Bulova Accutron Astronaut M3

Bulova Accutron Astronaut M3

With the Accutron, launched in 1960, Bulova changed watchmaking. Instead of a balance wheel, a tuning fork oscillates at 360 hertz in the caliber 214. The Watches hums instead of ticking, and the seconds hand glides across the dial without jumps. At the time, Bulova advertised accuracy that mechanical watches could not achieve. The “Astronaut” was the pilot’s version of this technology and one of the earliest electronically powered GMT watches. It emerged during the heyday of the Space Age and is now considered a design icon of that era.

The dial is black and matte. It features luminous indices in triangle and bar shapes, a luminous dot minute track, and a GMT hand with a distinctive triangular tip. A rotating 24-hour steel bezel with a ridged edge displays a second time zone. Typical of the caliber 214 is the crown on the back: The Watches is set via the case back, leaving the case flank smooth. The case back bears the date code “M3” for 1963 and the serial number “H24325” with the delta symbol, as documented on early Astronaut models. The stainless steel bracelet underscores its instrument-like character.

The Watches is in honest vintage condition. Important: The crystal has several distinct cracks, especially in the left half between 7 and 10 Watches, and should be replaced. The luminous material on the indices is heavily aged, stained and darkly speckled. The bezel, case and bracelet show scratches and signs of wear. A witness to its time, bearing its history openly and ready to shine again with a new crystal.

Brand/Model: Bulova Accutron Astronaut

Reference: Cal. 214, date code M3 (1963), serial number H24325

Diameter: approx. 37 mm

Case: Stainless steel; case back engraved «Bulova», «Waterproof», «Patented», «Stainless Steel», crown and battery cover on the case back

Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet

Crystal: Acrylic (cracked, needs replacement)

Movement: Bulova Accutron caliber 214, electronic tuning-fork movement (360 Hz)

Dial: Glossy black, luminous indices (tritium, «T Swiss T»), luminous dot minute track

Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds (sweeping), GMT hand, rotating 24-hour bezel

Water resistance: Vintage (not tested)

Condition: Honest vintage condition. Crystal with several distinct cracks, heavily aged and stained luminous material on the indices, scratches and signs of wear on the bezel, case and bracelet.

Scope of delivery: Watches