This year marks 150 years for Bulova, so we all know that means – we’re going to be seeing special anniversary-edition watches getting released. The first one to carry the 150-year banner are new bronze-cased versions of the Bulova MIL-SHIPS.
Bulova MIL-SHIPS: what it is
The Bulova MIL-SHIPS is a production model of a prototype that was built in the 1950s, but never made it to production. In 1955, the US Navy released a spec (MIL-SHIPS-W-2181) for a watch for their underwater demolition teams. Bulova built a series of prototypes in 1957 and 1958, and put them through real world testing. Though they were successful, the watch was ultimately never made.
That is, until 2021, and Bulova released the watch, staying faithful to the spec, but with updated (modern) materials and build quality. This year, they’re releasing the watch, but with a bronze case.
Other features of note
Topping the bronze case of the Bulova MIL-SHIPS is a sapphire crystal, which itself is surrounded by a bi-directional bezel (with an aluminum insert). You’ll have a choice of either a blue or a green dial with these versions. Speaking of the dial – what is that brown-and-white strip at the 6 o’clock position?
That’s actually a moisture indicator. If for some reason you don’t screw the crown down, or the seals on the caseback don’t hold up, you’ll have an indication that water has gotten into the case, and that service is going to be needed sooner, rather than later.
Wrapping things up
These new bronze versions of the Bulova MIL-SHIPS are available now for $1,195, as are the original versions released back in 2021. You can check out all the details, and order your own, directly at bulova.com
Bulova MIL-SHIPS Tech Specs
- Movement: 83S0
- 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): 41
- Lug Width (mm): 18
- Dial
- Blue or Green
- Luminous;White Accents
- Luminous Hands and Markers
- Strap Type
- Strap
- CORDURA® + HNBR
- Case Material
- Bronze #CuSn8
- Aluminum bezel;Rotating One-Way Bezel
- Clasp: 3pc Wire Strap Buckle
- Crystal: Anti-Reflective Double Domed Sapphire Crystal
- Water-Resistance: 0200M
- Additional Functions
- 3 Hand
- Automatic
- Heartbeat Skeleton
