Bulova - Automatic Caliber 11 ALACD - No reserve price - 394-2 - Men - 1968

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This classic 1960s Bulova Automatic perfectly encapsulates the charm and robust elegance of mid-century horology. Featuring a versatile 36mm stainless steel case and powered by the reliable 23-jewel Caliber 11 ALACD, this timepiece represents a golden era of everyday mechanical watches. Paired with a beautifully articulated, Bulova-signed beads-of-rice bracelet, the watch offers an exceptional presence on the wrist, blending handsome vintage aesthetics with enduring mechanical engineering. Brand: Bulova Model: Automatic 23 Jewels Reference Number: 394-2 Movement: Automatic, Bulova Caliber 11 ALACD, 23 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exhibiting noticeable edge wear and spotting Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest age-related wear Dial and Hands The watch features a classic silver sunburst dial adorned with applied, faceted baton hour markers and a sharply framed date window at the three o'clock position. The typography is crisp, with "BULOVA 23 JEWELS" printed below twelve o'clock and "AUTOMATIC" positioned above six o'clock, alongside the traditional "SWISS MADE" designation at the very bottom. A close inspection reveals clear signs of age-consistent wear; there is distinct moisture-related discoloration and patina along the outer perimeter of the dial where it meets the rehaut. The dial surface exhibits scattered spotting, and the original dauphine hands show noticeable oxidation and surface aging. Despite these flaws, the dial retains its fundamental vintage character, with the applied indices remaining relatively bright and legible. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case is well-proportioned, featuring a smooth, polished bezel and gracefully curving lugs that display brushed upper surfaces contrasting with polished flanks. The case retains its structural integrity but shows honest signs of regular use, including scattered surface scratches, minor handling marks, and light edge wear consistent with a timepiece from the late 1960s. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that presents clearly. The screw-down caseback is heavily decorated with the iconic Bulova waterproof emblem depicting a stylized dancer or diver, surrounded by bold typography. The inner caseback is properly stamped with the reference 394-2 and the Bulova "M8" date code, precisely dating the case production to 1968. Movement Powering this timepiece is the automatic Bulova Caliber 11 ALACD, a 23-jewel Swiss-made movement. The caliber features a distinctive, partially skeletonized rotor clearly signed with "BULOVA WATCH Co." and stamped with the "M7" date code, indicating a 1967 movement production that aligns perfectly with the 1968 case. The movement components present cleanly in the photographs, showcasing the brass gears and ruby jewels against the steel plates. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Timegrapher results show -40 to -43 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a fantastic, period-correct stainless steel beads-of-rice bracelet that elevates its vintage appeal. The folding clasp is proudly stamped with the Bulova name and the brand's signature tuning fork logo. The bracelet exhibits normal surface wear, fine scratching on the clasp, and moderate stretch consistent with decades of wear, yet it remains fully functional and highly comfortable. Condition This Bulova is presented in good vintage condition. It is a highly authentic piece that clearly displays its history. The case and original signed bracelet show expected surface wear and minor scratches but retain their original lines. The dial and hands exhibit obvious, localized age-related damage, specifically spotting and edge discoloration due to past moisture exposure. This honest wear provides a deeply patinated, undeniably vintage aesthetic that many collectors appreciate in mid-century daily wearers. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Fits up to 18cm wrist Remarks Finding a late 1960s Bulova Automatic that retains its original signed beads-of-rice bracelet is a delight for vintage enthusiasts. The combination of the 36mm steel case, the intricate bracelet, and the beautifully decorated caseback makes this a compelling and highly wearable slice of vintage horology, perfect for those who appreciate watches with a lived-in character. History Bulova holds a significant place in the history of watchmaking, renowned for delivering precision, durability, and quintessential American style paired with reliable Swiss-made components. During the 1960s, Bulova's automatic models were celebrated for their robust construction and elegant designs, becoming staple timepieces for professionals. The brand's alphanumeric date coding system, introduced in the mid-20th century, remains a favorite feature among collectors, allowing for the precise dating of components and adding a tangible sense of historical provenance to each surviving watch. / Second Vintage SKU: BUL1NG52KL000