The Bulova 11ANAC Series: Refined Automatic Movements for the Modern Collector

The Bulova 11ANAC, along with its close relatives 11ANACB and 11ANACD, is part of a refined family of automatic mechanical movements designed to meet the needs of evolving wristwatch styles during the 1960s and 1970s. Compact, reliable, and equipped with useful functions like date display and center seconds, these movements reflect Bulova’s commitment to combining precision mechanics with everyday usability.

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Core Movement: The 11ANAC

The 11ANAC is an automatic mechanical movement that builds upon earlier hand-wound calibers by incorporating a bidirectional rotor system for self-winding. It was developed during a period when automatic movements were quickly becoming the norm in men’s and unisex watches.

Main Features:

• Diameter: Approx. 11.5 ligne (~25.6 mm)

• Automatic winding: Bi-directional rotor for continuous winding

• Manual winding capable: Crown-wind backup included

• Jewels: Usually 17 jewels

• Beat rate: 18,000 vibrations per hour (bph)

• Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date (in most variants)

• Power reserve: 40+ hours

• Shock protection: Typically Incabloc system or similar

The movement's size and layout allowed it to fit in both round and tonneau-shaped watches, offering flexibility for case designers.

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Variant Breakdown

11ANAC

• The base model in the series.

• Features automatic winding, central seconds, and a date display.

• Date wheel usually positioned at 3 o’clock, with non-quickset adjustment via crown.

• Often found in Bulova watches marketed in both North America and international markets.

11ANACB

• A slight refinement of the 11ANAC.

• In many cases, the “B” suffix indicates internal updates, such as:

  • Improved date switching

  • Slight modification to bridges or rotor design

  • Better shock resistance or jewel layout

• The 11ANACB usually shares exact dimensions with the 11ANAC, ensuring case compatibility.

• Rarely externally distinguishable without opening the caseback.

11ANACD

• The most feature-rich variant in this family.

• The “D” typically adds day-date complication:

  • Day window often located alongside the date, sometimes at 3 or 6 o’clock depending on the dial design.

• May include quick-set functionality, depending on production year.

• Ideal for users wanting a fully functional calendar watch with auto winding.

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Application and Use

These movements were used in a wide range of Bulova models including:

• Professional and business-style dress watches

• Dual-tone watches popular in the early 1970s

• Daily-wear timepieces built with water-resistant or shock-resistant features

Cases were typically made from stainless steel or gold-plated brass, and dials featured luminous markers or applied indices. Leather straps or integrated bracelets were common.

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Durability and Service Considerations

The 11ANAC series is respected among watchmakers for its solid construction and straightforward maintenance. Due to Bulova’s large-scale manufacturing during this era, spare parts and donor movements remain relatively accessible.

Watchmaker Tips:

• Regular cleaning and oiling of the rotor mechanism are essential for long-term performance.

• The date-change mechanism must be aligned precisely to prevent premature switching or jamming.

• Crowns should not be pulled harshly during date adjustment to avoid stem damage.

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Collector Appeal

While not exotic or rare, the 11ANAC and its variants are attractive to collectors seeking vintage automatics that still offer daily-wear capability. These movements represent a significant transition point for Bulova—from classic manual-wind watches to fully featured automatics.

Why collectors like them:

• Affordable entry into vintage automatics

• Known-brand reliability

• Functional layout (center seconds, date/day)

• Vintage charm with modern usability

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Final Thoughts

The Bulova 11ANAC series, including 11ANACB and 11ANACD, helped define a new generation of automatic wristwatches. With their compact size, reliable mechanics, and functional designs, these movements have stood the test of time. Whether you're servicing one, wearing one, or restoring a classic Bulova from this era, the 11ANAC remains a trustworthy heart for a vintage watch.

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