Bulova Unveils Bulova Accutron Sir Richard Branson Limited Edition Watch

NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Bulova Corporation today announced the Bulova Accutron Sir Richard Branson Limited Edition Watch, celebrating a partnership that highlights its commitment to innovation on a global level. The new Swiss-made watch was developed in collaboration with global innovator and entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson, the official brand ambassador for Bulova's premier brand, Bulova Accutron. A prototype of the new watch was unveiled today in New York coinciding with a major meeting of Bulova Accutron customers from around the globe.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110913/NY67175 )

Bulova announced the appointment of Branson, Founder of Virgin Group, as the brand ambassador for Bulova Accutron in March 2011, noting that Branson exemplifies the values and dedication that have guided Bulova from the beginning.

"As an entrepreneur, humanitarian and pioneer, Sir Richard reflects the spirit of innovation that is at the heart of the Bulova Accutron brand," said Dennis W. Perry, Bulova Corporation President. "Like our founder, Joseph Bulova, Sir Richard is an innovator who has had a groundbreaking effect on a number of fields. Today's new Bulova Accutron Sir Richard Branson Limited Edition Watch exemplifies the parallel between Sir Richard's relentless pursuit of new ideas and Joseph Bulova's vision of creativity and inventiveness."

Branson has donated the proceeds from his work as Bulova Accutron brand ambassador to Virgin Unite, Virgin Group's non-profit foundation, created by Branson in 2004 to tackle the world's social and environmental problems, using business as a force for good.  Bulova will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sales of the Bulova Accutron Sir Richard Branson Limited Edition watch to Virgin Unite as well.

Today's new watch, as a product of Bulova Accutron's partnership with Branson, celebrates Bulova's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to creative excellence. Since its inception, Bulova has stood proudly in the vanguard of American innovation, setting new trends and continuing to expand its unique product lines. A pioneering force in the industry since opening a small store in Lower Manhattan in 1875, Joseph Bulova transformed how watches were worn and how timekeeping was perceived. The Bulova commitment to innovation continued with the 1960 introduction of Accutron, the world's first fully electronic watch. Unsurprisingly, many adventurers and explorers have used and endorsed Bulova watches, including Charles A. Lindbergh, and now Sir Richard Branson.

Product Specifics and Availability

Only 500 of the new Bulova Accutron Sir Richard Branson Limited Edition Watches will be made available.  Each watch will be numbered on the caseback and on the accompanying Certificate of Authenticity to show its position within the run of 500, after which the molds will be destroyed forever. The Swiss-made watch has been developed in collaboration with Branson and carries his signature endorsement etched on the caseback.

The movement is certified by the Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres (COSC) as meeting the highest standards of timekeeping. This self-winding mechanical movement provides classic timekeeping, as the sensitive mechanism winds itself in response to the wearer's movement. The new watch also includes a 24-hour GMT second time zone reading on the dial.

Crafted of titanium, with black alligator strap, the watch includes sapphire crystals over both the dial and the open exhibition caseback, to permit a first-hand view of the classic, 21-jewel self-winding mechanical movement in action. On the case, two separate crowns, at 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock, control the standard and GMT settings. Measuring 46mm, the watch provides water resistance to 100 meters.

The dial, in black, is engraved with a stylized representation of the globe, with latitude and longitude lines included. The hands are in anodized aluminum, with the standard hour, minute and second hands in blue, and the GMT hand in red, with a crescent-shaped tip. The perimeter of the watch dial includes the names of 24 destinations, each corresponding to one of the world's 24 time zones. By adjusting the city ring to the GMT hand, wearers can instantly see the time in the selected city. Also included is a date window.

The watch will be shipped in a specially crafted limited edition case, and is scheduled for release in the fall of 2012 at a projected retail price of U.S. $3,500.

For more information, please visit www.bulova.com.

About Sir Richard Branson

Sir Richard Branson is the Founder of Virgin Group. One of the world's most recognized and respected innovators, Branson has built his business into more than 300 branded companies in 30 countries worldwide. Branson started Virgin when he was only 20 years old and was knighted in 1998 for his "services to entrepreneurship."

About Bulova Accutron

Fashioned in Europe, made in Switzerland, and representing the pinnacle of American innovation, Bulova Accutron captures the essence of Bulova's distinguished history and reputation for bold invention.  The original Accutron was used aboard Air Force One and given as an official Presidential Gift of State.  On July 20, 1969, Bulova's Accutron was part of the first Moon landing, placed in the Sea of Tranquility to control vital data transmissions.  As an integral component of NASA technology, Accutron was used on 46 space missions.

Including both mechanical and quartz variations, each Bulova Accutron watch is intricately and elegantly detailed, using only the finest materials. All Bulova Accutron watches are crafted of stainless steel, with sapphire crystals and water resistance to at least 30 meters. Bulova Accutron represents a seamless cohesion of sophisticated styling and Swiss technology, continuing Bulova's legacy of excellence.

About Bulova

Founded in 1875, Bulova remains one of the world's most recognized brands, reaching a wide range of consumers with its Bulova, Bulova Accutron, Caravelle by Bulova and licensed Harley-Davidson® Timepieces by Bulova watches, Frank Lloyd Wright Collection® watches and clocks, and the award-winning Bulova Clocks. An independent subsidiary of Citizen Watch Company, Ltd. of Japan, Bulova is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Canada, China, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland and The United Kingdom. Positioned at the forefront of the timekeeping industry, Bulova is committed to upholding an extraordinary legacy of excellence in design, style and technology as it expands to meet the needs of a diverse global audience.

SOURCE Bulova Corporation

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