Bulova - Selfwinding - No reserve price - 256147 - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of mid-century American watchmaking heritage, this Bulova Selfwinding embodies the refined elegance of its era. Defined by its striking vertically textured dial and timeless stainless steel proportions, this piece captures the essence of classic dress watch design while offering the robust reliability of an automatic caliber. It stands as a handsome testament to an era when sophisticated mechanical timepieces were an essential daily companion. Brand: Bulova Model: Selfwinding Serial Number: 256147 Movement: Automatic Caliber 11 AFAC, 17 Jewels Dial: Silvered vertically textured dial with applied indices, showing an exceptionally clean surface contrasted by heavily oxidized hands Case Size: 32 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and age-commensurate case wear Dial and Hands The dial is defined by a mesmerizing vertical linear texture that catches and reflects light with remarkable depth. It features applied, polished steel faceted hour indices, anchored by a prominent applied numeral at the twelve o'clock position. The applied "BULOVA" logo sits proudly on the upper half, while "SELFWINDING" and "SWISS MADE" are rendered in crisp, clean black typography. The dial surface itself is exceptionally well-preserved, remaining remarkably clean and free from significant moisture staining or spotting, allowing the ribbed texture to remain the focal point. In stark, authentic contrast to the pristine dial, the steel dauphine hands exhibit pronounced, dark oxidation and spotting across their surfaces. This heavy patina on the hands confirms the untouched vintage nature of the watch and adds a rugged character to the otherwise elegant face. Case and Crystal The 32 mm stainless steel case is executed with a classic round profile, featuring a smooth, polished bezel and elegantly sweeping lugs that taper delicately toward the strap. The polished surfaces display honest, moderate signs of wear, including superficial scratches and minor handling scuffs consistent with decades of regular use, yet the case retains its fundamental geometry and sharp lug profiles without evidence of heavy over-polishing. The domed acrylic crystal exhibits light surface scratches visible under angled lighting, imparting a warm, vintage distortion to the outer edges of the dial. The screw-down caseback remains crisp, with factory engravings including "WATER PROOF", "SHOCK RESISTANT", "ANTI-MAGNETIC", and the serial number remaining highly legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the self-winding Bulova Caliber 11 AFAC, a 17-jewel mechanical movement distinguished by its beautifully skeletonized rotor crafted into the shape of the letter "B". The movement plates and bridges present cleanly, bearing the "BXW" US import code on the balance bridge alongside clear Bulova factory engravings. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Timegrapher results indicate a performance of +30 to +35 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring a subtle reptilian grain pattern and tonal edge stitching. It is secured by a classic polished stainless steel pin buckle, complementing the monochromatic vintage aesthetic perfectly and offering immediate wearability. Condition Graded as being in good vintage condition. The watch presents a highly attractive and collector-friendly face due to the exceptionally clean textured dial. The dark oxidation on the hands and the surface wear on the case and crystal reflect its genuine age and history without detracting from its overall charm. The structural integrity of the steel case and the clean presentation of the automatic movement make it a robust and desirable vintage piece. Dimensions The case measures 32 mm in diameter excluding the crown. This classic mid-century dimension provides a discreet, historically accurate presence on the wrist, sliding effortlessly under a cuff while maintaining strong visual impact through its textured dial. Remarks This Bulova Selfwinding is a superb representation of the brand's post-war design prowess, offering a dial texture that elevates it above standard dress watches of the period. The distinctive "B" rotor is a delightful hidden detail that speaks to the pride of manufacturing during this golden era of horology, making it an excellent addition to any focused vintage collection. History Founded in New York in 1875 by Joseph Bulova, the company grew to become an absolute institution in American watchmaking. By the mid-20th century, Bulova was globally renowned for producing reliable, stylish, and highly accessible timepieces. The introduction of their robust self-winding movements allowed Bulova to compete fiercely in the booming post-war market, producing elegant dress watches that successfully brought Swiss mechanical ingenuity to the American public in beautifully designed, durable packages. / Second Vintage SKU: BUL-SXX-0002