Bulova 1957 Surfmaster

Submitted by 1955mercury on
D
Manufacture Year
1957
Case Serial No.
C367270
Case shape
Square
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
23 X 23mm
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I received this watch a few weeks back. I think it's a 1957 Surfmaster "D". It looks like it's never been opened and I've never attempted to open one of this configuration. I wanted to get a few photos of it on here before I possibly scratch it up. When I received it, it was completely wound down. Thought I had gotten extremely lucky, but after winding fully it didn't run. I'm thinking it was running when put away somewhere. I can't measure the crystal. My digital caliber decided to become demon possessed today and reads random measurements and won't zero. I took the battery out and dropped the cover and where it landed is still a mystery currently. 

Front view
Front view #2
Side view
Case back
mybulova_admin
Posted January 2, 2025 - 9:35pm

There are some things about watches that just scream NOS. This one has just watched a horror movie and is still screaming!

What a beauty.

I'd say that you also hit the nail on the head ID wise:

1957 Bulova Surfmaster "D".

1957 Bulova Surfmaster "D"

mybulova_admin
Posted January 2, 2025 - 9:37pm

Looks like the case back is recessed into the main body case. I can see why it might be tricky to open.

1955mercury
Posted January 2, 2025 - 9:54pm

It has 4 pins under the spring bars that hold the bracelet on that have to be removed to access the movement. I found these instructions on here on how to remove the back.

 

JimDon5822
Posted January 2, 2025 - 9:58pm

1957 Bulova Surfmaster "D" is a good match.   I have seen this type of case before.   There should be either screws or a spring between the lugs.  If it is the spring,  you push the spring inward to release the case back.

1955mercury
Posted January 3, 2025 - 7:10am

This one has 4 pins with "D" shaped heads on them. The flat spot of the pin heads fit up against the inside of the case lugs. There's another Surfmaster posted on here that shows it disassembled and shows the pins in the photo.

mybulova_admin
Posted January 2, 2025 - 10:06pm

Oh that's so cool!

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted January 3, 2025 - 5:22am

Fully wound down suggests the Watch has ran, give it a gentle shake and see if it starts. 

1955mercury
Posted January 3, 2025 - 7:02am

I've tried that Fifth, but it didn't tick even one second. I'm suspecting all the oil has dried out in it. I've had that experience with another NOS watch from the 50's. It wouldn't run at all either, and I opened it and just nudged the balance wheel and it came to life. This one had to be running when put away because I don't think anyone has ever been in it and the mainspring was completely wound down when I received it. The seller said it needed a new battery in the listing. I'll find out eventually when I get around to opening it. I'm old and my hands aren't real steady everyday anymore. 

Kathy L.
Posted January 3, 2025 - 10:31am

Very cool 1955mercury, hope you get it going.

1957 Bulova Surfmaster "D"

Andersok
Posted January 3, 2025 - 7:07pm

Nice example of the Surfmaster "D".

Became the Commodore BW in 1959.

Those four pins are friction fit and pry out or pull out, but can easily be damaged. Also, the stem should be a two-part male/female.