They used trademarked iconography from the Academy Awards on their watches. Academy Awardsīetween 19, Bulova partnered with the Academy of Motion Pictures. These watches proved extremely popular during their heyday and have made numerous comebacks over the years. They continued this with the release of the Devil Diver Oceanographer in the 1970s. In 1966 Bulova released its first diving watch.
Vintage 1969 Bulova Accutron 214 Tuning Fork Gold Filled Mens Running Watch (Credit: eBay) Devil Diver Oceanographer Vintage Mens Bulova Oceanographer 333 Wristwatch Watch (Credit: eBay) This iteration of the watch was called the Accutron Astronaut. Bulova eventually took the Accutron further by including a 24-hour hand and a 24-hour bezel. The CIA reached out to Bulova and selected the Accutron to be their tester pilots for the agency’s Lockheed A-12 spy planes. The Accutron tuning fork was a technology that made wristwatches more accurate. These watches incorporate the tuning fork into the design of the dial in place of the 12. If you’re obsessed with the idea of spies, then you’ll be looking intently for an Accutron Bulova watch. Vintage Bulova Lone Eagle watch 10AN working (Credit: eBay) Accutron The watch was styled after the Conqueror watch he’d received for his flight but was slightly different and took on the famed pilot’s nickname. Each Lone Eagle watch was accompanied by a replica of the thank you letter Lindbergh drafted for the company as a thank you for the original prize. Months later, the Lone Eagle was released, and the model commemorated the historic achievement of Lindbergh’s solo transatlantic flight.
This transatlantic flight made history, and upon landing, he collected a prize of $25,000 and a Bulova watch worth $1000. Lindenbergh was the first aviator in history to complete a solo flight from New York to Paris. The partnership between Bulova and Charles Lindenbergh started way back in 1927. The Different Bulova Watches Modelsīulova has several signatures models of watches in their long line of products that were, and are, incredibly popular. In addition, certain models only feature the tuning fork logo instead of the name itself. Some of the 1920 models are missing the dial signifier. Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Bulova Wristwatch Quartz Ronda 4 Jewels (Credit: 1stdibs) Not ever Bulova watch features this identifier, but a vast majority do, and therefore they’re relatively easy to identify. Key Identifiers In Bulovaīulova made identifying their watches easy, considering their company name is inscribed on the watch dials at the top. They even had the likes of Charles Lindbergh taking on the job of the first celebrity endorser in watch brand history. Bulova was also the first timepiece company to debut a complete collection of women’s wristwatches in 1924. But, despite being one of the very first companies to mass-produce wristwatches, the company has forever been overlooked and almost ignored by popular culture. Then, in America, he’d work for Tiffany & Co before moving on to bigger and better things.Īfter working in corporate for a while, Bulova found himself ready for more. He left Czechoslovakia in the late 19th century and apprenticed across Europe. The origins of the Bulova watch brand start with Joseph Bulova himself. How Much are Antique Bulova Watches Worth.In any event, best of luck with both having your friend’s Bulova restored, and finding a watch for yourself to enjoy. Many of us begin to feel that a watch feels normal after time, when initially it seemed small. But if you are concerned about the typical small size of vintage watches, try wearing your friend’s Bulova in the safety of your own home. Certainly the modern watches feature many improvements over vintage, especially with regard to shock protection. You mentioned looking for a modern rectangular watch. But if that movement is a good runner, a watchmaker can restore it to full functionality. The case may be gold plated with the brass showing through everywhere, and scratches all over the dial. Like the old saying goes, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. The balance wheel/balance assembly is prone to damage when it’s not encased. A movement without the protection of a case frightens me. But try to find a complete watch, not just a movement. At least that would offer a nice foundation for the watchmaker to service. I would try to find a listing for a complete watch that says it is running and keeping good time. I still think a donor movement is the best way to go. I know this is only opinion, but I really think your friend should have the Bulova serviced, and would be very grateful for your help. I forgot to mention that I personally feel any watch with any personal connection should be restored.