1961 Bulova mechanical wrist watch, gold filled case, black dial, gold colored 3 hands with sub-second in place of 6, Arabic numerals 9, 12, 3, gold colored hour markings, hidden lugs with four angular lines descending to a point right to left at top and ascending to a point left to right at bottom, signed Bulova four times (1) dial below 12 (2) caseback top edge (3) crown (4) movement. (Photo attached) The crystal measures 21.4mm wide x 19mm. The crystal can be easily pushed outward from the front of the case and what appears to be some dried adhesive is in the seat of for the crystal. The rectangle case measures 24.2mm wide x 22mm. The caseback is marked across the top “10K GOLD FILLED” “BULOVA” “M1” (1961) and across the bottom “F283344” (Serial Number). The interior of the caseback has inscriptions believed to be: “Ht 1016” over “67A25271” over “69^64Y8X”. To the left of these inscriptions are additional marki ngs: “H563” over “3-5” (Photo attached) Movement attached to dial. Movement 8AC signed “BULOVA” “M1,” “21 JEWELS,” “U.S.A.,” “2 POS” above “5 ADJ” (Photo attached) The attached expansion band is gold tone with an exterior “lizard skin” pattern and the interior of each link has “U.S.A.” on either end and in opposing direction. There are no other markings on the band between the links or at the spring bars. It is unknown if this is an aftermarket band. The watch was a thrift shop find and was not running when obtained. I wound the movement to the point of resistance and then moved the hands several hours in clockwise and then counterclockwise direction. The movement then began running. The movement has kept very reasonable time for the past approximate 20 hours. Pardon if there are issue with the photos due to sizing.
Appears to me to be a 1961 Rawlings "C". 1961 price list shows 2 black face Rawlings variants - "C" (yellow gold) and "D" (White Gold). If I'm correct, it's a first for the database. Nice find!
Like this one except with a black face:
http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1962-rawlings-1900
Band is most likely a replacement; the hand written markings on the inside case are jeweler's marks from the watch being worked on; sort of a signature like an artist signing his work.
Thank you for your response. I assume it's ok to ask questions in this format...
Is there any way to interpret the watchmaker's marks? Just curious.
Also, I looked through the ads on the site and the link provided above. Apparently, and this may have varied, an expansion band came with the watch. Was a metal band the standard for these watches or did it simply vary too often?
In reply to Thank you for your response. by ncmountie
Questions are good and encouraged. They help all of us to understand Bulovas and figure them out. Based on the single ad referenced in the linked watch above, this watch (with a white face) came on a metal band that had solid links on the ends with expansion links in the center; and likely the same with the black. Sometimes variant letters were changed by the band only (leather or metal) but I personally don't think that is the case here. Black face models could have possibly been offered on a leather band instead of metal, anything is possible without finding a specific spot-on ad showing the "C". I would go with the ad and say "what you see in the ad is what you got."
Jeweler's marks were a personal secret code, and follow no real pattern from one individual to another. First or last numbers in the individual series on your watch could very well indicate service dates(63, 67, 69 etc) but that is pure speculation on my part.
Authorized Service Centres have certain coded formats for repair marks, Individual watchmakers usually utilize their own system, consisting of job numbers, guild numbers, dates, etc. Oftentimes they will include a distinctive mark or code that allows immediate recognition of their work if viewed years later.
I'm going to include my usual recommendation for service here. I strongly recommend having vintage watches fully serviced, which is a CTR in the trade. This involves FULL disassembly, cleaning in Industry standard solutions, repairs, and re-assembly with Industry standard Synthetic lubricants, de-magnetisation, adjustment and regulation. Many shops will include case polishing with this.
To run a dry and dirty watch will accelerate wear and tear.
1961 Rawlings 'C' works for me.
Yes, a professional servicing is on the list. I will also need the crystal addressed as to correctness, both in size and to make it secure. I believe this to be original with the exception of the band. It was nice to see this example otherwise appeared correct including the crown. I believe the crystal is correct showing wear and the measurements appear correct, assuming me and my calipers are accurate. The crystal does “pop” into place, but I can fairly easily pop it back out. Also, I assume an adhesive is applied to these crystals to secure them and offer some water resistance, correct?
In reply to Good pickup with the model by mybulova_admin
In reply to Hi Stephen, Curious as to why by neetstuf-4-u