Bulova 1961 Sea King

Submitted by DeluxeRaccoon on
K
Manufacture Year
1961
Movement Model
11AFC
Movement Date Code
M1
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
F670077
Case shape
Cushion
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
28.6mm
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Looks to be a 1961 Sea King "K". Practically stole it on eBay for just under $45. A clean up and a crystal polish later and it's looking pretty great. The 11AFC movement seems to be running great too, just a few seconds a day fast. I love the concentric circle texture on the dial. Crown is Bulova signed. Ordered an expansion strap that looks kind of like the original that's on the way. 

The strangest thing is the lume. My 1960 Midshipman "CW" had the same kind of lume. I believe it must be radium by the burn marks on the dial, and when hit with a UV light it glows a very deep blue, but fades extremely quickly. I've included a picture of the lume, the best I could do at least. Was Bulova really still using radium into the early 1960's, or is it possible that this is something else? It doesn't behave the same as my tritium lume watches, that's for sure.

Front of watch
Lume glowing
Caseback
11AFC movement
Crown
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mybulova_admin
Posted February 25, 2025 - 6:00am

Linebook confirmation of a 1961 Bulova Sea King "K".

1961 Bulova Sea King "K"

1955mercury
Posted February 25, 2025 - 12:06pm

Concerning the lume, it's radium. Radium was used up until the late 60's. 

JimDon5822
Posted February 25, 2025 - 1:20pm

1961 Bulova Sea King "K" is a good match.  

Kathy L.
Posted February 25, 2025 - 6:25pm

1961 Bulova Sea King "K" looks like a great match.

Geoff Baker
Posted February 25, 2025 - 8:47pm

Arrows - love the arrows! 1961 Bulova Sea King K

neetstuf-4-u
Posted February 26, 2025 - 12:30pm

Great dial configuration as well as cool "toning"

1961 Bulova Sea King "K"