Vintage Bulova wristwatch 576-1 cal. 11 ALACD Automatic circa 1967 Box

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Bulova 576-1
Movement: Cal. 11 ALACD
Age: Circa 1967
Case Size: 35mm
Case Thickness: 11mm
Lug to Lug: 40mm
Lugs: 18mm
Condition: used Bulova watch
Box & Papers: Box only
Case Material: Gold plate
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition with light wear from use.
• Case has light scratches and marks
• Sunburst dial
• Signed Bulova crown
• Fully serviced automatic movement
• Comes with original box, and a worn Bulova strap and buckle
• Paired with an unworn brown leather strap
  

THE WATCH

The Bulova 576-1 is a quintessential 1960s dress watch, housed in a gold-plated case that perfectly captures the era's understated elegance. Its clean lines and subtle angular styling strike a pleasing balance between sophistication and everyday wearability. Measuring 36mm across, the watch wears exceptionally well by modern standards, offering vintage charm without feeling overly small on the wrist. The warm tone of the gold plating adds a touch of luxury, while naturally developing character over the decades, a hallmark shared by many well-loved watches from this period.

Powering the watch is the Swiss-made Bulova calibre 11 ALACD automatic movement. Introduced in 1965, this robust and well-regarded movement remained in production throughout the late 1960s and into the early 1970s. The calibre features 23 jewels, beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Providing centre seconds and date functionality, the 11 ALACD is a dependable movement that exemplifies Bulova's commitment to quality mechanical watchmaking during this fascinating period.

The “ALACD” designation indicates a configuration with an AL base movement automatic winding, centre seconds and a date complication, which was a desirable upgrade at the time, adding practicality without cluttering the dial. Bulova movements from this family were known for being straightforward to service and generally reliable.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

Bulova was founded and incorporated as the J. Bulova Company in 1875 by Bohemian immigrant Joseph Bulova. It was reincorporated under the name Bulova Watch Company in 1923, became part of the Loews Corporation in 1979, and was sold to Citizen at the end of 2007. Throughout its history, Bulova developed a reputation for technological innovation and for adapting to the changing needs of customers and the evolving trends of the market.

Bulova became a renowned watch company in 1922, starting with an advertising campaign in the Saturday evening post. Through the 1960s, Bulova led all American watchmakers in marketing expenditures, and it enhanced its distribution chains from jewelry stores and chains to general merchandising outlets, with over 20,000 U.S. distributors by 1968.

Bulova produced the world's first TV advertisement, on July 1, 1941 (the first day that commercial advertising was permitted on television), before a baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies over New York station WNBT (now WNBC). The announcement, for which the company paid anywhere from $4.00 -$9.00 (equivalent to $83-$186 in 2023), displayed a WNBT Test card modified to look like a clock with the hands showing the time. The Bulova logo, with the phrase "Bulova Time", was shown in the lower right-hand quadrant of the test pattern while the second hand swept around the dial for one minute

OUR THOUGHTS

The Bulova 576-1 is one of those watches that perfectly encapsulates the understated charm of 1960s watchmaking. Elegant without feeling overly formal, its warm gold-plated case and clean design make it an incredibly versatile vintage piece that looks just as at home with a shirt as it does dressed down for everyday wear. At 36mm, it also hits a real sweet spot for modern wearability.