1970s Bulova Chronograph 'D'

Why This Watch Matters

This funky 1970s diving chronograph from Bulova has a killer orange touch.

The Full Story

The '60s and '70s were interesting times for Bulova, with the brand pushing their watches to ascend to the moon and descend to the ocean’s murky depths (the Accutron, the Oceanographer, and the Deep Sea come to mind). This classically 1970s case design (tonneau was the move) was most at home on land, with a white tachymeter outer track and date window at 6 o’clock. The bright orange running seconds hand and the luminous white hour and minute hands add a bit of extra '70s style to an otherwise subdued dial. Oh, and this watch would have cost you $125 in 1971.

The Fine Print

Maker: Bulova
Model: Chronograph
Reference: D
Year: Circa 1971
Case No: 4401/N1
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 38mm diameter; 14mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Tritium
Caliber: Automatically winding Bulova-signed Valjoux 7734
Bracelet/Strap: Bulova-signed stainless-steel bracelet with signed folding clasp
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: N/A

What we Love and What You Should Know

There is very little not to like about this watch. The bracelet has developed some very light stretch, and there is one noticeable scratch to the caseback. The case and crystal are essentially free of imperfections, and the tritium on the dial has aged evenly. The orange accents on the dial have faded a touch, but they still work well with the matte grey inner dial.