Tag: Bulova

Bulova A-11 & American Strap Co.

Adding the proper strap to the A-11

As I stated on my most recent post, I’ve begun searching for the proper bracelets or straps for each timepiece that crosses the workbench. Prior to the 1960’s most watches were sold with simple leather watch bands although some brands (Hamilton springs to mind) designed metal bracelets for their watches during this period and those bracelets were tailored to the timepiece. From the 1960’s forward, it was not uncommon for stainless steel watches to come with stainless steel link bracelets. Many of these bracelets have not survived the test of time and if you can find a 50+ year old timepiece with its original leather strap you almost certainly want to replace it! Continue reading “Bulova A-11 & American Strap Co.”

Kerr-McGee Accutron 2181

Service of a 1975 Bulova Accutron

Here is yet another Bulova Accutron 2181. This one came to me as a toss-in with a second Railroad Grade Accutron I purchased for restoration. The dial is customized featuring the Kerr-McGee logo and on the caseback is the engraving “Presented to Willard Lane 25 years of service 1976 Kerr-McGee”. I don’t know much about Kerr-McGee outside of the Silkwood incident so I’ll refrain from opining. Continue reading “Kerr-McGee Accutron 2181”

Bulova Accutron 218D

The Railroad Approved wristwatch

Lately it’s begun to feel as if I’m proficient at starting a project but deficient when it comes to finishing one. I have a chronograph on the bench which has been in pieces since January, the Sprint chronograph I purchased in July is still incomplete, and I’ve been chasing my tail on a nice little Seiko for what seems like ages. Beginning to feel as though I was spinning my wheels I decided to switch gears and get organized. Continue reading “Bulova Accutron 218D”

Bulova Accutron 2181

Repairing a family heirloom

My father received this Accutron as a wedding gift from his parents about forty-five years ago. He wore it religiously but at some point in the 1990’s switched to wearing more robust tool watches. The funny thing is that none of those tool watches have held up as well as the Accutron has over the years. Continue reading “Bulova Accutron 2181”

Bulova A-11 Hack Navigation Watch

Vintage military watch service and repair

I wasn’t actually in the market for another timepiece when I stumbled upon this one. I have a habit (a bad one) of perusing websites where vintage watches may turn up at a price point that tickles my fancy. This can be a problem when I have little money in my pocket but sometimes I’ll find a watch that I really cannot pass up and in the case of this fine watch I feel I had no option other than to make the purchase. Continue reading “Bulova A-11 Hack Navigation Watch”