Property from an Important Collector
Bulova | Pulsar
Set of two wristwatches composed of a Pulsar and a Bulova
Lot Closed
November 12, 01:20 PM GMT
Estimate
5,000 - 10,000 CHF
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
Calculator Time Computer LED
A stainless steel calculator wristwatch with bracelet
Circa 1980
Accutron Astronaut
A stainless steel and yellow gold dual time zone wristwatch
Circa 1965
Dial: stainless steel | silvered
Calibre: quartz | quartz
Case: stainless steel, back secured by 6 screws | stainless steel and 14k yellow gold, screw-down back
Case number: 729'005 | D26'554, M7
Closure: stainless steel Pulsar Time Computer Inc. bracelet and folding clasp | stainless steel Bulova buckle
Size: 46.5 x 40.5 mm (width x length), bracelet circumference approximately 165 mm | 38 mm diameter
Signed: case and dial | case and movement
Box: no | yes
Papers: no | no
Accessories: associated pen | Bulova presentation case, document signed by Mr Francesco Remelli confirming that the two watches was parts of the Mr Nigel Stepney Collection
The Bulova Accutron Astronaut is a remarkable timepiece with a rich history tied to space exploration and aviation. Originally developed in the early 1960s, it was designed for high-altitude missions and was notably used by CIA pilots flying the Lockheed A-12, the fastest plane ever made.
The watch features a 24-hour rotating bezel and a secondary 24-hour hand, making it ideal for tracking multiple time zones2.
In 1963, the Accutron Astronaut was worn during the Mercury-Atlas 9 mission, making it one of the first watches to be used in space. Its innovative tuning fork movement provided unprecedented accuracy, which was crucial for both space missions and high-speed flights.
The Pulsar Calculator Watch is a fascinating piece of technology from the 1970s. Known for its distinctive design and functionality, it features a stainless steel case and bracelet, along with a built-in calculator. This watch was quite advanced for its time, allowing users to perform basic arithmetic operations directly on their wrist
Mr Nigel Stepney was team manager and chief mechanic of JRM RACING in the FIA World Endurance Championship. He started in Formula One as a mechanic at Shadow in 1977, then followed Elio de Angelis to Lotus before moving to Benetton for the late 1980s and early 1990s and then to Scuderia Ferrari with Michael Schumacher, Rory Byrne and Ross Brawn. He was chief mechanic at Ferrari and later became race and test technical manager.
At the 2000 Spanish Grand Prix, Stepney was injured during a pit stop for Schumacher's car. This occurred when the German was signaled to depart while Stepney was still detaching the fuel rig. He suffered badly damaged ligaments to his ankle. On 1 February 2007, it was reported on the Internet that Stepney was unhappy with Ferrari's technical restructuring and that he wanted to leave the team, seeking a new challenge. Ferrari's spokesman Luca Colajanni reported on Pitpass' website that he had a contract until the end of the 2007 season and that he was therefore staying at Ferrari. On 23 February 2007, Stepney was promoted to head of the performance development, meaning that he would no longer have to attend races.