I have always enjoyed collecting and selling watches from Bulova, an American company of great repute. 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, its announcements legendary at the time!

      I am pleased to offer for sale the following vintage timepiece from the firm, a men’s Sea King series model (Ref. 2519) that dates to 1966 - 1967.  This stainless steel model is in excellent original shape, only the deBeer Ostrich grain strap has been added.

      Triple-signed, it measures 40mm lug tip to lug tip and 33.1mm in width (35.5mm with original crown). This works out to be just under 1-5/8 inches long by just over 1-1/4 inches wide, not including the crown.  Its Swiss made, 17 jewel manual winding Bulova mechanism has been fully serviced by my (Bulova-trained) watchmaker David, ensuring it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

      The 100% original black, enamel finished dial is in great condition, guaranteed untouched since it left the factory.  Features include a white 60 second outer chapter, raised silver hour markers with tritium dots, semi-quickset date window at the 3 position, original silver steel hands with luminous fill and ‘sweep’ center seconds. Signed BULOVA below the 12 marker and WATERPROOF above the 6.  It is further signed “T SWISS MADE T” at the base. Please note this is a watch over half a century old so while splash resistant don’t take it into the pool!

      The original hardened acrylic crystal is in excellent, clear condition. The two-piece case is solid stainless steel and in excellent condition, complete with faceted lugs. The original winding crown, correctly unmarked for this model and age, is perfect, operating smoothly.

      Turning the watch over I see that the back case is stainless steel and features a separate, screw-down steel ring, in excellent order. It is stamped BULOVA, STAINLESS STEEL CASE – SHOCK RESISTANT, ANTI-MAGNETIC,  WATERPROOF – J320983 - M6.  The M6 is the date code for 1966.

      Taking a look inside I find a clean manual wind mechanism signed BULOVA WATCH CO., [CALIBER] 11ALCD, 17 SEVENTEEN JEWELS, SWISS, M7. A one year difference between case and mechanism date codes is very common for 1960s Bulova watches, almost as common as matching date codes. The inside case back is simply stamped 2519, the model reference number.

      This cleaned, oiled and regulated watch winds and sets smoothly and keeps accurate time. It is fitted on a 18mm black Ostrich grain, calf leather strap with matching steel buckle.  An excellent and original 1960s Sea King series Bulova – just waiting to be strapped on and enjoyed.

  • 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!