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Thoughts on appropriate bracelet for Bulova Astronaut? Votes please!!

Kiwibloke
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Just received vintage Bulova Accutron Astronaut as head-only - wondering what the congnescenti think would be an appropriate bracelet? I'm thinking bracelet versus strap - but all views welcome please; especially from other Astronaut owners... I'm also trying to confirm whether lug width is 17 or 18mm - my measuring stick hasn't been precise enough!
astronaut.jpeg

Have seen a couple of vintage Accutron bracelets that cost more than the watch...
Thanks OF!
 
asrnj77
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The coffin bracelets are the best but are now more expensive than the watches. There are some aftermarket options that are cheaper on eBay.

I believe the size is weird (like 17.6mm) but 18mm aftermarket ones can fit with a little filing. 18mm leather straps are no problem.
 
connieseamaster
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11/16" is the strap size (because American). Flexible 18mm straps will fit fine.

Depending on the exact year of yours (looks like maybe a 1963, same as mine😀), it would have come on either a coffin link or bullet link bracelet. Both are now absurdly expensive. I have mine on black ostrich, but am currently debating mesh, purple perlon, or some other fabric strap for summer
 
Walrus
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Nice catch I really like those watches. Good luck on whatever band you choose it’ll look great
 
SpeedyPhill
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Astronauts wore it on a steel mesh JB Champion bracelet or on an original Bulova coffin bracelet...
Here's astronaut John Young wearing one in March 1965...
.
Bulova_Young.jpg
 
Canuck
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A lot of them came with the “coffin” link as per the example.

97B08DD8-3971-4C94-BBF7-F690724E1811.jpeg
 
STANDY
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Two piece NATO strap. A normal NATO makes it sit too high on wrist.

(This pic for reference, plenty of colours available)
7B30614C-D80F-41B6-A5BA-58C4081C9FF3.jpeg
 
MoclovFlop
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I have mine on a period JB Champion brick link. I also have the coffin one but I think I'd rather have the original JB Bullet version.

Screen Shot 2020-06-01 at 11.30.54 AM.png
 
Professor
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STANDY STANDY
Two piece NATO strap. A normal NATO makes it sit too high on wrist.

(This pic for reference, plenty of colours available)
7B30614C-D80F-41B6-A5BA-58C4081C9FF3.jpeg

Exactly what I was thinking. In brown leather rather than fabric. Something along these lines, heavy textured, but custom made.
two-piece-vintage-nato-watch-strap-dark-brown-0201.jpg
Extra long to allow wearing it over the cuff of a jacket.
 
Kiwibloke
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connieseamaster connieseamaster
Depending on the exact year of yours (looks like maybe a 1963, same as mine😀)
I'm sure there's a thread somewhere and I did try a Dr Google search - but is there a listing somewhere of serial numbers to production year? or other way of dating these? Thanks for any leads...

MoclovFlop MoclovFlop
I have mine on a period JB Champion brick link. I also have the coffin one but I think I'd rather have the original JB Bullet version.
Love the lume colour... if you decide to part with a bracelet - do let me know!

I found a couple of original Bulova bracelets on OldfatherTime website but three times what I paid for the head! (would the value hold if could find an original?...)
https://www.oldfathertime.com/accutron_bands.htm

Immediate thoughts tend to JB Champion mesh or brick for a bracelet...

Thanks again!
 
Kiwibloke
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SpeedyPhill SpeedyPhill
Astronauts wore it on a steel mesh JB Champion bracelet or on an original Bulova coffin bracelet...
Here's astronaut John Young wearing one in March 1965...

Thanks for the attached pic and blow-up; saving this one!
 
SpeedyPhill
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But nowadays sits at a time period 1964 Jacoby Bender Champion steel mesh bracelet...
.
AccutronA12.jpg
 
Kiwibloke
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SpeedyPhill SpeedyPhill
But nowadays sits at a time period 1964 Jacoby Bender Champion steel mesh bracelet...
.
That bracelet looks really nice - and the backdrop is pretty cool too! Is that model of an A-12 or similar that understand these were flown on?
 
SpeedyPhill
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Indeed... the Accutron tuning fork GMT pilotwatch was worn by CIA pilots and many USAF pilots... and we have posted pictures showing 7 of the 12 NASA X-15 pilots wearing the Accutron Astronaut during a research rocket plane flight. The Accutron Astronaut was also worn on MA-9, Gemini III, Gemini V and onboard space shuttle Challenger STS-7... Available since October 1960, the 60th anniversary is coming up!
Here's a nice photo of the watch being worn between the inner layer and the outer glove layer of the David Clark S901 pressure suit worn by pilot flying the project Oxcart Lockheed A-12 Mach3+ reconnaissance air breather.
.
DavidClark.jpg
 
Kiwibloke
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@SpeedyPhill - the only A-12 (or A12) I knew of before this was the 1969.5 Dodge A12 Superbee that I owned for too short a period of time; was pretty quick too (at zero feet over the 1/4 mile)...

Can the Astronaut be dated by the serial number? Was told mine is 1964 but would be nice to confirm...
IMG_0002.JPG
 
Kiwibloke
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SpeedyPhill SpeedyPhill
A 1964 should have M4 on the caseback...
Here's the caseback (strap didn't come with the watch) and yes - M4.
Looks like one or two NOS or near-enough to that mesh bracelets very similar to yours on eBay; somewhat more cost effective than the coffin...
1293303094.jpg
 
Pvt-Public
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For most Bulova watches the letter indicates the decade
L=50’s
M=60’s
N=70’s
And the number indicates the year in the decade.
 
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