This vintage 1969 Bulova Oceanographer is an example of a watch. The originally white "T SWISS MADE T" signed dial has developed a uniform almond hue and the lume, which remains fully intact and emits a quick burst glow after being exposed to bright light, has aged to a perfectly matching warm buttermilk patina. The heavy duty all stainless steel case, which appears to have retained its original finish, shows minor wear with no signs of oxidation. The outer edge of the case back is stamped "WATER RESISTANT STAINLESS STEEL CASE M9 SHOCK RESISTANT ANTI-MAGNETIC" with "BULOVA" and "F966197" stamped in the center. The crystal shows scratching. After recently winding the sharply threaded "BULOVA" signed non-screwdown crown 46 full revolutions the movement had an approximate 41 hour power reserve. The crown winds smoothly. The manual wind movement with quickset date runs strong, keeps accurate time and the date wheel rolls over at approximately 12 am.
This watch measures approximately 34 mm (1.3 inch) excluding the crown, approximately 36.5 mm (1.4 inch) including the crown and approximately 18 mm (0.7 inch) between the lugs. Case thickness, measured from the bottom of the case back to the top of the mid-case, is approximately 6 mm (0.2 inch). Including the crystal case thickness measures approximately 9 mm (0.4 inch).
Given that this watch is more than 50 years old and considering the movement's unknown service history a complete overhaul is likely long overdue and recommended.