A BIT OF AN ODD BALL BUT I LIKE IT A LOT
😎
This is the Ltd model with the SELLITA SW200 I should have included case back photos (sorry)
the watch is well built has an interesting press/turn bezel and 16mm lug width, the lume is OK, not great but the watch is very comfortable on wrist, have worn it playing Platform Tennis (not ping pong) stands up well. When I look at it with the sapphire bubble crystal it makes me smile. 😀The watch is not perfect and it isn't for everyone and maybe that is why I love it!
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WILLIAM MOSS
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
Westchester County NY
Member since
Last active: 1 day ago
7.00” / 17.78 cm
It's fun finding divers that really have a unique character/identity and this watch has it in spades. When I saw the initial release I was so surprised at the 16mm lug width but it being true to form for that original design/year really made me smile. Its a daring release by Bulova, and glad its finding a home with several folks!
Thank you for the response
Love the hobby because there is no right or wrong just opinions
about the 16 mm lugs it does work in this instance, on an Alpinist maybe not.
The Bulova feels like it lives on a submarine
Beautiful
As a fan of retro dive watches, I really like the Bulova MIL-SHIPS.
Having said that... I'm a bit perplexed at the whole MIL-SHIPS program at Bulova.
I find it baffling that they would make two nearly identical watches, at two very different price points. Couple that with the $900 version having Miota movement from a ~$400 (or less) watch and the $2000 version having a SW200 movement from a ~$900 (or less) watch.
I also have to question the 16mm strap choice. They're not building a reproduction. An 18mm or 20mm strap would have a lot more utility... Argh!
Am I off base?
As a fan of retro dive watches, I really like the Bulova MIL-SHIPS.
Having said that... I'm a bit perplexed at the whole MIL-SHIPS program at Bulova.
I find it baffling that they would make two nearly identical watches, at two very different price points. Couple that with the $900 version having Miota movement from a ~$400 (or less) watch and the $2000 version having a SW200 movement from a ~$900 (or less) watch.
I also have to question the 16mm strap choice. They're not building a reproduction. An 18mm or 20mm strap would have a lot more utility... Argh!
Am I off base?
MASP7
You are surely not off base. I had the same questions and concerns before purchase. My watch guy in New York had both pieces. The two pieces on looks alone case back aside are identical. I felt a clear difference in the movement set up. I bought the Ltd model because it is a keeper, not one I will flip.
I agree with you completely when it comes to the lug width 18mm would have been fine a 20mm would have made this a strap monster
I can only surmise that the powers that be at Bulova wanted to create a true homage to the original. Ultimately I made the purchase as much for its oddities as its beauty and quality build. My thinking being with that lug with you are getting a sincere reproduction with quality materials. Vintage with none of the vintage issues and a quality build.
As for the two price points, Bulova chose to make it affordable and limited at the same time, a strategy which has its flaws. It has a little of a 50 Fathoms feel to it.
Don’t wanna knock it. Just for my eye, I can’t do the 16mm lugs on that size case.
I get it!
it takes a little getting used to but
at least this time it works until
Bulova comes out with a version 2 :)
I’ve got the standard, I didn’t want to spend the difference between the Selita v. Miyota. It should have a hand winding movement anyway! Additionally, the LE has Swiss on the dial, which the standard does not, making it more in line with the prototypes. But the bezel, while clever is also a little off putting. The markings are a bronze-ish color. All that being said, the lug width isn’t that off putting, and it does work with the case. It seems odd, but when being worn, it just works.