Bulova 'Gold Block' 228 Accuquartz

The blingiest!

Description:

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

This watch is one of those watches where you either love it or you hate it. This studly "manly man's" macho watch is not for those who dislike gold. It perfectly embodies 1970s era disco ball style bling. I can just imagine a group of marketroids and designers sitting around a conference table and saying "So they want bling - we'll give em bling!". The combination of hammer finished, brushed, and polished surfaces is unique and distinctive. One of my favorite descriptions of this watch is from a Japanese collector who wrote "This gorgeous design symbolizes the energy of American society in the 1970s".

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. Like most Bulova watches, this can be dated using the date code on the back which reads "N4" for 1974.

Condition:

Case: Excellent.
This watch case is in excellent condition with no major scratches or marks. It's easy to imagine this watch brand new in a store display case in 1974. The case back has been inscribed as can be seen in the photos.

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

Crystal: 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: Excellent.
The original bracelet is in excellent condition. It is complete and will fit a very large 8.5" 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.