While you might not know it, Bulova and Frank Sinatra have long been associated. They sponsored his television show in the 1950s, and Sinatra often wore a Bulova on his wrist. So, it’s fitting that they’ve been releasing watches inspired by his songs. One of the latest is in honor of a nickname that isn’t immediately clear: the Bulova Chairman of the Board.
Bulova Chairman of the Board: the name
Some of Sinatra’s nicknames, like Ol’ Blue Eyes, were self-explanatory (he had blue eyes). What about Chairman of the Board? That doesn’t make much sense for a musician to have that name, especially if there wasn’t a song title of that name. As I learned from this article, it’s because, well, he actually was the chairman. He founded Reprise Records to have more creative freedom, and then ultimately landed yet another nickname.
The watch
The Bulova Chairman of the Board draws it’s inpiration from the 1936 Bulova President. This latest version features a stainless steel case with an 18k gold plating, and keeps the graceful art deco lines and shape. Flip the case over, and you’re greeted with something you might not expect – an exhibition caseback. This allows you to see the Swiss automatic movement at work (so long as it’s within the 42-hour power reserve), as well as the Sinatra family crest.
Wrapping things up
While you could certainly buy a Sinatra album with ease, the Bulova Chairman of the Board may prove to be a little more difficult. Why? Only 500 of them are being made. If you do get one of them (at $1,950), you’ll also have a lacquered box to keep it in, along with a limited-edition card and plaque. Check out the details, and even purchase your own, at bulova.com
Bulova Chairman of the Board Tech Specs
- Reference: 97B224
- Movement: SW100a
- Technology
- Automatic: Powered by the release of a wound spring, mechanical movements never require a battery. Automatic mechanical movements have an oscillating weight that winds the spring with the motion of the wearer’s arm.
- Case Width (mm): 25.5
- Lug Width (mm): 20
- Dial
- Black
- Gold-Tone Accents
- Strap Type: Leather
- Case Material
- Gold-Tone
- Stainless Steel
- Clasp: Deployant Clasp with Push Buttons
- Crystal: Curved Sapphire Crystal
- Water-Resistance: 30M
- Additional Functions
- 3 Hand
- Automatic
- Calendar
