Bulova - Automatic - No reserve price - 687 - Men - 1968

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This 1968 Bulova Automatic captures the essence of mid-century watchmaking with its distinctive cushion case and elegant silver sunburst dial. Produced during a highly creative era of design for the brand, this timepiece seamlessly blends robust everyday wearability with refined aesthetic details. The combination of its beautifully finished 23-jewel automatic movement and the original signed mesh bracelet makes it a highly compelling acquisition for enthusiasts of authentic and well-preserved vintage horology. Brand: Bulova Model: Automatic 23 Jewels Reference Number: 687 Serial Number: 1-625819 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 11 BLACD Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean with beautifully aged creamy lume plots Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and a remarkably well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a striking example of late 1960s design, presenting in exceptionally clean condition with a brilliant light-catching texture. It features applied faceted baton indices accented with black central channels, matching the applied Bulova logo positioned elegantly below the twelve oclock marker. The typography is crisp, with AUTOMATIC 23 JEWELS and SWISS MADE printed precisely in a clean sans-serif font. Thorough inspection reveals a beautifully preserved surface devoid of significant spotting, stains, or moisture damage, accompanied by original lume plots positioned at the outer edge of the indices that have aged to a warm and attractive creamy patina. The polished baton hands mirror the indices with matching black inserts and retain their luminous material, offering a highly cohesive, legible, and visually stunning presentation. Case and Crystal The 34mm stainless steel cushion case is presented in excellent vintage condition, showcasing honest signs of wear while retaining sharp, well-defined factory profile lines. The transition between the vertically brushed upper case surface and the highly polished case flanks remains crisp and distinct. The watch is fitted with its original Bulova-signed fluted crown, which sits neatly against the case side. The screw-down caseback features a deeply engraved Bulova ballerina diver emblem alongside clear serial numbers and waterproof markings, demonstrating minimal polishing over its lifetime. An acrylic crystal with an integrated date window magnifier protects the dial, showing only light surface wear consistent with careful handling and preserving an unobstructed view of the pristine dial beneath. Movement Inside this timepiece beats the Bulova Caliber 11 BLACD automatic movement, a beautifully engineered 23-jewel mechanism. The movement is richly gold-plated and features a distinctive cutout rotor design, clearly stamped with the maker marks and the M8 date code indicating 1968 production. Visual inspection shows a clean mechanism with bright surfaces and intact screw heads. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -51 to 60 seconds per day. Strap The watch is securely fitted to its original stainless steel mesh bracelet, which perfectly complements the mid-century cushion case geometry. The clasp is proudly stamped with the Bulova name and the iconic tuning fork logo, confirming its originality to the piece. The mesh remains supple and structurally sound, accommodating a wrist size of up to 18.5cm with comfortable articulation. Condition This Bulova is graded in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, standing out as a primary value driver for this piece with its clean sunburst finish and attractive, even patina on the luminous elements. The case retains strong original geometry with appropriate light handling marks, avoiding the over-polished appearance often found in watches of this era. The original signed crown and branded mesh bracelet further elevate the collectibility and overall integrity of this impressive vintage package. Dimensions Case width is 34 mm excluding the crown. The bracelet accommodates a maximum wrist size of 18.5 cm. Remarks The presence of the M8 date code on both the inside of the caseback and the movement itself confirms the matching 1968 production, a detail highly appreciated by discerning vintage collectors. The combination of the original mesh bracelet and the integrated date magnifier adds significant vintage charm to this highly versatile daily wearer. History Bulova has long been recognized as a cornerstone of American watchmaking heritage, though their mid-century mechanical pieces were proudly manufactured in Switzerland to exacting standards. During the late 1960s, the brand experimented successfully with cushion and tonneau case shapes, reflecting the shifting design language of the era. The Caliber 11 series movements were renowned for their durability and efficient automatic winding, powering many of Bulova's most successful lines and solidifying their reputation for producing reliable, stylish timepieces for the modern professional. / Second Vintage SKU: BUL-BAJ-0005