Bulova Introduces the A-11 Jimmy

Bulova brings its World War II military-watch heritage into the present with the new A-11 Jimmy Inspired by an original Bulova A-11 “Hack Watch” used in the upcoming movie Jimmy, the 37mm stainless-steel watch combines the design of the historic military specification with a modern-day automatic movement, sapphire crystal and a slimmer case profile. 

A Military Watch with a Hollywood Connection

The original Type A-11 specification was developed for U.S. military personnel during World War II and produced by Bulova from 1942 onward. Designed for military aviation, the watches prioritized precise and legible timekeeping. One of their defining features was the hacking-seconds function, which allowed the wearer to stop the seconds hand and synchronize the watch to the exact second. The new A-11 Jimmy takes its inspiration from an original Bulova A-11 preserved in the brand's museum and featured in Jimmy, an upcoming film about actor Jimmy Stewart. Bulova is a material-heritage partner of the production and supplied archival timepieces for the movie. Stewart served as a combat pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, flying 20 missions over Europe and eventually reaching the rank of colonel. The film follows this period of his life and his return to Hollywood.

Faithful Utilitarian Design

The A-11 Jimmy retains several characteristic elements of the original military design. Covered by a double-domed sapphire crystal, its matte-black dial features large Arabic numerals and a clear minute track, all treated with Superluminova BGW9 for improved legibility. White hands provide a strong contrast against the dark dial. A coin-edge bezel and double-domed sapphire crystal complete the military-inspired design. The case back carries acid-etched markings based on the nomenclature used on original military-issued watches. At 37mm in diameter, the stainless-steel case follows the compact proportions associated with the original military watches while giving the new model a more contemporary construction. Water resistance is rated to 50 meters.

Inside the A-11 Jimmy is the Miyota Caliber 9039. The automatic movement offers hacking seconds and provides a power reserve of 42 hours. The movement measures only 3.90mm in height, allowing Bulova to reduce the overall thickness of the watch to 11.2mm. This is notably slimmer than the previous Bulova A-11 model, which measured 14.2mm. The watch is paired with a beige nylon strap. It is available for $795 via Bulova and authorized boutiques. The movie Jimmy is scheduled for nationwide theatrical release on November 6, 2026.