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USD 152.50
  • Gender: Men's
  • Model: A17A
  • Watch Shape: Round
  • Case Color: Matte Stainless
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel
  • Movement: Mechanical (Hand-winding)
  • Water Resistance Rating: Splash Proof
  • Year of Manufacture: 1960-1969
  • MPN: Does Not Apply
  • Band Color: Black
  • Age Group: Adult
  • Display: Analog
  • Lug Width: 16mm
  • Brand: Bulova
  • Case Size: 38.5mm x 32mm
  • Face Color: Black
  • Number of Jewels: 17 Jewels
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Style: Military
  • Band Material: Fabric/Canvas
  • Features: Watchmaker Serviced
  • Case Finish: Matte
  • Band Type: Zulu Strap
  • Age: 1958


I have always collected watches made by Bulova, an American company with a great reputation. It was founded by Czech immigrant Joseph Bulova and based in New York City, where the famous Bulova Observatory was located, high above a skyscraper on Fifth Avenue. Like Gruen, it also had a factory in (Bienne) Switzerland, established in 1912 and dedicated to the production of watch components and their assembly into jeweled movements. The firm is known for its aggressive advertising campaigns and for being the first to advertise on radio – with an announcer stating “B – U – L – O – V – A … 8:00 pm, Bulova Watch Time.”

   I am pleased to offer for sale the following men’s timepiece produced by the Bulova firm, a men’s military issued ORDNANCE watch that dates to 1958. This Type A17A is in excellent original condition; only the Perlon woven strap is new. It has a gunmetal finish stainless steel case and that includes the original, slightly oversized winding crown, designed to be wound even when gloves are worn.

 Triple-signed, it measures 38.5mm lug tip to lug tip and 32mm in width (35mm with original winding crown). In inches this is 1-1/2 inches by 1-1/4 inches, without the crown. My watchmaker David has fully serviced its correct and original Bulova 10BNCH caliber 17 jewel mechanism, ensuring it winds smoothly and keeps accurate time.

  The 100% original black, matte enamel finished dial is in great condition – untouched since it left the factory and with just a touch of age – one of the nicest original 1950s military Bulova dials I’ve seen.  It features a 60 second outer track border, aged luminous Arabic numbers, original white lacquer finished hands with original fill and ‘sweep’ white lacquer finished center seconds hand. Signed BULOVA below the 12.

    The historically correct acrylic crystal is in excellent, clear condition. The stainless steel, gunmetal finish case is in excellent order, a two-piece design with screw down back and separate metal dustcover for the mechanism. The original winding crown is an oversized gunmetal finish steel example in excellent order. It winds and sets perfectly.

    Turning the watch over the gunmetal finish stainless back lid is a screw-down design stamped “Watch Navig. Type A17A – Spec. Mil-W-6433A – Mfr. Bulova Part No. 10BNcH – Mfr. Bulova Serial No. 7143 – Order No. Da-36-038-Ord-20328- Stock No. 8TAA – 993000-24 U.S. Property” It is in great shape with just a few normal, light scratches. |

   Peeking inside I see that the mechanism has a domed metal dust cover for further protection.

  Removing this reveals the original manual wind (non-hack) mechanism, signed Bulova Watch Co., USA – 17 Jewels, 10BNCH, L8. The code L8 is the Bulova date code for 1958.   The inside case back is stamped STAR WATCH CASE CO., STAINLESS STEEL.

  This original, early Vietnam War era watch has been disassembled cleaned oiled and regulated to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It comes fitted with a new 16mm one-piece Fluco black Perlon military strap with steel buckle.

  An excellent and ready to wear military ordnance timepiece from the 1950s – bridging the period between the Korean War and the USA’s official involvement in Vietnam.

  • Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on a piece of paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, men’s vintage watches are noticeably smaller than oversized timepieces you see today. Prefer a brown strap instead of black? For most men’s watches I can switch the color before mailing; just let me know.

  • U.S. winners pay $8.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS shipping with door-to-door tracking. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) are required to pay 9% sales tax.

  • Canadian winners pay $33.00 (actual cost) for Global Priority Express with insurance. Other international buyers pay $49.00 (actual or below cost) for Global Priority Express Mail with door-to-door tracking. I cover any additional insurance fees and always pay MORE for shipping than what I charge.

  • International buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are your responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to confirm any additional costs prior to bidding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment, but your local custom authorities can cause delays.

  • Payment is due within three days of auction end, unless you have contacted me prior to auction end to arrange otherwise. In accordance with eBay policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.

  • All of my watches are under warranty. In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, return the wristwatch to me (or mail it to my watchmaker, David, in New York City) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. Note: I will not pay for or offer a partial refund for work done by another watchmaker. I am a proud member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC).

  • If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches.

    • Need accessories for your watch? Our sister store, Holben's Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of sport, military and dress straps, buckles, deployment clasps and other wristwatch accessories from European and American manufacturers.

    Cautious Carl (my old and kind dog friend) and I want to thank you for dropping by, and we hope you place a bid. Let us know if you have any questions!

          

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