Bulova 1971 Senator

Submitted by JimDon5822 on
Manufacture Year
1971
Movement Model
11ANACB
Movement Date Code
N1
Movement Jewels
23
Case Serial No.
3-280426
Case shape
Cushion
Case color
Two-tone
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
29.05mm
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

This one is a little unusual.  It is clearly a 1970's Senator but I cannot find this dial in any of the A-F variants.  This is a stainless case with an N1 date code and 10K gold fluted bezel ring.  The movement is a 23J 11ANACB also with an N1 date code.    The dial is sunburst silver with a matte blue minute track.   I checked all the linebooks but cannot seem to find a match to this dial.  I am fairly certain it is a factory model and might be a variant higher than F if one existed.  

71 Senator
71 Senator movement
71 Seantor Back
Senator Ad
Geoff Baker
Posted October 25, 2023 - 11:00pm

Great looking watch Jim - I'd wear this one. Agree that it's a 1971 Bulova Senator, holding out on the variant for now. PS - love the bracelet.

plainsmen
Posted October 26, 2023 - 1:31am

1971 Bulova Senator

neetstuf-4-u
Posted October 26, 2023 - 7:07am

Nice one Jim. That is a sweet bracelet.

Agreed, it's a 1971 Senator (variant as of yet unknown).

Andersok
Posted October 26, 2023 - 7:20am

Is there a case # stamped on this inside of the back? This case should be T3081, and we typically see a two-piece case back (back and locking ring).

Andersok
Posted October 26, 2023 - 4:07pm

Thanks. This one has me puzzled now. The combination of the gold ring with that silver/blue dial seems an odd color combo, as does the caseback appearing to be the wrong one. Plus no advert to match.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted October 26, 2023 - 4:12pm

Based on interior case markings and apparent lack of movement import code (case and movement marked "Swiss"), I'm thinking this is a European market variant.

JimDon5822
Posted October 26, 2023 - 8:29pm

I agree that this is most likely a European model.   I could not find an import code.  It was purchased from Canada.  

FoxH
Posted July 21, 2025 - 9:16pm

Good evening folks, new user here with some info that may be helpful regarding the blue dial Senator.

I own that pictured Bulova; I purchased it new (in 71/72, $75) - from a nearby military PX while I was stationed on Okinawa.  I don't remember if the bracelet I currently have on it was original or a replacement - but suspect it was a replacement (Speidel Twist O Flex) with a stunning silver/ gold color match.

I wore it daily for 7/8 years before I made the switch to cheap digital quartz.  For the past 45 years it kicked around in a watch coffin box - then about a year ago I decided to have it looked at (locally).  At that time it was locked up and looking horrible.

Watch doc got it operating and returned it to me - I discovered it had near zero power reserve and returned it to him. He took care of that and I again took it home, only to discover that occasionally the day wheel would hang.  Once again back to the doc for another stab,  I retrieved it from him this past weekend and so far all is well.

$140 repair on a (50 year+) $75 watch.  I hope this info is helpful in answering your questions.

JimDon5822
Posted July 21, 2025 - 11:14pm

Thank you this information and welcome to MyBulova.  I own this watch and was wondering if another model would show up.   Now that you say you have the same model and color dial combination, this would add to the evidence that this was indeed a factory model.   It would be great if your posted this watch here.