Hello I am a first time Bulova Accutron owner:
I recently acquired a Bulova Accutron 18K Watch commissioned by Tiffany & Co (I believe) and was very curious about the engraving on the back as well as its provenance.
I am trying very hard to find if the Tom Watson Jr. inscribed on the back is the same man who was 2nd president of IBM (1952–1971). The period of 1960 - 1962 was very important in both Bulova's history, as well as IBM's. 1961 is the period indicated on the back of the watch and coincides with IBM’s runout of the IBM 7030 computer. The first example of the IBM 7030, also known as Stretch (IBM's first transistorized supercomputer) was delivered to Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1961.
If this watch has a relationship to this Tom Watson Jr. I'm also curious whether the watch was given to him, or given by him.
I have enclosed some photos for your reference.
I am also interested in having the watch tuned up and appraised in the Southern California area and would greatly appreciate any suggestions or referrals to quality horologist/watchsmith here.
Many Thanks,
Bob Martz
Wow very cool time piece. Notice the lack of the Accutron symbol in place of the Tiffany&Co.
This is an early model and would have cost a great deal of money back in the day.
ID wise its a generic Accutron, but hopefully we can further narrow down the model number.
Hi Bob - welcome to myBulova. WOW it's an amazing watch you've brought us to covet. Just the thought that it could be associated to 'that' Tom Watson Jr. is a lot of fun. Documenting the connection could prove to be a challenge. I'd start with the seller that sold it to you and try establish where / how they acquired it. It's a long shot (there must be many people that bear the same name) but it could prove to be a rewarding trip. I have a watch that I can tenuously link to a very famous sports figure, unfortunately I just can't document it.....
ID wise I'm going with Accutron for now.
You guys are great! Thanks for the info so far. I actually obtained it on auction from a very nice guy who owns a pawnshop and he said privacy forbids him to tell who pawned the watch. Much of the circumstantial evidence makes a fairly good case that Tom Watson Jr. of IBM fame either gave the watch or received it. I had one person say he probably gave it because Tom was used in the engraving rather than Thomas. It has been interesting so far trying to discover the provenance. The watch runs and I have a video of that, is it possible to post a video I made myself on this forum?
Thank you,
Bob Martz
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