'm not sure Bulova was doing these company customizations, or if these were done by a jeweler.

I do not find this particular model, but I find several similar using the same case, but different dial, under the Clipper line during the early 70s.

I'm currently at Unknown model, but perhaps someone else will find a match.

mrradloff
Posted March 8, 2021 - 3:11pm

Thanks, I appreciate the insight! 

Kathy L.
Posted March 9, 2021 - 9:57am

A very special heirloom for you.  I agree with Ken that it is similar to the Clipper but no exact match that I can find.

Unknown for now.

Geoff Baker
Posted March 9, 2021 - 9:19pm

1972 Bulova Unknown. Wonderful heirloom!

Bulova did a healthy business making customized watch DIALS. When we were in the Museum they had trays after tray of them. They did not give us any indication that they'd made special cases for commercial companies. My guess is that Cleveland Cliffs bought stock watches and had them personalized.

mrradloff
Posted March 14, 2021 - 1:07pm

Thanks all for the information, I appreciate the help!

JimDon5822
Posted April 17, 2021 - 11:38pm

This certainly looks like a Clipper M from the 1971 Linebook BAWD0179.  I suspect this was the base model and the dials were configured for Bulova's commercial sales division as award watches.  It allows to place a corporate logo above the 6 o'clock position.  

Clipper MClipper M

neetstuf-4-u
Posted April 18, 2021 - 9:45am

In reply to by JimDon5822

Agreed on one condition - is the back stainless color or gold? Ad notes stainless, if that is the case of subject watch then yes; I am comfortable with ID of

1972 Clipper "M" 

Noting non-standard face with detail left off for addition of corporate logo on special order award watches.

or Clipper - No variant, if back is yellow

JimDon5822
Posted April 18, 2021 - 2:13pm

In reply to by neetstuf-4-u

I believe if it was a base Clipper and changed to an award watch it is probably likely they changed the back to yellow gold plate due to the "gold watch" retirement gift expectation. 100% a total theory.