Translate the code for post-1950 watches, including Accutrons
For Bulova watches created in 1950 or later, the manufacturer switched to a two-digit alpha-numeric code system. These codes are usually found on the backcase, but some can be found on the inside movement near the set-screw.[4]
- The first digit of the code corresponds to the decade. The second digit of the code corresponds to the specific year.
- The decade codes are as follows:
- 1950s: L
- 1960s: M
- 1970s: N
- 1980s: P
- 1990s: T
- 2000s: A
- The second digit of the code matches the ending digit of the year in which the watch was manufactured. When “0” is used, the end of the year was a “0” (1950, 1960, 1970, and so on). When “1” is used, the end date of the year was a “1” (1951, 1961, 1971, and so on). This pattern continues for digits “0” through “9.”
- For example, a Bulova watch marked with “N2” was manufactured in 1972. A Bulova watch marked with “T8” was manufactured in 1998.
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