Vintage Bulova Wrist-Alarm (often nicknamed the Bulova 'Memovox' competitor)
Alarm Watch / Dress Watch · Bulova (then an American-owned company). Now part of the Citizen Group. Historically a high-tier American brand known for technical innovation.
Period: Mid-Century Modern (Late 1950s - Early 1960s). Indicators include the domed acrylic crystal, dauphine hands, and sharp, tapered lugs common in post-war American-based luxury design.
Type
Alarm Watch / Dress Watch
Brand
Bulova (then an American-owned company). Now part of the Citizen Group. Historically a high-tier American brand known for technical innovation.
Movement
Manual-Wind Alarm Movement (likely Bulova Caliber 11AERC or 11AFR). These movements typically operate at 18,000 bph, feature 17 jewels, and have a power reserve of approximately 40 hours with two separate mainspring barrels.
Dimensions
34mm to 35mm diameter, 12mm thickness, 41mm lug-to-lug, 18mm lug width. It wears smaller by modern standards but larger than typical vintage dress watches due to the dual-crown thickness.
Description
The Bulova Wrist-Alarm represents the pinnacle of mid-century mechanical utility. While LeCoultre dominated the alarm market with the Memovox, Bulova offered a sophisticated, reliable alternative for the American professional. This watch features a dual-barrel system where one barrel powers the timekeeping and the other powers the vibrating hammer that strikes a post on the caseback to create a buzzing 'chirp' alarm.
Key Features
Dual crowns at 2 and 4, red-tipped alarm pointer hand, 'Wrist-Alarm' dial text, and the signature 1950s 'dagger' indices.
Dial Description
Sunburst champagne or silver-white dial. Features applied gold-tone 'dagger' or 'arrowhead' indices. Central alarm disc or pointer hand (marked with a red tip for legibility). Signature 'Bulova' and 'Wrist-Alarm' script at 12 and 6 respectively.
Case Material
10K Gold Filled or 14K Gold Filled. The case features high-polish finishing on the bezel and lugs with a likely brushed stainless steel or gold-filled caseback.
Crystal Type
High-domed Acrylic (Plexiglass). Visible surface scratches and minor scuffing consistent with age.
Bezel Details
Fixed, stepped polished bezel integrated into the gold-filled case. A contrasting dark internal 'track' or chapter ring for the alarm setting is visible.
Crown & Pushers
Dual Crown System: The crown at 2 o'clock winds and sets the alarm function; the crown at 4 o'clock winds and sets the time. Both are push-pull, unsigned or subtly branded.
Bracelet or Strap
Tan/Brown smooth calfskin leather strap with tonal stitching and a gold-tone tang buckle (aftermarket replacement).
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down or snap-back (usually stainless steel on gold-filled models) with circular graining and a specific date code (e.g., L9 for 1959 or M1 for 1961).
Movement Type
Manual-Wind Alarm Movement (likely Bulova Caliber 11AERC or 11AFR). These movements typically operate at 18,000 bph, feature 17 jewels, and have a power reserve of approximately 40 hours with two separate mainspring barrels.
Water Resistance
None. Classified as 'Non-waterproof' or 'Water Dust Protected'—suitable only for dry wear.
Origin & Provenance
USA/Swiss. Movements were often manufactured in Switzerland (Bienne) and cased/timed in the United States (New York).
Age Estimate
Circa 1958-1962 production based on the 'Wrist-Alarm' branding and dial configuration.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the 'Gadget Watch' era of the 1950s when mechanical complications were marketed as essential tools for the modern businessman.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. The case shows minor brassing on the lug edges. The dial has light spotting/patina (stardust). Crystal has moderate scratches that could be buffed with Polywatch. Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
$350 - $650 USD depending on the specific movement caliber and case gold content. 14K solid gold versions can exceed $1,000.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5-7 years. Avoid all water contact as vintage alarm watches have multiple entry points (dual crowns) and zero gasket protection. Do not overwind the alarm barrel.
Similar Watches
Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox (higher end), Vulcain Cricket (louder alarm), Seiko Bell-Matic (automatic variant).
Interesting Facts
Bulova's alarm watches were often gifted as retirement or service awards in the 1960s. The 'buzz' of the alarm is produced by a hammer hitting a pin welded to the inside of the caseback.