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The 1970s were a playground for watch design, moving away from the reserved round cases of the 60s into bolder, funkier territory. This Bulova is a quintessential example of that era’s “executive funk.” It takes the classic ingredients of a luxury dress watch, the fluted bezel, the two-tone metal, the day-date complication, and remixes them into a silhouette that is undeniably 70s. The cushion case, with its hidden lugs and integrated bracelet look, offers a seamless, cuff-like presence on the wrist that feels architectural and deliberate.
The star of the show here is undoubtedly the dial. In a sea of silver, black, and champagne, this matte taupe (or “tropical chocolate”) color is a rare and sophisticated choice. It provides a warm, earthy contrast to the cool steel and the flashy gold accents, creating a palette that is perfectly retro yet surprisingly modern in today’s brown-dial trend. The applied block indices are tall and faceted, catching the light in a way that complements the sparkle of the fluted bezel. We also appreciate the framed day/date window at 3 o’clock, a practical complication that anchors the watch as a daily driver for the working professional.
This example is powered by the high-grade Bulova Caliber 11 AOACB. With 23 jewels, this movement was a step up from the standard 17-jewel engines of the time, offering greater durability and precision. The “N4” date code on the caseback confirms its production in 1974, placing it right in the middle of the quartz crisis, yet it stands as a defiant piece of mechanical quality. The watch comes on a “Kreisler Stelux” bracelet, a significant detail for collectors. Kreisler and Stelux were premium bracelet manufacturers often used by brands like Bulova and Seiko for their higher-end models, known for their solid link construction and comfort.
Condition-wise, this piece is sharp. The case retains its original brushed finish on the top surfaces, transitioning to polished sides, a detail often lost to polishing wheels. The gold plating on the bezel and bracelet mid-links shows some honest wear, particularly on the high points, but this adds to the vintage charm rather than detracting from it. The acrylic crystal is clean, and the dial is pristine, with no signs of moisture intrusion or degradation.
