Introduced in 1960/61 as the " BULOVA SNORKEL " which was later refined in 1968 a new case was introduced which was designed in Germany and made in Switzerland by Centrale Boîtes S.A. (CB hallmark) this company also manufactured the case for the original OMEGA Speedmaster moon watch . The Dial with red cross hair and self contained tritium pips was designed and manufactured by " SINGER " the very same company who at the time designed the premium line of ROLEX dials.
The IN HOUSE movement 11BLACD is a 17 jewel unadjusted non-hacking with rhodium-plated Swiss bridge movement, Rubin anchor escapement, compensation balance with Nivarox spiral steel cadratures, polished and bevelled, Automatic and perpetual Manual wind (bully alloy spring and barrel assembly with BRASS center wheel pivots).
The Curved form fitting case design was well thought out for a dive timer. It made it very comfortable over the wet suit, the crown was protected by the sloping case sides to prevent any error [crown movement] and from water infiltration during underwater activities, the same case design principle is utilized by another PROFESSIONAL DIVERS watch made by DOXA. The bezel design was ahead of its time, when most of the dive watches had a friction mounted bezel the snorkel had a 60 click count bezel.
Ok, so I took a chance on this '69 Sea King and I just received it. It's returnable, so I wanted to show you some pictures here because there are a couple of things that aren't sitting well with me, but I'm hoping I'm just being paranoid because I really do like it and want to order a new strap for it.
First, the numbers and number placement seem a little odd to me...though I found a different model of a Sea King in 1969 (this one is also 1969 due to the "M9" code) that has the same placement and wonky looking serial starting with "G". http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1969-sea-king-9067
Bulova casebacks seem to really be all over the place though in terms of where the wording goes and how the words are stacked or not stacked.
The other thing that bugs me is on the side, there are drip-like markings that look like it was maybe re-plated? I am not sure. The listing said it had been serviced and "machine chemical cleaned." This is apparently one of the most rare Sea King's (whale+automatic with no "sea king" words) which also makes me wonder...
Finally got around to opening up my 1983 made Bulova. (images in that previous post) I was not surprised and only a little disappointed to find the inside of the case back marked Bulova Hong Kong.
The movement has no obvious markings to tell where it was made, but is of very good quality and I suspect Japanese. It looks to be some form of Pin lever. I could see nothing that looked like jeweled bearing and what did look like case hardened blue steel inserts.
This may be a economy priced movement such as used in the lower cost Caravel watches .
I figure Hong Kong was putting out quality products back then.
The case and dial are of very good quality and finish and the case is very nicely designed, never saw another like it.
Running great, keeping time within +20 or so seconds per day, Been turning over the date more smoothly and self winding more efficiently after some daily wear. Been wearing it every day lately since I prefer not to wear my ancient Benrus when doing yard work or playing with that she beast I call a dog.