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Bulova Minute Man Day-Date (Ref. T-3258) "TV Case", 1973 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Bulova Minute Man Day-Date (Ref. T-3258) "TV Case", 1973

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Bulova (maker)
Date
1973
Country of origin
United States
Object type
Wristwatch
Stock no.
BLVT3258
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (BLVT3258)
Catalogue title (original)
1973 Bulova Minute Man Day-Date (Ref. T-3258) "TV Case" (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number BLVT3258), this is a wristwatch by Bulova, made in United States, dated 1973. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Founded in New York in 1875 by Czech immigrant Joseph Bulova, the Bulova Watch Company evolved from a small jewelry and clock repair shop into one of America's most influential watchmakers. By the early 20th century, Bulova had established itself as an industry pioneer through innovative manufacturing techniques, standardized production, and bold marketing campaigns that helped make quality timepieces accessible to a broader audience. The brand is often celebrated for its colorful chronographs, futuristic Accutrons, and unconventional designs of the 1960s through the 1980s. SPECS Stock # BLVT3258 Brand Bulova Style Minute Man Day-Date Model T-3258 Serial T0XXXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Grey Millimeters 35 X 35 Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The architectural and charming TV-style square case remains in excellent condition, exhibiting light evidence of prior polishing and honest signs of gentle use throughout. The unsigned crown is likely an early replacement. The case back retains its original factory markings is legible and crisp condition. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The original grey "ombre" dial is in exceptional condition, exhibiting no damage or visible wear. The tritium lume plots at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock markers exhibit no degradation under UV light inspection and feature a subtle cream patina. The original tritium hands match the dial with no degradation present. The day and date window is tucked in a unique fashion at the 4 o'clock position. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is functioning correctly and keeping time; the previous service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

Atlas type guide

Calendar, moon-phase and perpetual calendar watches

Calendar complications range from a simple date to the perpetual calendar, which automatically allows for months of different lengths and leap years until 2100. Pocket watches with perpetual calendars were made in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; Patek Philippe made the first perpetual calendar wristwatch in 1925, and series production followed in 1941. The annual calendar (Patek Philippe, 1996) needs correction only once a year.

Moon-phase displays use a disc with two moons and 59 teeth advanced daily, approximating the 29.5-day lunation; more precise trains reduce the error to one day in over a century.

What to look for

  • Apertures or subsidiary dials for day, date, month and leap year.
  • Moon disc under a 'bosom' shaped aperture.
  • Recessed correctors on the case band for setting the calendar.

Dating clues

  • Triple-date wristwatches: popular c. 1940–1955.
  • Perpetual calendar wristwatches: from 1925 (unique) and 1941 (series).

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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