Bulova Accutron Kirkwood Chronograph
Chronograph / Sports Watch · Bulova (owned by Citizen Watch Co.), mid-range luxury tier
Period: Modern Luxury (2000s-present)
Type
Chronograph / Sports Watch
Brand
Bulova (owned by Citizen Watch Co.), mid-range luxury tier
Movement
Automatic mechanical chronograph movement, likely based on a Swiss ETA/Valjoux 7750 variant
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 43-45mm, thickness around 15mm, lug-to-lug around 50mm, lug width 22mm
Description
The Bulova Accutron Kirkwood Chronograph is a bold, modern sports timepiece that blends high-end mechanical aesthetics with robust tool watch styling. Featuring an eye-catching open-heart dial design that showcases the beating escapement and mechanical complexity beneath, this watch makes a dramatic statement on the wrist. The substantial stainless steel case is paired with a striking black rotating bezel and a comfortable integrated rubber strap, offering a blend of sporty functionality and avant-garde design.
Key Features
Distinctive open-heart dial cutouts revealing the mechanical movement, prominent rotating dive bezel with raised markers, integrated rubber strap construction, and Swiss automatic chronograph complication
Dial Description
Textured white/silver dial with open-heart windows revealing mechanical components, applied circular indices, luminous sword hands, tachymeter scale on the outer chapter ring, and chronograph subdials
Case Material
Stainless steel with a combination of polished and brushed finishing
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with flat profile
Bezel Details
Black unidirectional rotating dive-style bezel with raised metallic numerals (20, 30, 40, 50, 60) and minute markers
Crown & Pushers
Signed screw-down crown with crown guards, accompanied by pump-style chronograph pushers at the 2 and 4 o'clock positions
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated black rubber strap with a steel deployment clasp
Caseback Details
Exhibition display case back with a sapphire crystal window showcasing the mechanical movement
Movement Type
Automatic mechanical chronograph movement, likely based on a Swiss ETA/Valjoux 7750 variant
Water Resistance
Rated to 100 meters (10 ATM / 330 feet), suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational water sports, but not professional diving
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made utilizing outsourced Swiss mechanical movements
Age Estimate
Circa 2005-2015
Cultural Significance
Represents Bulova's foray into contemporary bold luxury sports watches during the oversized watch trend of the 2000s, leveraging its historical Accutron prestige for high-end mechanical designs.
Condition Notes
The watch appears to be in very good condition with minor signs of wear on the bezel and case surfaces. The crystal is clear, and the rubber strap shows light use but remains structurally sound.
Value Estimate
Secondary market value generally ranges from $600 to $1,200 USD depending on the presence of box, papers, and overall condition
Care & Maintenance
Recommended mechanical service interval of 4 to 5 years, water resistance pressure testing annually, clean rubber strap with mild soap and water, keep away from strong magnetic fields
Similar Watches
Tag Heuer Aquaracer Chronograph, Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart, Tissot T-Sport Chronograph
Interesting Facts
The Accutron name was originally legendary for pioneering electronic tuning fork movements in 1960. In the modern era, Bulova revived the Accutron sub-brand to house their higher-end, Swiss-made mechanical and quartz offerings.