Vintage Bulova Automatic 23 Jewels – Black Dial – Gold-Plated Case – Ref. 776-1 – Circa 1969 A classic vintage Bulova automatic wristwatch featuring an elegant black dial, contrasting gold-tone hands and applied hour markers, and a distinctive gold-plated case with a sculpted cushion-style profile. The understated design, day-date display and warm gold finish make this an attractive example of Bulova's vintage Swiss watchmaking. Dial and Display The watch features a black dial with applied gold-tone hour markers, matching hands and a fine minute track with contrasting red accents. The dial is signed Bulova and marked “Automatic 23 Jewels”. The day and date are displayed together at 3 o'clock, providing a practical feature while preserving the clean, balanced appearance of the dial. Movement The watch is powered by a Swiss-made Bulova automatic mechanical movement, marked with Bulova Watch Co. and 23 jewels. The movement features automatic winding and a day-date calendar complication. The watch is currently running and functioning well. However, its service history is unknown, and no guarantee for waterproofing. Case and Reference The case has an attractive gold-plated finish, with the case back clearly marked “Bezel Gold Plated 40 Microns” and “Stainless Steel Back Swiss”. The case-back reference is 776-1, accompanied by the code M9, consistent with Bulova's 1969 date-code system. The case shows small signs of age and wear, including scratches and areas of finish wear, particularly around the edges and lugs. These signs are consistent with a vintage watch and are visible in the photographs. - Brand: Bulova - Reference: 776-1 - Date code: M9 (consistent with 1969) - Movement: Swiss automatic mechanical - Jewels: 23, as marked on the dial - Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, day and date - Dial: Black with gold-tone applied markers - Case: Gold-plated, 40 microns - Case back: Stainless steel - Strap: Black leather-style strap, approximately 20 mm wide - Condition: Good vintage condition, with visible signs of wear Day and Date Setting Instructions This model uses a traditional semi-quick-set method for adjusting the calendar. The day and date are adjusted by moving the hands rather than by a separate quick-set crown position. 1. Setting the day of the week Pull the crown fully out to the time-setting position. Turn the hands forward, clockwise, through midnight until the day changes. Repeat full 24-hour cycles until the correct day appears. The day should be advanced by turning the hands forward only. 2. Semi-quick setting of the date Once the correct day has been set, turn the hands forward through midnight until the date advances by one day. Then turn the hands backwards to approximately 8:00 PM and forward again through midnight. The date should advance once more. Repeat this cycle until the desired date is displayed. 3. Setting the final time After setting the correct day and date, move the hands forward to the correct local time, ensuring that the AM/PM cycle is correct. Push the crown fully back into its normal position. Operate the calendar gently and never force the crown or hands if resistance is encountered. Overall Impression A handsome vintage Bulova automatic with a distinctive case shape, black-and-gold styling and practical day-date functionality. Its Swiss automatic movement and period-correct design make it an appealing addition to a vintage watch collection or a stylish everyday vintage accessory. The watch is offered in its photographed condition, with visible signs of use and age. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description. The service history is unknown. The watch is running and functioning at the time of listing. Please note: No original box or paperwork is shown. The watch will be supplied with the strap fitted in the photographs. Please refer to the photos as part of the description of the watch. Fast delivery 2-3 working days with DHL Express!!