Introducing the Bulova Joseph Bulova Chronograph Collection

Bulova recently unveiled two new limited edition chronographs as part of their ongoing Joseph Bulova Collection. This segment of the catalog is inspired by the brand’s founder, and focuses on heritage designs. These new chronographs in particular are inspired by an early Bulova chronograph introduced in 1941, and are the latest example of a brand taking on the proven format of reintroducing a classic design with the trappings of a modern watch (size, movement, and so forth). It’s not innovative, or even particularly creative, but it’s an undeniably attractive watch, and it will likely strike a chord with anyone who is already a fan of the brand. 

These chronographs are fairly simple but have a handsome quality to them. The basic design has endured for 80 years with good reason. The cases are 42mm in diameter and made of stainless steel, and are filled with small vintage touches. The lugs are curvy and thin, for example, and the pushers are squared off. The crown is another important detail – notice its low profile design, and relatively wide diameter. 

You can choose from a silver or black dial, each with a three register layout with day and date at 3:00. There appears to be a subtle snailing effect in the subdials that lends some much needed contrast to each dial design. Each dial has been given a classic accent color: gilt for black, blue for silver. The perimeter of the dial is marked by a telemeter scale, which is a nice change of pace for a vintage inspired chronograph, and completely appropriate for a watch based on a design from the 1940s. 

The movement chosen for the Joseph Bulova Chronographs is the Sellita SW500, a workhorse Swiss chrono caliber with 25 jewels and 48 hours of power reserve. The crystal is sapphire, and the watches are mounted on textured black leather straps. The movement is visible through a partially open caseback, which also features Joseph Bulova’s signature prominently displayed, along with the watch’s limited edition designation. Only 350 of each variant will be produced, and the watches are priced at $2,495 each. Bulova