Bulova Super Compressor 'Jumbo'

There are lots of Super Compressors out there, but few are truly exceptional.

The JLC Deep Sea Alarm is one. The Universal Geneve Polerouter Sub is another. While Bulova's take on the distinctive dual-crown diver doesn't command the same kind of value, it manages to stand head and shoulders above other Super Compressors from other brands. 

The Super Compressor name refers to the innovative case design which utilizes a ‘compressor’ system designed to increase watertightness the deeper the watch dives under the water. As the atmospheric pressure increases, the case back compresses, pushing on the gaskets and creating a tighter seal.

Despite the logic of the design, the compressor case wasn’t any better at preventing water intrusion than the garden variety screw-down crown — in fact, it was less effective in many models — but due to their good looks, compressor cases proved to be wildly popular during the 1960s. Eager to get into the burgeoning dive watch market, many of the best Swiss brands turned to EPSA (Ervin Piquerez, S.A.), the leading manufacturer of compressor cases at the time, for cases upon which to build their divers.

So what’s so special about this Bulova?

We’ve sold other Super Compressors,, but like 99% of examples out there, they were 36mm, the typical size for the era. Bulova produced a very small number of Jumbo Super Compressors, and they’re extremely rare (and sought after) today. The Jumbo's 42mm case feels appropriately hefty compared with the 36mm models, giving the watch the tool-like aspect it was always meant to have. 

This particular example features an aforementioned 42mm stainless steel Super Compressor case with an acrylic crystal, dual crowns, a gloss black Tritium dial with printed ‘Arabic’ indices, a matching ‘syringe’ handset, and an internal rotating dive timing bezel. Powered by the automatic Bulova Caliber 11ALAC movement and dating to circa 1971, it’s an awesome piece of horological history that doesn’t often surface.

Nab this one before somebody else gets a similar idea!

The story of Bulova is deeply entwined with American manufacturing. Its founder, a Czech immigrant named Joseph Bulova, was inspired by the advances that Ford made in his factory in Highland Park, Michigan. In 1912, Bulova built a factory in Biel, Switzerland, using Ford’s principles of mass production.
The brand was among the first to offer a wide range of wristwatches for men, with a distinctive visual style that — thanks to its innovative adoption of advertising and a relocation to Astoria, Queens — became fixed in the American imagination. Bulova took over offices in a skyscraper on 5th Avenue in Manhattan and installed an observatory on the roof in order to measure universal time. In the workshop down below, watchmakers timed the watches they were working on against readings taken in the observatory.
The watches that Bulova produced were varied, from handsome three-handers to divers and even chronographs. Bulova produced its first chronographs in the 1940s — single-button affairs with screw-on bezels. Throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70's, Bulova honed its mastery of such watches.

However, perhaps the brand’s single most important innovation was 1960’s Accutron, a timepiece that used an electric tuning fork in place of a traditional balance wheel. Following on the heels of the Hamilton Electric of 1957, the Accutron featured a guaranteed accuracy of two seconds per day — much better accuracy than that of a contemporary mechanical watch. (The Accutron line was later spun off and relaunched as its own brand in 2020.)

In 1971 a Bulova chronograph accompanied the crew of Apollo 15 into space. When the crystal on astronaut David Scott’s Speedmaster popped off, he strapped on his Bulova, making it the only privately worn watch to ever have been worn on the Moon. (It was subsequently auctioned off for more than $1.625M.)

Currently owned by Citizen Group and headquartered in New York City, Bulova continues to make watches inspired by its long American heritage.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.