For sale is an absolute standout rarity and one of the most historically compelling executions in the Accutron lineup: a Vintage 1968 Bulova Accutron Astronaut "Type 4" GMT. Highly sought-after by military and space-age watch enthusiasts, this specific variant represents the rare European and Swiss-market iteration of Bulova's legendary GMT tool watch.
Unlike standard U.S.-market Astronauts fitted with all-steel 24-hour bezels, this Type 4 execution features a striking black acrylic/bakelite bezel insert paired with a deep black dial. Assembled in Switzerland primarily for distribution in European markets (most notably Italy), it boasts design elements exclusive to the Type 4 variant: non-tapering rectangular luminous baton hands and the distinctive "swan neck" kinked GMT hand, cleverly engineered to clear the raised dial markers. Dated to 1968 via its "M8" case code, the watch retains its crownless case design—operated via a sleek flip-up setting key on the caseback—and comes fitted on its period-correct JB Champion stainless steel "Bullet" bracelet.
Brand: Bulova
Model: Accutron Astronaut GMT ("Type 4" European/Swiss Market)
Year / Date Code: 1968 (M8 Date Code)
Case Material: Stainless Steel with recessed flip-up setting key on caseback
Bezel: Black Acrylic / "Bakelite" 24-Hour Rotating Bezel
Dial & Hands: Black dial with luminous markers, rectangular baton hands, and signature "swan neck" GMT hand
Movement: Revolutionary Tuning Fork Caliber 214 GMT (360 Hz)
Bracelet: Period-Correct JB Champion Stainless Steel "Bullet" Bracelet
The Bulova Accutron Astronaut Type 4 occupies a sacred position at the intersection of Jet Age innovation and military aviation history. Driven by the famous Caliber 214 tuning fork movement humming at 360 Hz, the Astronaut wasn't merely a space-age novelty—it was actively chosen by NASA for early space program missions and famously issued to CIA pilots flying the hypersonic Lockheed A-12 SR-71 Blackbird due to its extreme temperature stability and high-G resistance. Combined with the rare Swiss-market bakelite bezel configuration and the iconic JB Champion bullet bracelet, this 1968 Type 4 is a premier piece for collectors seeking true horological significance and rare aesthetic appeal.
All watch purchases from Arrows Vintage Watches include a 48-hour return window. If you’re not fully satisfied, you may return the watch at your expense using the same insured shipping method it was sent with, and in the same condition it was received. Once the watch is returned and inspected, refunds will be issued within 7 days via the original payment method.
All returns and cancellations will be charged a restocking fee around 3% of the total item price. This is the cost of using a payment processor on the site.
For sale is an absolute standout rarity and one of the most historically compelling executions in the Accutron lineup: a Vintage 1968 Bulova Accutron Astronaut "Type 4" GMT. Highly sought-after by military and space-age watch enthusiasts, this specific variant represents the rare European and Swiss-market iteration of Bulova's legendary GMT tool watch.
Unlike standard U.S.-market Astronauts fitted with all-steel 24-hour bezels, this Type 4 execution features a striking black acrylic/bakelite bezel insert paired with a deep black dial. Assembled in Switzerland primarily for distribution in European markets (most notably Italy), it boasts design elements exclusive to the Type 4 variant: non-tapering rectangular luminous baton hands and the distinctive "swan neck" kinked GMT hand, cleverly engineered to clear the raised dial markers. Dated to 1968 via its "M8" case code, the watch retains its crownless case design—operated via a sleek flip-up setting key on the caseback—and comes fitted on its period-correct JB Champion stainless steel "Bullet" bracelet.
Brand: Bulova
Model: Accutron Astronaut GMT ("Type 4" European/Swiss Market)
Year / Date Code: 1968 (M8 Date Code)
Case Material: Stainless Steel with recessed flip-up setting key on caseback
Bezel: Black Acrylic / "Bakelite" 24-Hour Rotating Bezel
Dial & Hands: Black dial with luminous markers, rectangular baton hands, and signature "swan neck" GMT hand
Movement: Revolutionary Tuning Fork Caliber 214 GMT (360 Hz)
Bracelet: Period-Correct JB Champion Stainless Steel "Bullet" Bracelet
The Bulova Accutron Astronaut Type 4 occupies a sacred position at the intersection of Jet Age innovation and military aviation history. Driven by the famous Caliber 214 tuning fork movement humming at 360 Hz, the Astronaut wasn't merely a space-age novelty—it was actively chosen by NASA for early space program missions and famously issued to CIA pilots flying the hypersonic Lockheed A-12 SR-71 Blackbird due to its extreme temperature stability and high-G resistance. Combined with the rare Swiss-market bakelite bezel configuration and the iconic JB Champion bullet bracelet, this 1968 Type 4 is a premier piece for collectors seeking true horological significance and rare aesthetic appeal.
All watch purchases from Arrows Vintage Watches include a 48-hour return window. If you’re not fully satisfied, you may return the watch at your expense using the same insured shipping method it was sent with, and in the same condition it was received. Once the watch is returned and inspected, refunds will be issued within 7 days via the original payment method.
All returns and cancellations will be charged a restocking fee around 3% of the total item price. This is the cost of using a payment processor on the site.
