Bulova 1975 Accutron Astronaut

Submitted by Reverend Rob on July 27, 2018 - 11:19am
Mark IV
Manufacture Year
1975
Movement Model
N/A
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
I960707
Case shape
Cushion
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

This is a saleman's sample of the Accutron Astronaut Mk IV, its crowns long since been scavenged for repair on another watch. It probably was complete at the time with band.

The pics show light scuffing from being in a drawer for many years, but these would easily buff out. The crystal is mineral glass.

I'm wondering if the serial number- which begins with an 'I', not a '1', is unique to samples.

Just a bit of history.

1975 Bulova watch
1975 Bulova watch
1975 Bulova watch
neetstuf-4-u
Posted July 27, 2018 - 11:59am

Very cool, it would be worth finding a movement to make it whole.

I think we have discussed "I" starting serial numbers before. I'm thinking it's a trait of European produced watches ("I" for International?) for the non-US market. In this example maybe not, as there doesn't appear to be a space between the "i" and first numeral. Just putting that thought out there as a possible explanation.

I looked high and low and couldn't find an ad for this one.

Andersok
Posted July 27, 2018 - 12:35pm

I've had several models from the mid-60s that have the leading 'I' in the serial number. One was a Surf King with a case from Japan, and one was an Aerojet with case from W-Germany, as well as an Accuquartz also with case from W-Germany from the 70s. Some of these have the Swiss-made movement with import code. More in-depth research could provide a clue into this, but it seems perhaps the letter is not inclusive to being an international model.

Don't see too many Mark IVs; unable to find an ad for this one.

mybulova_admin
Posted July 28, 2018 - 1:50am

It would indeed be great to determine if international models had some indicator.

 

 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted July 28, 2018 - 7:01am

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Ken had an interesting observation that I can verify from my collection. The s/n's  starting with an "I" seem to be all cases made outside the US.

One has an export stamp on the movement, the others don't. Perhaps the combination of an "I" s/n and export stamp indicates "International Collection" - International designs (case) for US market. That would leave "I" s/n's with no import stamp as models for the non-US market. Just food for thought.