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RARE BULOVA
ASYMMETRIC
"DOUBLE CASE
1966
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The Bulova Watch Company was founded in 1875 by Joseph Bulova (1851-1936), a Bohemian immigrant who arrived in New York at the age of nineteen. He opened a jewelry store on Maiden Lane in lower Manhattan.
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In 1912, he opened a factory in Bienne, Switzerland, for the production of watch components. By 1919, he offered a full range of wristwatches for men. The characteristic style of his advertising made him known to the American public. In 1920, he accurately determined the universal time, thanks to an observatory on the roof of a skyscraper.
As early as 1923, Bulova began using radio advertising and in 1926, it introduced the first "beep" in history in its ad: " At the tone, it's eight o'clock, Bulova Watch Time ". This original advertisement was heard by millions of Americans.
In 1927, Charles Lindbergh was the first pilot to fly non-stop from New York to Paris. His flight earned him the Bulova Watch Prize and a check for $1,000, and he became an emblem for the brand, which created the "Lone Eagle" model in his likeness. In 1931, Bulova became the first manufacturer to offer electric clocks. In the 1930s and 1940s, the brand enjoyed great success with its rectangular plated watches.
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In the 1960s, Bulova was chosen to be the first watch to go into space (as far as American astronauts were concerned), but in the end it was Omega that was preferred at the last moment.
However, some clocks embarked in instruments of the Apollo program were Bulova Accutron with tuning fork movements.
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The first Accutron electric watch was released in 1960 and represented a revolution in the watch industry for being the first electric watch with a tuning fork. Its inventor, Max Hetzel, was born in Basel and joined the company in 1948. The tuning fork was driven by a transistor and an electronic oscillator, so the Accutron is considered the world's first "electronic watch". More than 4 million watches were sold until production ceased in 1977.
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Like most Bulova models of this era, this one is incredibly original. It's a very rare version with this double "interlaced" case. The M6 inscription on the caseback identifies its origin as 1966.
The case is 10k t gold plated with a stainless steel clip-on back. The back is engraved with the serial number 1948663 and has the inscriptions "To Walt From Local 42b B.R.C.".
The champagne colored dial is relatively sober compared to the case and forms a nice balance with the whole. A small second is located at 6 o'clock.
The watch is powered by a Swiss made Bulova mechanical movement. The watch is in very good condition for its age. The Speidel bracelet is original, as is the case, which is in its original state but with a superb design. A real beauty for those who hesitate between round or square watches.
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