Mens 1971 Bulova SEA KING 10K Yellow RGP 17j Vintage WHALE Swiss Made Watch
Item History & Price
I have always enjoyed collecting and selling watches from Bulova, an American company of great repute. It was founded by Czech immigrant Joseph Bulova and based in New York City, where the famous Bulova Observatory was located high above a skyscraper on Fifth Avenue. Like Gruen, it also had a factory in Bienne Switzerland, established in 1912 and dedicated to the production of watch components and their assembly into jeweled movements. The firm is known for its aggressive a...dvertising campaigns and for being the first to advertise on radio, its announcements legendary at the time! I am pleased to offer for sale the following vintage timepiece from the firm, a men’s “SEAKING” model that dates to 1971. This 10kt Rolled Yellow Gold plated model is in pristine, original condition, only the Fluco ‘Consul’ smooth calf leather strap is new. The Sea King lineup of watches can be identified by the “Spouting Whale” motif on the dial, something I’ve always liked.Triple-signed, it measures 39mm lug tip to lug tip and 32.1mm in width (34.4mm with original crown). This works out to be just over 1-1/2 inches long by 1-1/4 inches wide, not including the crown. Its Swiss made, 17 jewel manual winding Bulova 11AN caliber mechanism has been fully serviced by my (Bulova-trained) watchmaker David, ensuring it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. The 100% original champagne gold, brushed enamel finished dial is in FLAWLESS shape, guaranteed untouched and like new. Features include a 60 minute outer track border, black and gold numbers and hour markers with tritium dots and original black and gold hands with tritium fill. Signed BULOVA below the 12 and T SWISS MADE T at the base of the dial. Note the “whale” above the 6. The original hardened acrylic crystal is in excellent, clear condition. The two-piece case is comprised of a 10 Karat Rolled Gold plated body and stainless back lid. The body is in mint condition. The original winding crown, correctly unmarked for this model and age, is perfect, operating smoothly. Turning the watch over I see that the back case is stainless steel, stamped Bulova N1 – Gold Electroplated Bezel, Stainless Steel Back. The N1 is the date code for 1971. This was a presentation watch and its inscription reads “Co Tyrone Society – P. McSwiggan, 11-18-72.” This inscription relates to the County Tyrone (Ireland) Society, founded in 1933.Taking a look inside I find a clean manual wind mechanism signed BULOVA WATCH CO., [CALIBER] 11AN, 17 SEVENTEEN JEWELS, SWISS, N1. This cleaned, oiled and regulated watch winds and sets smoothly and keeps accurate time. It is fitted on new 17mm black smooth calf leather strap with matching gold tone buckle, made by Fluco of Germany. All in all a like new, original Sea King model that’s just waiting for to be strapped on and enjoyed. Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on a piece of paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, men’s vintage watches are noticeably smaller than oversized timepieces you see today. Prefer a brown strap instead of black? For most men’s watches I can switch the color before mailing; just let me know. U.S. winners pay $7.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS shipping with door-to-door tracking. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) are required to pay 9% sales tax. Canadian winners pay $35.00 (actual cost) for Global Priority Express with insurance. Other international buyers pay $52.00 (actual or below cost) for Global Priority Express Mail with door-to-door tracking. I cover any additional insurance fees and always pay MORE for shipping than what I charge.International buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are your responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to confirm any additional costs prior to bidding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment, but your local custom authorities can cause delays.Payment is due within three days of auction end, unless you have contacted me prior to auction end to arrange otherwise. In accordance with eBay policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.All of my watches are under warranty. In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, return the wristwatch to me (or mail it to my watchmaker, David, in New York City) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. Note: I will not pay for or offer a partial refund for work done by another watchmaker. I am a proud member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC). If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches. Need accessories for your watch? Our sister store, Holben's Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of sport, military and dress straps, buckles, deployment clasps and other wristwatch accessories from European and American manufacturers.
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