The Bulova A-11 Jimmy Field Watch: Honouring a WWII Hero with Upgrades and a Slender Case

The Bulova A-11 ‘Hack Watch’ holds a cherished spot in the annals of American horology. This military-issued timepiece, supplied to the United States Armed Forces during WWII, was designed with legibility and reliability as central priorities. The Bulova A-11 Jimmy, set to join Bulova’s catalogue in 2026, builds upon this legacy, adopting the same aesthetic inspiration and retaining all defining aspects of the wartime watches.

Named after the American actor and military pilot, Jimmy Stewart, the Bulova A-11 Jimmy carries the spirit of the original A-11 into the modern era. It boasts a coin-edge bezel, a high-contrast matte-black dial, and a robust mechanical movement with a ‘hacking’ seconds feature, that halts the seconds hand for precise time setting.

Bulova has added a contemporary flourish by crafting the case from polished stainless steel, measuring 37mm in diameter and 11.2mm in thickness. That’s a notable reduction from the 14.2mm thickness of the old A-11 Hack model. Going a step further, Bulova has replaced the mineral glass crystal with a domed sapphire one, fortified with an anti-reflective treatment. Additionally, the watch offers 50 meters of water resistance, making it suitable for still-water swimming.

The Bulova A-11 Jimmy employs the 24-jewel Miyota Caliber 9039, an upgrade in performance and slimness over the 8000 series used in previous models. This watch truly embodies Bulova’s commitment to combining timeless design with modern innovations.