Bulova Ambassador "AI" Micro-Rotor
That's right! Bulova did have their very own micro rotor movement with the Bulova 12EBA... Well, actually it was just a Buren 1280 but that movement, was the very first micro rotor movement ever produced... ok, might be. Look, we'll get into it but we have to ask one thing out of the way first.
What is a micro rotor movement?
We all know automatic movements, right? Watches with a central oscillating rotor that rotates using gravity and the natural movement of your walk which, in turn, winds the mainspring that powers the watch. Now, take that concept, cut out about a third of the movement and place a small version of the rotor that fits into that space and there you have it! Now you have the thin quality of a mechanical watch with the convenience and practicality of an automatic. Of course, it's a bit more complicated than that but you get the idea.
Just as I said in the intro, this movement was not made by Bulova but by Buren Watch company in 1958 utilizing their 1954 patent of the "Planetary Rotor." Some watch nerds might see this and say, "Wait a minute! Erm, actually the Universal Geneve 'Microtor' calibre 1-69 was also produced in 1958." and they're definitely annoying but also, right. There's no clear winner to who produced the first micro rotor movement since both were produced in 1958 and these companies didn't keep a clear record of their releases. Kind of reminds me of another watchmaking race, I'm looking at you, el primero, Chronomatic, & Seiko 6139. (Fun Fact: The Buren Micro Rotor was actually the base movement for the legendary chronomatic!) Although we might never find out who truly made the first micro rotor movement, one thing is for sure, for being a potential first in watchmaking history, they are incredibly under valued.
Bulova didn't start using the micro rotor until 1964 with their Ambassador series. Not much else is known beyond that but it is suspected that they stopped using the movement in 1971 after Hamilton acquired Buren in 1966 and created the intramatic movement in 1971, which is found in some Ambassador models but they are exceedingly rare. The Ambassador series from Bulova is a line that is still being made to this day, maintaining the original vision of a thin dress watch for men but now utilizing a Japanese Miyota Movement.
Here's a Bulova catalog image from 1967
A very cool piece of Swiss watchmaking history with a splash of American watchmaking. A very uniquely beautiful Case Design at a wearable 31mm makes this a must for your next night out. Be the Ambassador you know you are and get this bad boy today!
The Bulova Watch Company was established in 1875 by Joseph Bulova in New York City. The company initially manufactured fine jewelry, but in 1911, it began producing Pocket Watches Like the "American Maid" and ladies wristwatches with the "Rubaiyat" which were popular at the time.
In 1920, Bulova introduced the first complete range of men's wristwatches in the United States. This was a prominent milestone as wristwatches were gaining popularity and replacing pocket watches.
In the years that followed, Bulova became a well-known brand and a leader in watchmaking, introducing many innovative technologies to the industry.
From Bulova's TV Commercial in 1926, The first television commercial in history.
For example, in 1927, Bulova introduced the first clock radio. In 1941, the company began producing watches for the US military and WWII alongside other American Brands like Hamilton and Waltham.
Throughout its history, Bulova continued to innovate and expand. In 1960, the company Introduced Accutron, the first electronic watch, which provided greater accuracy than mechanical watches. They continued their partnership with the U.S Government through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration AKA NASA and the U.S. Air Force.
Vintage Bulova Watch Ad showcasing the Accutron Technology
Bulova was vital to NASA with the use of Accutron timekeeping devices in over 40 space missions. One of the most prominent being Project Vanguard which were the first U.S. manmade satellites to successfully orbit around the earth.
In 2008, the Bulova Watch Company was acquired by Japanese multinational conglomerate, Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Today, Bulova continues to produce high-quality timepieces, including both mechanical and quartz watches, as well as clocks and accessories.
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That's right! Bulova did have their very own micro rotor movement with the Bulova 12EBA... Well, actually it was just a Buren 1280 but that movement, was the very first micro rotor movement ever produced... ok, might be. Look, we'll get into it but we have to ask one thing out of the way first.
What is a micro rotor movement?
We all know automatic movements, right? Watches with a central oscillating rotor that rotates using gravity and the natural movement of your walk which, in turn, winds the mainspring that powers the watch. Now, take that concept, cut out about a third of the movement and place a small version of the rotor that fits into that space and there you have it! Now you have the thin quality of a mechanical watch with the convenience and practicality of an automatic. Of course, it's a bit more complicated than that but you get the idea.
Just as I said in the intro, this movement was not made by Bulova but by Buren Watch company in 1958 utilizing their 1954 patent of the "Planetary Rotor." Some watch nerds might see this and say, "Wait a minute! Erm, actually the Universal Geneve 'Microtor' calibre 1-69 was also produced in 1958." and they're definitely annoying but also, right. There's no clear winner to who produced the first micro rotor movement since both were produced in 1958 and these companies didn't keep a clear record of their releases. Kind of reminds me of another watchmaking race, I'm looking at you, el primero, Chronomatic, & Seiko 6139. (Fun Fact: The Buren Micro Rotor was actually the base movement for the legendary chronomatic!) Although we might never find out who truly made the first micro rotor movement, one thing is for sure, for being a potential first in watchmaking history, they are incredibly under valued.
Bulova didn't start using the micro rotor until 1964 with their Ambassador series. Not much else is known beyond that but it is suspected that they stopped using the movement in 1971 after Hamilton acquired Buren in 1966 and created the intramatic movement in 1971, which is found in some Ambassador models but they are exceedingly rare. The Ambassador series from Bulova is a line that is still being made to this day, maintaining the original vision of a thin dress watch for men but now utilizing a Japanese Miyota Movement.
Here's a Bulova catalog image from 1967
A very cool piece of Swiss watchmaking history with a splash of American watchmaking. A very uniquely beautiful Case Design at a wearable 31mm makes this a must for your next night out. Be the Ambassador you know you are and get this bad boy today!
The Bulova Watch Company was established in 1875 by Joseph Bulova in New York City. The company initially manufactured fine jewelry, but in 1911, it began producing Pocket Watches Like the "American Maid" and ladies wristwatches with the "Rubaiyat" which were popular at the time.
In 1920, Bulova introduced the first complete range of men's wristwatches in the United States. This was a prominent milestone as wristwatches were gaining popularity and replacing pocket watches.
In the years that followed, Bulova became a well-known brand and a leader in watchmaking, introducing many innovative technologies to the industry.
From Bulova's TV Commercial in 1926, The first television commercial in history.
For example, in 1927, Bulova introduced the first clock radio. In 1941, the company began producing watches for the US military and WWII alongside other American Brands like Hamilton and Waltham.
Throughout its history, Bulova continued to innovate and expand. In 1960, the company Introduced Accutron, the first electronic watch, which provided greater accuracy than mechanical watches. They continued their partnership with the U.S Government through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration AKA NASA and the U.S. Air Force.
Vintage Bulova Watch Ad showcasing the Accutron Technology
Bulova was vital to NASA with the use of Accutron timekeeping devices in over 40 space missions. One of the most prominent being Project Vanguard which were the first U.S. manmade satellites to successfully orbit around the earth.
In 2008, the Bulova Watch Company was acquired by Japanese multinational conglomerate, Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Today, Bulova continues to produce high-quality timepieces, including both mechanical and quartz watches, as well as clocks and accessories.
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