I recently inherited my grandfather's watch from 1967. The 5 star insignia immediately caught my eye, and upon a quick google search I found a Hodinkee article about 5-star Accutrons. The article explains how 5-star US general Omar Bradley, then-chairman of Bulova, would wear hese watches for a few days before they were given as gifts by Bulova.
My grandfather was elected president of a mattress company called Southern Cross in 1965. They were doing very well in 1967, so it stands to reason that he may have been the recipient of a nice gift from another big company. Unfortunately, the recession in 1968 hit them hard and derailed their plans to build two new factories. My grandfather was also a bomber pilot in WWII, but as far as we knew he had no connection to General Bradley
I have found no other information on this watch outside of the Hodinkee article, and niehter my grandfather or grandmother are around to answer any questions. It's somwhat mind-blowing for me to think that this is actually one of those 12 watches, but it's exciting prospect! What do you folks think? Thank you for your help! I'll post a link to the Hodinkee article below.
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/five-star-general-omar-bradley-specia…
![[Accustron_1967] Dial](/sites/default/files/watches/image-2019-02-20-200219-9987.jpg)
![[Accutron_1967] Bulova watch](/sites/default/files/watches/image-2019-02-20%20%281%29-200219-9987.jpg)
![[Accutron_1967] Dial](/sites/default/files/watches/image-2019-02-20%20%282%29-200219-9987.jpg)
![[Accutron_1967] Dial](/sites/default/files/watches/image-2019-02-20%20%283%29-200219-9987.jpg)
It is wonderful to see this watch added to myBulova. Possiblly only the 2nd known example to still exist.
I'd love to hear the real story behind how your grandfather can about owning the watch, it's a true shame that story may never be known.
Can you check the date code on the back. Is it a M7 or M9?
Your serial number is F60939 and the watch referenced in the Hodinkee article is F68063
I also like how the engraving on both watches is a match, suggesting they were indeed from the same batch.
In reply to It is wonderful to see this by mybulova_admin
It is dated M7.
I also would love to know more about the watch's story. My grandmother passed away just this past weekend, and there's a chance that there's some paperwork hidden away somewhere among her belongings. I'll also be asking my aunts and uncles if they have any memory of the watch. And it's probably hopeless, but I'll keep trying to contact Bulova as well.
In reply to It is dated M7. I also would by AllThingsMustPass848
In reply to Keep asking and keep digging. by neetstuf-4-u
Wow, welcome to mybulova and thank you for sharing this amazing heirloom. Thank you as well for the education; this is a watch and great story I never knew existed.. I'm not quite sure how this should be ID'ed *(named), but it certainly deserves it's own catagory. I would call this a Bulova "Holy Grail" that most don't even know exists.
1967 Omar Bradley 5 Star Accutron
In reply to Wow, welcome to mybulova and by neetstuf-4-u
In reply to Welcome to myBulova and thank by Kathy L.
Thank you, Kathy. I first came across this watch about a year ago as my watch fascination was blooming. I didn't give it much thought at the time, as I was (foolishly) only interested in mechanical watches. I'm glad I've seen the error of my ways and am so excited to learn more about it! I will cherish it for the rest of my life.
In reply to Thank you, Kathy. I first by AllThingsMustPass848