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Vintage Watches Bulova Guide
Founded in 1875 in New York by Joseph Bulova, the brand that supplied watches for the U.S. Army Air Forces pilots, invented the first electronic watch (Accutron, 1960) and aired the first watchmaking television advertisement in history. From the military Type A-11 to the Accutron Spaceview, from the Devil Diver to the Snorkel — discover our complete guide.
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Bulova: The American Pioneer
The story of Bulova begins in 1875, when Joseph Bulova, a Czech immigrant, opens a jewelry store on Maiden Lane in New York. Bulova quickly specializes in watchmaking — adopting a typically American approach: the standardized production of quality watches, combined with innovative marketing. In 1912, Bulova sets up a factory and an observatory in Woodside (Queens, New York) to precisely regulate its watches. In 1919, Bulova launches its first complete line of men's wristwatches — a format that gradually replaces pocket watches after World War I.
Bulova is a brand of firsts in American watchmaking and advertising history. In 1926, Bulova broadcasts the first radio advertisement for a watch. On July 1, 1941, Bulova airs the first television advertisement in history — a watch dial with the slogan "America runs on Bulova time," aired before a baseball game on channel WNBT (future NBC). It's a founding moment in American advertising history.
During World War II, Bulova converts its production for the war effort — aircraft cockpit watches, proximity fuses, precision instruments. It is at this time that Bulova produces the Type A-11 — a pilot's watch according to U.S. Army Air Forces specifications. After the war, Bulova launches the "Bulova School of Watchmaking" — a free watchmaking school for disabled veterans, training hundreds of former soldiers in the watchmaking trade. A gesture that roots Bulova in American social history.
In 1960, Bulova launches the Accutron — the world's first electronic watch, using a vibrating tuning fork instead of a mechanical balance wheel. The Accutron is a technical revolution that heralds the transition to quartz. The Accutron movement is so precise that it is used in the cockpit instruments of NASA space missions and in the guidance systems of several satellites. Bulova is now part of the Citizen group (since 2008).
The Collections Bulova Vintage in Detail
Type A-11: The Watch of American Pilots
The Bulova Type A-11 is a military watch produced during World War II according to the MIL-W-3818 specifications of the U.S. Army Air Forces — the same specifications as the Type A-11 produced by Elgin, Waltham, and Hamilton. Matte black dial, luminous white Arabic numerals, luminous hands, central seconds hand, 32 mm chrome-plated steel case, snap-on back. Hand-wound mechanical movement (caliber 10BNCH or equivalent).
The Type A-11 are military issue watches — distributed to pilots and navigators of the American army. Authentic examples often have military markings on the case back: "ORD" (Ordnance Department), contract number, and sometimes "US PROPERTY". These markings are a criterion of authenticity and value. The Type A-11 is the American equivalent of the British Dirty Dozen watches and the Marine Nationale française watches.
The Type A-11 Bulova often trade between €300 and €1,000 — an accessible price for an authentic World War II military artifact.
Accutron Spaceview: The Electronic Revolution
The Accutron (1960) is the world's first electronic watch — invented by Swiss engineer Max Hetzel for Bulova. Instead of a mechanical oscillating balance wheel (as in all mechanical watches), the Accutron uses a vibrating tuning fork at 360 Hz — a frequency significantly higher than that of mechanical watches (18,000 to 36,000 vibrations per hour, or 2.5 to 5 Hz). This high frequency gives the Accutron an accuracy of ±2 seconds per day — far superior to the mechanical watches of the time.
The most famous version is the Spaceview — a transparent dial that reveals the tuning fork mechanism. Legend has it that the Spaceview was not intended for sale — they were demonstration models for retailers, showing the operation of the tuning fork. Customer demand was such that Bulova added it to the catalog. The design of the Spaceview — open dial revealing the electronic components — became an icon of the futuristic design of the 60s.
The Accutron has a distinctive sound: a continuous hum produced by the vibration of the tuning fork — whereas a mechanical watch goes "tick-tock". The second hand moves smoothly (not in jerks) thanks to the high frequency of the tuning fork. The Accutron movement was used in NASA's instruments — notably in space probes and the timing systems of the Apollo missions. Vintage price: €200-800 for a Spaceview depending on condition and version.
Oceanographer Devil Diver: The American Diver
The Bulova Oceanographer "Devil Diver" (1970s) is the iconic diving watch of Bulova — named after the devil pictogram on the dial (a small red or orange imp, symbol of the Oceanographer collection). Water resistance 666 feet (approximately 200 m), rotating bezel, luminous black dial, robust steel case. Automatic movement. The Devil Diver is the American alternative to Swiss divers (Omega Seamaster ) and Japanese (Seiko Turtle) from the same period — with a distinctive design and a very affordable pre-owned price (often 300-700 €).
Snorkel: The American Compressor
The Bulova Snorkel is a sporty diving watch from the 60s-70s with a compressor case — a type of case whose water resistance increases with pressure (water pressure compresses the seals against the case). The Snorkel has a distinctive retro design: crown integrated into the case, dynamic lines, colorful dial. It is the most accessible vintage Bulova diver — often between 200 and 500 €.
Aerojet: The American Elegance
The Bulova Aerojet is the dress watch of Bulova from the 60s — thin case, clean dial (often silver or champagne with applied indexes), hand-wound or automatic mechanical movement. The design is inspired by the American space era — aerodynamic lines, tapered indexes, sleek proportions. The Aerojet is the most accessible and versatile vintage Bulova — an American dress watch often priced below 150 €.
The Accutron Movement: How a Tuning Fork Works
The Accutron movement is fundamentally different from a mechanical watch or a quartz watch:
- Mechanical watch — a spring (barrel) stores energy, a balance wheel oscillates at a frequency of 2.5 to 5 Hz (18,000 to 36,000 A/h) and regulates the distribution of energy via an escapement. The second hand moves in small increments.
- Accutron (tuning fork) — a battery powers an electronic circuit that vibrates a metal tuning fork at 360 Hz. The vibrations of the tuning fork are transmitted to a gear system via a miniature index. The second hand moves in a smooth and continuous manner (no increments). Precision: ±2 seconds/day.
- Quartz watch (appeared later, in 1969) — a battery powers a quartz crystal oscillator vibrating at 32,768 Hz. Quartz is more precise than the tuning fork — it is quartz that eventually replaced the Accutron.
The Accutron is a technological bridge between the mechanical era and the quartz era — the first watch to use electricity for time regulation, but with a mechanical system (tuning fork + gears) rather than a quartz oscillator. It is a pivotal moment in watchmaking history.
Bulova and NASA
The connection between Bulova and the American space program is factual: the Accutron movement was used in NASA's timing and guidance instruments — notably in the timing systems of space missions and in instruments onboard satellites. The Accutron logo — a stylized tuning fork — became a symbol of American technological precision. In 1971, a Bulova chronograph was worn on the Moon by astronaut Dave Scott during the Apollo 15 mission. — although the Omega Speedmaster is the watch officially approved by NASA, Scott personally wore a Bulova.
How to Read a Vintage Bulova Reference
Vintage Bulova watches use a dating code system inscribed on the back of the case. A symbol (letter or number in a triangle, circle, or diamond) corresponds to a year of production. This system allows for precise dating of a vintage Bulova. Collectors and specialized sites publish reference tables to decode these symbols. At Atelier Victor, our experts identify the production date of each Bulova.
Vintage Bulova for Women
Vintage Bulova watches for women include dress watches in gold-plated (gold or silver dials, compact cases), cocktail watches from the 50s-60s, and Women's Accutron (compact format with tuning fork movement). Vintage Bulova women's watches are among the most accessible and elegant American watches — often between €80 and €200. Check out our selection of vintage watches for women.
How to Recognize an Authentic Vintage Bulova
- Case back marking — "Bulova" engraved on the back, often accompanied by the dating code (symbol in a triangle/circle/diamond), model number, and "Stainless Steel Back" or "Base Metal Bezel".
- Military markings (Type A-11) — "ORD" (Ordnance Department), contract number, "US PROPERTY". These markings distinguish genuine issued watches from civilian models.
- Accutron movement — the tuning fork movement is visually recognizable (two metal branches). The continuous hum when the watch is running is the simplest test — an Accutron does not tick.
- Spaceview dial — original transparent dials have a specific finish. Replacement or aftermarket dials are distinguished by slightly different colors or typography.
- Devil Diver logo — the devil pictogram on the Oceanographer dials is an authenticity detail. Its position, size, and color vary according to references.
At Atelier Victor, each Bulova is opened, inspected, and authenticated by our watchmakers. Movement, dial, case, markings — each component is verified. Lifetime authenticity guarantee.
Bulova in the Vintage Market
Vintage Bulova is considered by many collectors as one of the brands offering the best history-to-price ratio in the market. The Type A-11 is an authentic military artifact from World War II — at prices lower than Swiss or British military watches from the same period. The Accutron Spaceview is a unique piece of technology and design in the world — at accessible prices. The Devil Diver is a diver with a distinctive design — at a fraction of the price of a Vintage">Submariner or a Seamaster. The models with increasing demand: the Type A-11 with military markings, the Accutron Spaceview and the Devil Diver .
Frequently Asked Questions — Vintage Bulova Watches
Is Bulova a Swiss or American brand?
American. Founded in 1875 in New York by Joseph Bulova, a Czech immigrant. Bulova is one of the most significant American watch brands — alongside Hamilton, Elgin, and Waltham. It is now part of the Japanese group Citizen (since 2008).
How does the Accutron work?
The Accutron uses a vibrating metal tuning fork at 360 Hz — powered by a battery — instead of a mechanical balance wheel. The vibrations of the tuning fork are converted into the rotation of the hands via a system of miniature gears. The second hand moves in a smooth and continuous manner (not in jumps). The characteristic sound is a continuous hum — not a tick-tock. Precision: ±2 seconds per day.
Was the Accutron really used by NASA?
Yes. The Accutron movement was used in NASA's timing and guidance instruments. In 1971, a Bulova chronograph was worn on the Moon by astronaut Dave Scott during Apollo 15 — as a personal item (the Omega Speedmaster was the official NASA watch). Bulova has a factual connection with the American space program.
Are Accutron batteries still available?
Yes. Vintage Accutrons use 344 (SR1136SW) batteries or equivalents — standardized button cells still available from watchmakers and online. The specific maintenance of an Accutron is the replacement of the index finger (the part that converts the tuning fork vibrations into rotation) — a wear part that requires a watchmaker familiar with Accutrons.
How to date a vintage Bulova?
Vintage Bulova watches have a dating code on the back of the case — a symbol (letter or number) in a triangle, circle, or diamond. Each symbol corresponds to a year. Correspondence tables are published by specialized Bulova sites. This system allows precise dating of a watch. At Atelier Victor, our experts identify the date of each Bulova.
What is the "Dirty Dozen" and what is the connection with the Type A-11?
The "Dirty Dozen" refers to the 12 brands that supplied military watches to the British army during World War II (Omega, Longines, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, etc.). The Type A-11 is the American equivalent — watches produced to the U.S. Army Air Forces specifications by Bulova, Elgin, Waltham, and Hamilton. Both are authentic military-issued watches — the Dirty Dozen are British, the Type A-11 are American.
What is the most accessible vintage Bulova?
The Bulova dress watches (Aerojet, dress watches) from the 60s-70s are the most accessible — often between €80 and €200. The Snorkel (divers) range from €200 to €500. The Devil Diver from €300 to €700. The Accutron Spaceview from €200 to €800. Type A-11 with military markings between 300 and 1,000 €.
Do vintage Bulova increase in value?
At Atelier Victor, we approach watchmaking from the perspective of pleasurable purchasing. While the Type A-11 with military markings, the Accutron Spaceview, and the Devil Diver are generating growing interest — driven by the renewed interest in American watchmaking and military watches — most Bulova vintage pieces remain pleasure and discovery purchases at accessible prices. We guide our clients towards pieces that match their aesthetic and mechanical criteria, without making financial recommendations.
Where to find a strap for a Bulova vintage?
Atelier Victor offers watch straps compatible straps — in leather, NATO, Milanese mesh, and stainless steel. The lug sizes for Bulova vintage: 16 mm (Type A-11, dress watches), 18 mm (Aerojet, Accutron), 20 mm (Devil Diver, Snorkel). NATO straps are particularly suited to the Type A-11 — the original military style. Contact us via WhatsApp.
Discover our other vintage American and military watches: Yema vintage, Seiko vintage, Omega vintage. By budget: -500 €.
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