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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch

Bulova Sport Timer Wristwatch, Reference 971

Partially verified

This Bulova Sport Timer wristwatch, reference 971 and dated by the source to circa 1969, features a 34 mm stainless steel case with an acrylic crystal. According to the seller, it is powered by a manual-wind 17-jewel caliber 11 ANC mechanical movement. The watch displays a blue dial detailed with crosshair lines, printed white baton indices, polished stick hands, and a vivid orange sweep center seconds hand. Fitted with an 18 mm blue herringbone tweed strap, the watch measures 41 mm lug-to-lug.

Bulova Sport Timer wristwatch, reference 971, featuring a blue crosshair dial and orange central seconds hand
Bulova Sport Timer wristwatch, reference 971, featuring a blue crosshair dial and orange central seconds hand — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Bulova
Reference
971
Catalogue / lot identifier
vws2815
Source-reported date
c. 1969
Country
United States

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and External Construction

The Bulova Sport Timer reference 971 is constructed with a stainless steel case. It measures 34 mm in diameter excluding the crown, with a lug width of 18 mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 41 mm. The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal.

The watch is presented on a blue tweed strap featuring a pin buckle. The case design incorporates a smooth bezel.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: Stainless Steel”
  • “Width (without crown): 34mm”
  • “Lug width: 18mm”
  • “Lug height: (lug to lug) 41mm”
  • “Crystal: Acrylic”

Dial Aesthetic

The dial is matte blue and features a printed cross-hair design with white baton hour markers. The watch utilizes polished metal stick-style hands for the hour and minute indicators.

A neon orange central seconds hand is present on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “The sporty indigo-blue dial is in blemish-free condition and looks stunning with the cross-hair detail and sporting white baton hour markers.”
  • “The polished metal stick hands and zesty neon orange central seconds hand are nice details”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The watch is powered by a manual-wind, mechanical movement, identified by the source as the caliber 11 ANC with 17 jewels. The source lists the watch as not waterproof.

The date of issue is approximated as circa 1969. The internal movement and case serial numbers are not specified in the source documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Winding: Manual”
  • “Movement Type: Mechanical”
  • “Calibre: 11 ANC”
  • “Jewels: 17”
  • “Waterproof: No”
  • “Date of issue: c.1969”

Open research questions

  • What is the technical origin or base caliber for the Bulova 11 ANC movement?
  • Are there specific production records for the 971 reference that verify the c. 1969 dating?
  • What manufacturing standard or testing was associated with the 'Waterproof: No' rating for this reference?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulova Sport Timer Wristwatch, Reference 971
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Model Reference971“Model Reference: 971”
Movement Calibre11 ANC“Calibre: 11 ANC”
Jewels17“Jewels: 17”
Case MaterialStainless Steel“Case: Stainless Steel”
Case Width34mm“Width (without crown): 34mm”
Date of Issuec.1969“Date of issue: c.1969”
Warranty12 Months“Warranty: 12 Months VWS”

Visible details

  • Matte blue dial with printed white crosshair design and baton hour markers
  • Contrasting orange sweep center seconds hand
  • Polished stainless steel round case with smooth bezel
  • Mounted on a blue woven herringbone tweed strap

Research qualifications

  • Movement is not visible in the provided photograph; caliber 11 ANC and jewel count are source-reported.
  • Movement and case serial numbers are not specified.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Bulova - Sport Timer Watch - Model Ref: 971 - Beautiful Blue Crosshair – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 6f868bad11

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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