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There are certain watches that just ooze post-war cool, and this, in our opinion, is one of them. It’s a stunning and fantastically honest example of a mid-century Bulova, a brand that stands as a true giant of American horological history. This isn’t just any vintage watch; it’s a survivor from a fascinating and optimistic era, carrying with it a story of global rebuilding and timeless style.
Bulova, founded in New York City in 1875, was an absolute powerhouse. They were masters of marketing, creating the world’s first radio and television commercials, and innovators in production, pioneering the standardization of watch parts. During World War II, they shifted production to support the Allied forces, crafting critical military timepieces and instruments. In the aftermath of the war, as the world began to piece itself back together, Bulova was there, producing handsome and reliable watches for a new generation. The “U.S. Zone Germany” marking seen on some watches from this period is a direct link to the Allied occupation of Germany, a detail that places this watch squarely in a pivotal moment of 20th-century history. At the heart of this timepiece beats the robust Caliber 11ACC, a Swiss-made manual-winding movement known for its reliability, a true workhorse of its day, produced between 1955 and 1958.
This particular example, dating to 1957 based on its “L7” case back signature, is a quintessential expression of the era’s design. The first thing that grabs you is its absolutely killer waffle dial. The textured, creamy-white surface plays with the light beautifully, providing a stunning backdrop for the applied, gold-toned Arabic and spade-shaped hour markers. The blued-steel seconds hand adds a perfect flash of color against the warm tones of the dial and the sharp, dauphine handset. Its 32mm stainless steel case features wonderfully sculpted “brancards” or lugs, giving it a wrist presence that belies its classic size.
