Birthday Watch 1963! Bulova Model M3 17J Mechanical Watch (OH)

A BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY.

Make: Bulova
Type: Mechanical
Model: M3
Year of Production: 1963
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices and Hands
Width: 16.5mm
Height: 23mm
Thickness: 8mm
Lug Width: 10mm
Strap: Original Bulova Signed Brushed-Finish SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

In 1875, J. Bulova Company was established in the USA by Bohemian immigrant, Joseph Bulova. It was re-incorporated in 1923 as Bulova Watch Company. It was sold to Loews Corporation in 1929 who then sold it to Citizen in 2007.

Here we have a beautifully crafted 17 Jewel Mechanical timepiece with
a silvery-white sunburst dial, fluted chapter ring, 3D silver baton indices and hands that had undergone a complete painstaking cleaning process to reveal a stunning finish.

The timeless cylindrical shaped silver case underwent ultrasonic cleaning and was polished. The crystal was also given a good buff.

The crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is easily accessible.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled and re-assembled on 8 February 2024; thus it had undergone a complete overhaul and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with 17 Jewels that operate at 18,000 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent longevity and accuracy, the time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows superb readings i.e. rate of +57 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 154 with a relatively straight line! Such readings are very good even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 16.5mm (without crown) and 23mm respectively. The lug width is 10mm and the bracelet and strap can accommodate wrists up to 16cm.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The brushed finished bracelet was also given a deep cleaning via ultrasonic immersion and a good buff.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Bulova components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified thereby it is considered in mint condition.

The pictures provided shows the watch case in pristine condition (no dents and major scratches), and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. An aftermarket box / case will be provided instead.

Seldom can one find a vintage watch that offers this and more. Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none are as well-kept and maintained as what you see here, and with an attractive price to boot. So, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in 1963! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 120.00 to clean, buff and tighten links for such a watch with bracelet - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a truly stunning 1963 Bulova in near MINT condition with a beautifully preserved vintage dial, immaculate indices, hands, movement and case; so, be unique and use something that is almost impossible to source.

This watch looks even more stunning in real-time!

This is a must-have for the Bulova die-hard fan, or any vintage watch fan for that matter!