Bulova - Type A-11 US AIR FORCE WW2 - 1943

🕰️ The history of the Bulova Type A-11 – The watch that won the war

During World War II, the United States needed a precise, reliable, and readable watch to equip their pilots, navigators, and soldiers. Thus, the Type A-11 was born, ordered by the US Army Air Forces from several American manufacturers, including Bulova, Elgin, and Waltham.

Produced from 1943, the Bulova A-11 was nicknamed by some historians as “the watch that won the war”. It met a strict military specification: an ultra-readable black dial, luminescent white numbers, glowing hands in the dark, a precise manual winding movement (often a 10AK caliber), and great resistance to extreme conditions.

Its particularity lay in its very precise minute display, essential for air missions, bombings, or navigation. In an era without GPS, this watch was a true survival tool.

Worn by thousands of Allied soldiers, the Bulova Type A-11 is today considered an icon of military watchmaking and a highly sought-after piece by vintage watch collectors.

Technical characteristics:
Brand: Bulova - vintage American military watch
Estimated year of production: 1943
Gender: men, women
Movement: manual
Function: second
Case: chrome
Case back: chrome
Case excluding crown: 32mm
Case with crown: 34mm
Lug to lug: 30mm
Thickness (Crystal included): 11mm
Lug width: 16mm
Strap: non-original
Buckle: non-original
Crown: non-original
Crystal: acrylic (condition: 9/10)
Water-resistant: no
Box: no
Paper: no
Document: invoice Atelier Victor

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