The Bulova Accutron Astronaut holds a unique place in horological history, intertwined with the clandestine world of Cold War aviation and the pioneering era of space exploration. In this article, hmmmcamu meticulously details the subtle yet significant differences between the highly desirable 1966 model and the exceptionally rare 1962 "X-15" variant, offering invaluable insights for collectors and enthusiasts seeking to understand these iconic timepieces.
1966 Bulova Accutron Astronaut batch - Considered one of the most desirable models due to its historical significance. It was a part of the first generation of CIA issued Accutron Astronaut watches used by the pilots A-12 program that eventually lead to the same batch of watches being issued and worn by SR-17 Blackbird spy plane pilots. The X-15 - 1962 Accutron Astronaut "A" variant "X-15" with factory original "Simple" dial & "white spade" handset - Called "Regular" dial & handset in promotional materials. This is one of the rarest Accutron 214 watches of all time bar none! Gordon Cooper, an American astronaut, wore his 1962 Bulova Accutron Astronaut watch during his Mercury-Atlas 9 mission in 1963. This mission, known as Faith 7, was the final one-man mission of NASA's Mercury project. paired with -
JB Champion USA expandable 16MM - 19MM stainless steel strap, came in straight and curved aka "Longhorn" end (NOT Frostner Komfit reproduction)
misc:
Hook and Loop Velcro strap (NASA) -
JSC-SPEC-M1 Mil-spec (Mil-F-21840C) P/N SEB12100030 210 S/N 1124
The development of the A-12 led to the creation of the SR-71, the often-celebrated and easily recognizable icon that’s wrongly dubbed “the fastest airplane ever to have graced our skies” even though that honor officially belongs to the A-12 at just over Mach 3.3. While the A-12 was born and died in secrecy being owned and operated by the CIA, the SR-71 was the product of the USAF.
1962 1st Gen ”X-15" ACCUTRON
1962 1st Gen ”X-15" ACCUTRON
factory dial which only says ”Accutron" on the dial and lacks the white "dots" between the hour marks and was only added after 1962
1962 variant solid ”white spade handset"
1962 1st Gen ”X-15", And the later 1962 2nd Gen.
1966 BULOVA ACCUTRON ASTRONUAT
JB Champion USA expandable bracelet aka: NASA bracelet and HOOK and LOOP velcro strap
JB Chapion USA expandable bracelet
BULLET bracelet with solid tapered links introduced for the 1966 model
BULLET bracelet with solid tapered links introduced for the 1966 model
