Bulova Sea King Automatic - 1969, Gifted in 1971

[Brad Maisto]

I’m not sure how long I have had this watch but thought some “wristwatch” collectors might be interested in seeing a few pics of this watch? Inside the back cover, there is a “scratched” in repair date from 1974. It is currently running and keeping very good time when I compare it to my iWatch. But I do plan to send it off for cleaning before I gift it to a nephew who graduates soon and has an interest in wristwatches. The original box, plastic case and “Owner’s Guide and Guarantee” booklet are in great condition along with the “Speidel” band. Thanks for looking, Brad Maisto, KY Floral #44 Secretary
p.s. I do not know who Mary and Kevin are?

 

[Chris Radek]

Wonderful! As you probably know, M9 is the date code for 1969. It's interesting that it wasn't bought and gifted until 1971.

When you get it serviced, have them fix the missing sweep hand too!

 

[roughbarked]

The weight has been banging on the back. This could be from wear or it could be because the original movement holding ring and case clamps appear to be missing. The sweep hand missing may mean that the 4th wheel requires replacing. Can't really tell from your photo but it is a common reason for there being no sweep hand.

 

[Brad Maisto]

Not to beat a “dead horse” , but my Bulova Sea King automatic arrived back in the mail a couple weeks back looking like a brand new wristwatch. I would like to share what my expert watch repairer, Laurence Blanchard, included with the two watches I had repaired:
”I have worn the Bulova about 10 days to check the auto wind. Couple of those days 8 hours wearing, others more. On the 8 hour days, was stopped the next morning. Some winding by hand may be needed on such days. Some hand winding can be done on days when not on wrist at least 10 hours.”
Laurence replaced a worn bushing on the rotor, installed a second hand and replaced the crystal, not bad for $95. The other “Cort” Swiss wristwatch came back looking like new too.
Thanks, Brad Maisto

 

[Brad Maisto]

In my previous post, I quoted what my expert watch repairer had sent me. I had to include the actual “typed” (I think?) note that was included with my repaired watches. How many of us still have a functioning typewriter at our disposal? But I’m pretty sure there are some watch collector’s who also have a few old typewriters sitting around. Not to brag, but I do have several old sewing machines sitting around collecting dust, but this topic is getting a bit off topic, so I will stop here. Take Care, Brad Maisto

 

[Dave Haynes]

Bulova made the Sea King originally as a thin manual wind wristwatch. This was in the early 60s. My first watch was a Sea King which was purchased for the sum of around $37 if I recall. I paid in three monthly payments as in 1962 $37 was a lot of money. For comparison, you could buy a new pair of Levi's for $3.50. The movies were 75 cents in the upstairs seats. Hamburgers were about a quarter each.

 

[roughbarked]

Bulova made the Sea King originally as a thin manual wind wristwatch. This was in the early 60s. My first watch was a Sea King which was purchased for the sum of around $37 if I recall. I paid in three monthly payments as in 1962 $37 was a lot of money. For comparison, you could buy a new pair of Levi's for $3.50. The movies were 75 cents in the upstairs seats. Hamburgers were about a quarter each.

In 1971 I was earning $18.50 per week.