Bulova - Automatic - No reserve price - 3-658752 - Men - 1973

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This outstanding 1970s Bulova Automatic captures the essence of an era defined by bold case geometries and refined dial textures. Encased in a quintessential cushion profile, this timepiece balances robust wrist presence with striking elegance, powered by a beautifully finished 23-jewel in-house movement. It stands as a testament to Bulova’s mid-century dominance in producing reliable, highly attractive mechanical watches for the discerning professional. Brand: Bulova Model: Automatic Reference Number: 3-658752 Serial Number: N3 Movement: Automatic Caliber 11 AOACD, 23 Jewels Dial: Vertically brushed champagne gold with applied faceted baton indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with an exceptionally preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Bulova is a masterclass in 1970s texture and depth, featuring a stunning champagne-gold surface with a refined vertical brushed finish. Applied faceted baton indices, detailed with stark black central inserts, provide excellent legibility and contrast against the golden backdrop. The dial furniture includes an applied "BULOVA" logo at the twelve o'clock position and a sharply framed date window at three o'clock. Surrounding the perimeter, a crisp minute track is punctuated by intact, perfectly spherical luminous dots that have aged to an attractive creamy tone. The original gold-tone baton hands mirror the indices with matching black stripes and luminous fills. A careful inspection of the images reveals the dial to be in exceptionally clean condition, entirely free of moisture marks, spotting, scratches, or print loss, preserving its original factory finish beautifully. Case and Crystal The 36mm gold-tone cushion case exemplifies the architectural design language of the early 1970s. The upper surfaces feature a sunburst brushed finish that radiates outward, transitioning sharply into highly polished case flanks. The watch retains strong, well-defined lug profiles and honest case geometry. A clear, domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, enhancing the vintage warmth of the timepiece without obscuring any details. The original signed Bulova crown is present, showing slight, authentic edge wear consistent with careful handling. The screw-down stainless steel caseback is clearly stamped with the Bulova name, reference number 3-658752, and the "N3" date code, precisely dating the watch's production to 1973. Overall, the case remains in good vintage condition, exhibiting honest light hairlines and superficial marks from normal wear while maintaining its structural integrity and visual appeal. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Bulova Caliber 11 AOACD, a highly capable Swiss-made automatic movement. The close-up images reveal a beautifully preserved mechanism, clearly stamped with "BULOVA WATCH Co", "11 AOACD", and "23 TWENTY THREE JEWELS". The movement features a visually striking radial brushed finish on the rotor and presents in remarkably clean condition, with bright plates and perfectly preserved screw heads. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece, the movement records a timegrapher result of -9 to -15 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct brown textured leather strap that perfectly complements the golden tones of the dial and case. The strap is supple and appears in excellent condition, secured by a classic gold-tone pin buckle that integrates seamlessly with the overall aesthetic. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is pristine, standing out as a remarkably well-preserved example with no visible flaws. The case shows honest, age-appropriate wear with light surface scratches, entirely expected for a watch of this vintage, yet it retains its distinct cushion shape and factory finishes. The movement is exceptionally clean and running with impressive precision. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks This Bulova Automatic is a superb example of 1970s design, offering a highly wearable 36mm cushion case and a dial texture that must be seen in the metal to be fully appreciated. The combination of its flawless dial, reliable high-jewel movement, and unmistakable vintage charm makes it an excellent daily wearer or a distinguished addition to any curated collection. History During the 1960s and 1970s, Bulova was at the forefront of American watchmaking, though many of their finest mechanical calibers were produced in Switzerland. The era was characterized by a shift toward bolder, more substantial case designs, moving away from the diminutive dress watches of the previous decades. The introduction of the cushion case allowed brands to offer larger, more prominent watches that remained remarkably comfortable on the wrist. Watches bearing the "N" date codes represent Bulova's meticulous cataloging system, with this specific N3 example capturing the very essence of 1973 style. Today, these richly textured automatics are highly sought after for their robust build quality and distinctive mid-century character. / Second Vintage SKU: BUL-BAX-0004