Bulova 'Big Block' 228 Accuquartz

For when you want a hunk of steel on your wrist

Description:

The Bulova 228 Accuquartz was Bulova's very first digital watch, released in 1974.

This watch is noticeable for having a large case milled out of a solid hunk of stainless steel, hence the nickname "Big Block". The watch is not waterproof and has a rather delicate mechanism that connects the crown to the module inside, so its toughness is only skin deep. It feels a little bit like a "beta" version since the button mechanism can be a bit fickle and the calander has 31 days for each month rather than adjusting the number of days for each month like later digital watch models.

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This watch is very satisfying to wear due to its solid feel and weight It feels like something that James Bond or some type of superhero might wear. Like most Bulova watches, this can be dated using the date code on the back which reads "N4" for 1974.

Condition:

Case: Very good.
This watch is mirror smooth and shiny! It was refinished to have a mirror smooth front face and sides. It's almost perfect except for a small nick to the right of the display. Since the watch is solid stainless steel, it can be refinished to polish out scratches without worrying about wearing through the plating.

Face / Hands: Excellent.
All LED digits and segments are complete and bright.

Crystal: Excellent.
No scratches or scuffs. The acrylic crystal has been polished smooth. Since the crystal is plastic, if it does get a minor scratch, it can be easily repolished back to near perfection.

Band / Bracelet: Very good.
The original bracelet is in very good condition with shiny smooth links, lightly brushed on the sides and polished smooth in the center, and only a few scratches from moderate use. There are a few small scratches on the clasp. The bracelet is complete and fits a large 8" wrist.

Function / Accuracy: Excellent.
All functions work properly. Due to the delicate crown mechanism described above, these watches frequently have problems with the crown not working correctly, particularly with the date function. Everything works perfectly on this sample. Digital quartz accuracy.