$14,400
Bulova Diver’s Wristwatch Prototype Bulova "Prototype" Diver’s Wristwatch, No. U.D.T. 21 0182. Made in 1959 for the U.S. Navy Experimental Diving Unit. Fine, center seconds, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch. Accompanied by copies of a 24-page document from the Department of the Navy containing testing and evaluation procedures. Three-body, brushed, screwed ring on the case back, graduated bidirectional revolving black bezel, triangular lugs, case back engraved: U. . 21 0182. D. Black with luminous triangular, round and baton indexes. Luminous skeleton hands, outer minute/seconds divisions, moisture indicator above the 6. Cal. 10BPCHN, gilt brass, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring.Dial and movement signed, numbered on the case. Diam. 41 mm. Thickness 13 mm. Notes A prototype diver's watch made for the U.S. Navy in 1958. Designated MIL-SHIPS-W-2181, Bulova Wrist Watch, Submersible, the watch was intended by the Navy to be a replacement for the obsolete Elgin "Canteen" diver's watch. The watch featured a unique two-piece water-resistant case back, a thick brass anti-magnetic case holder, and a newly designed movement - the 17 jewel manual wind 10 BPCHN. The unique movement featured a clutch mechanism that prevented the watch from being over-wound. A small number of these watches were delivered for testing by the U.S. Navy Experimental Diving Unit in 1958, and were successf
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2010-03-10
