Bulova 11BLA Series: Slim Manual Movements with Practical Upgrades

The Bulova 11BLA and its extended variants represent a continuation of Bulova's successful line of 11-ligne mechanical watch movements. Developed during the 1960s and 1970s, these calibers built upon the framework of the earlier 11BL series but added small enhancements to improve durability, user convenience, and flexibility for case designs. They were designed for thin dress watches and functional daily wearers, striking a balance between elegance and simplicity.

11BLA Movement: Core Specifications

The base 11BLA is a manual-wind movement, emphasizing compact construction and ease of maintenance. It shares much of its architecture with the original 11BL but includes refinements in materials and internal finishing.

Technical Specs:

• Size: ~11.5 ligne (≈25.6 mm diameter)

• Height: Thin profile, ideal for dress watches

• Jewels: Typically 17

• Functions: Hours, minutes, center seconds (most versions)

• Winding: Manual (hand-wound only)

• Power Reserve: Approximately 40–42 hours

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

• Shock Protection: Incabloc or similar, especially in post-1970 models

The movement is known for its stable performance and minimalistic layout, allowing Bulova designers to craft watches that were elegant yet mechanically dependable.

Common Variants in the 11BLA Series

As with many Bulova calibers, the 11BLA received several letter-coded extensions, each adding functional or structural upgrades:

11BLAC

• The center seconds version of the 11BLA.

• Used in watches where a sweeping central seconds hand was preferred over sub-seconds.

• Very popular in men’s dress models from the late '60s.

11BLAD

• Introduces a date display, usually positioned at 3 o'clock.

• "D" in Bulova nomenclature typically stands for "date."

• Offers more day-to-day practicality for business and professional use.

11BLACD

• The most feature-rich variant in the family.

• Combines center seconds and a date function.

• Ideal for users wanting traditional hand-wind control with everyday calendar utility.

These variants maintained the same size and shape, allowing Bulova to use a single case design across different functional configurations—a strategy that improved production efficiency and market adaptability.

Watch Styles and Application

The 11BLA series powered a wide array of Bulova wristwatches, many of which were designed for office, formal, or daily use. Typical characteristics include:

• Slim cases crafted from stainless steel or gold-plated brass

• Classic dial layouts with baton or Roman numeral hour markers

• Simple, elegant hands (often dauphine or pencil-style)

• Manual-wind crowns, small and flush with the case edge

• Leather straps or mesh metal bracelets

These timepieces prioritized refined aesthetics, making them suitable for suits, events, and general professional settings.

Servicing and Maintenance

The 11BLA and its variants are considered watchmaker-friendly. Their relatively low part count and modular construction mean they are easier to service than automatic or chronograph movements.

Key Service Considerations:

• Inspect the mainspring and balance regularly for age-related fatigue.

• Proper lubrication at pivot points ensures continued accuracy.

• The date mechanism (on D variants) is simple but should be cleaned and aligned carefully during reassembly.

Vintage parts are still accessible via donor movements or NOS inventories, especially since the 11BL and 11BLA parts often overlap.

Collector Value and Wearability

Although not considered high-end or rare, the 11BLA-powered watches hold appeal for collectors and everyday vintage watch wearers.

Why collectors appreciate the 11BLA series:

• Straightforward and reliable mechanics

• Slim form factor for discreet wear

• A classic example of Bulova’s mid-century craftsmanship

• Manual-wind charm in an affordable package

These movements represent the type of engineering that made Bulova a household name in American and global watchmaking during the 20th century.

Final Thoughts

The Bulova 11BLA, along with its variants 11BLAC, 11BLAD, and 11BLACD, exemplifies what makes vintage mechanical watches so enduring—simplicity, reliability, and thoughtful design. For enthusiasts seeking a clean manual-wind experience or collectors curating mid-century timepieces, the 11BLA series is an accessible and rewarding piece of horological history.