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! Have seen a couple of vintage Accutron bracelets that cost more than the watch... Thanks OF!
One of the new horned end Forstner Komfit straps would look good. https://forstnerbands.com/ I have mine on a bracelet with the Bulova symbol on the clasp that came from EBay.
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.
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
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... .
Two piece NATO strap. A normal NATO makes it sit too high on wrist. (This pic for reference, plenty of colours available)
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.
Exactly what I was thinking. In brown leather rather than fabric. Something along these lines, heavy textured, but custom made. Extra long to allow wearing it over the cuff of a jacket.
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... 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!
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. .
@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...
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...
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.