Bulova 23 Automatic 394 (1965)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This 1965 Bulova 23 Automatic represents the golden era of the brand's mechanical watchmaking, offering a robust stainless steel construction and a reliable 23-jewel movement. With its crisp silver sunburst dial, applied indices, and original signed components, this timepiece captures the essence of 1960s everyday elegance. The M5 date code on the caseback confirms its production year, making it a distinct piece of history for collectors who value precision dating and honest vintage character. Brand: Bulova Model: 23 Automatic Reference Number: 394 Movement: Automatic Caliber 11 ALACD Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1965 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch runs strong with timegrapher results indicating approximately +7 to +10 seconds per day with strong amplitude, showing reliable mechanical health. Dial and Hands The dial features a silver sunburst finish that has developed a warm vintage tone over time. It is adorned with applied silver-tone baton hour markers and the distinct applied "Bulova 23 Jewels" logo. The surface exhibits authentic patina and scattered spotting consistent with its age. The original dauphine hands show visible oxidation and aging which attests to the unrestored nature of the piece. A date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, magnified by a cyclops on the crystal for enhanced legibility. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case presents well with defined lugs and a polished finish. There are normal signs of wear such as light surface scratches, but the case shape remains attractive. The crown is original and signed with the Bulova name. The screw-down caseback is stamped with "Stainless Steel Swiss," the reference number 394, and the M5 date code which precisely dates the case production to 1965. The acrylic crystal is in presentable condition. Movement Inside beats the high-grade Bulova caliber 11 ALACD automatic movement featuring 23 jewels. The rotor bridge is stamped with the M4 date code, indicating the movement was manufactured in 1964, which is historically correct for a watch assembled and cased in 1965. The movement is clean and offering reliable vintage performance, currently running within vintage tolerances at +7 to +10 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a modern black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching and a stainless steel pin buckle. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the stainless steel case perfectly. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. It shows honest wear throughout, particularly the oxidation on the hands and patina on the dial, which gives the watch a true vintage character. The case retains good definition without signs of over-polishing. The movement is mechanically healthy and keeping good time. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the winding crown. Remarks This Bulova 23 is a fantastic example of mid-60s Swiss horology, combining a durable stainless steel case with a high-jewel count automatic movement. It serves as an excellent entry point into vintage collecting or a reliable daily wearer for the enthusiast who appreciates watches with specific date codes. History Bulova was a dominant force in the watch industry during the mid-20th century, renowned for its innovation and mass-market luxury. The "Bulova 23" series was a significant line for the company, introduced to showcase their self-winding capabilities with a higher jewel count than the standard 17-jewel movements of the era. These watches were marketed for their precision, shock resistance, and waterproofing, solidifying Bulova's reputation for producing robust and stylish timepieces that have stood the test of time. / Second Vintage SKU: BUL-BJA-0001