Correct Band For An Astronaut Type 'O'

Submitted by Jimbo56 on April 13, 2022 - 2:22pm

Hello all, I am a new member to the mybulova group, but have been an avid lover of Bulova watches since I was (much) younger.  I've collected a few Accutrons over the past 6 years and recently began "reacquainting" myself with them in hopes of resurrecting them.  Recently, I acquired an Astronaut Type "O" with the day/night bezel and enhanced silver dial.  Sadly, the watch came without a watch band.  I would like to find one that is correct for the watch, so I have a question for the knowledgeable folks on this forum.

From what I have researched, the Astronauts were sold with either the JB Champion 'Bullet' or the Kreisler 'Coffin' style bands, though I don't know which band came on which types.  I realize there may have been variations to this, thus the reason for my question.  Given my Astronaut is a 1968 model, did Bulova offer that watch with either band or did that year/model come exclusively with one or the other?

I reviewed the ads on this site and found appropriate ads for the Type 'O' which showed it dressed in a Champion 'Bullet' band, but I'm not sure if it could have come with the Kreisler.  I have a friend who has an original Kreisler 'Coffin' style he is willing to part with for a good price.  But, I would just like to confirm if either band was used on the Type 'O' back in the day.

Any guidance, advice or help given is greatly appreciated!  I hope to post my watches to the site over the next few weeks.  Thanks!

 

mybulova_admin
Posted April 13, 2022 - 8:33pm

Hi Jim, I can look through the linebooks for examples of the Astronauts. This may give us some indication or band styles used. Will post something shortly.

Jimbo56
Posted April 13, 2022 - 9:40pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Thanks for the help. Having a correct band may not be important to some folks, but I am a purist so I want to make sure the band is correct. I look forward to reading what you find. 

Geoff Baker
Posted April 17, 2022 - 9:38pm

Hi Jimbo here's a snip of your watch from a 1969 Bulova Line Book (dealer catalog) showing the bullet bracelet you mentioned. These bracelets as well as the coffin style were used on Accutron although the coffin style was used earlier in the 1960's. Both were, as far as I know made by Kreisler and Champion and always had the Accutron logo on the clasp.

BAWD0170 PG 13

Jimbo56
Posted April 18, 2022 - 12:42pm

Geoff, thank you so much for the confirmation.  I suspected the Coffin link was used on earlier models, thus mine would require the Bullet.  I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and educating me!!