Movement date code M9, visible in a photograph to be submitted. 11/16" strap lugs. 18 mm is a tight fit and workable; 17 mm is a bit loose. Case is approx. 32.5 mm diameter across the two horizontal corners. Dial is inscribed "Automatic", as opposed to "Self Winding" which I saw on some earlier examples of this design. Back is inscribed only with Bulova, the case ser. #, date code N0, and "stainless steel case". Earlier examples on MyBulova indicate waterproof, anti magnetic, and shock resistant. I am certain these features are present in this watch - though the standard for "waterproof" at the time was far more loosely defined than it is now. I expect the requirements for back engraving were changed somewhere between 1968-1970, causing the change to what is seen here.
Nice looking watch and a real style standout of the era. The changes from classifying "waterproof" and "self winding" to automatic and water resistant both occurred in the late 1960's.
Your watch appears to be a 30 jewel
1970 Commander "AO" (noting movement date stamp of 1969)
Ad dated 1969.
Post 1970, this case and movement were also used in the Sea King line. It appears the determination was face design. The Sea King had a horizontal stripe on it as well as different hour markers.
In reply to 1970 Bulova Commander AO… by JimDon5822