This M7 Ambassador has a 3-digit number [509] stamped inside the case back and a different, longer number (1-542325), stamped on the outside. This appears to be the case on all examples of this model. I have seen numbers such as 500 and 524 on the inside of other examples. Those other examples (so far as I could examine them via online photos) also had different numbers outside the case back. I do not know the reference number of this or how it was described in catalogues of the time to differentiate it from other Ambassador 30j models. Movement is 12EBACD, also marked SX and D Inside caseback is stamped CB within a tombstone-shaped cartouche. I do not know whether this indicates the case maker.
Agree with Ambassador ID, nice watch
In reply to Agree with Ambassador ID, by jabs
Thanks--as you might have guessed, I didn't doubt it's authenticity, but wanted to begin adding my Bulovae to the database--more to come.
I was wondering if anyone knows the significance of the CB marking inside the case back, and also whether the inside casebacks were numbered sequentially for this model. Lastly, does this model have a letter designation (similar to the Ambassador 'X', etc.)? Perhaps an advert will turn up for this line.
Cheers, and thanks for the excellent resources on this site. I've used it many times in the past and am (oddly) just now joining.
Brad
Ambassador, and the mark of the Central Watch Case Co., of Biel, Switzerland. 509 is the case reference number.
If I get a chance I'll check my own Ambassador which is a '66. I know that modern outer caseback numbers by Bulova are the model reference numbers and/or serial numbers, which are also on the dial, if memory serves.
In reply to Ambassador, and the mark of by Reverend Rob
Thanks, Rev. Bob,
Glad to know that's Central Biel. I'll remember that!
I must respectfully question the statement that 509 is the case reference...every example (for which I have seen the inside case back) of this exact case style has a different number in that rectangle...including one or two on this site. That is what surprises me--mine (and others) appears to have two case serial numbers: 509 and the longer number stamped on the outside.
Best regards,
Brad
In reply to Thanks, Rev. Bob, Glad to by Watch Carefully
In that case this might be an internal thing the casemaker was using for some other purpose, but that does seem odd. I'll let you know what mine says, but it is a different style, solid gold bezel ring and compressor case.
I found three examples online, all had 500 series numbers inside.
In reply to In that case this might be an by Reverend Rob
Hello Watch Carefully, welcome to myBulova we're glad you're here. I'm looking forward to seeing all of YOUR Bulovas, how many are there?
I agree that this is an Ambassador model and a very nice one at that. What I find odd is that being a 30 jewel model it was probably near the top of Bulova line for the year and yet we have zero adverts showing it. It seems like this one would be the star of at least some of their magazine or newspaper print. There must be a reason.........
PS - you're showing it both ways, band and strap, which did you settle on? I think I like the strap better.
In reply to Hello Watch Carefully, by Geoff Baker
Thanks Geoff,
At the moment, I think I own about 6 Bulova watches, but I have owned 20+ others over the past 20 years. I'll try to add the most interesting ones first but need some time to reduce the size of my images to meet the site's format. Some of my watches are well known here (not mine, but the models in general) including a 1935 Ambassador, a 1966 Accutron RR, and a couple His Excellency models with the fully adjusted 23j 10BP. I also have one of the new 262kHz Accutron II models, which I have really grown to love.
I wondered myself why there seems to be a lack of adverts featuring this Abmassador model. I agree with your assessment. And it was a model apparently available from 65-67, if not longer, so hardly a 'one hit wonder' unworthy of promotion.
I settled on the straps, but will keep my eye open for a truly suitable bracelet option. I have an affinity for thin NSA straps (as found on Rado and others of the period) and am determined to find one that complements the thin case profile of the Ambassador.
Brad
PS. Now that I know how to post correctly sized versions of the images on my hosting site, here's the strap choice for now:
