I’ve long been enamored of a certain crowned watch with a fluted bezel. However, that wasn’t quite in the budget. Years back, though, I discovered that Bulova had one that was quite similar, done up with a square case to make things a bit different. Earlier this summer, they reissued the Bulova Super Seville.
Bulova Super Seville: the aesthetics
While there is something interesting going on with the movement, let’s be honest – folks who are interested in the Bulova Super Seville are going to be drawn in by the look. Even if you’ve not seen one before, there are elements here that are going to be immediately familiar.
The fluted (or coin edge) bezel is an excellent design element (and we’ve seen many brands use it), as it plays with light and puts more visual interest in place than a flat, polished bezel would offer. Pair that with stick indices and hands (only the hands are lumed), you’ve got a classic look that doesn’t feel outdated.
The same goes for that square case. Yes, it does call back to the 1970s (and the original day-date Bulova Super Seville), but it still feels fresh now. Why is that? Well, we just don’t see squared cases all that often. And this one isn’t as squared off as a tank or cushion case, making it just unique enough. The tapered 3-link bracelet (with the center polished, picking up the bezel) is perfectly integrated, reminding us that watches are functional jewelry.
And finally, we have that cyclops on the sapphire crystal. This is going to be divisive, but I for one am a fan. Again, it’s not something we are used to seeing on watches, particularly at this price point. So, it’s another thing that makes the watch stand out, while also being a practical addition.
The movement
If you looked closely at the dial, you’ll see a clue about the movement. That 262 kHz refers to the frequency that the quartz crystal inside is vibrating. Yes, that’s right, it’s quartz. It makes sense for a design that hails from the 70s, which was when the quartz crisis hit.
For those who might turn their nose up at quartz, well, there’s something to be said for the set it and forget it nature of these movements. Then again, the Precisionist movement is no ordinary quartz. It offers a sweeping seconds hand, and that frequency? It’s 8 times higher than quartz normally runs, which should make for a very, very accurate movement.
Wrapping things up
Now, would I have liked to see them incorporate the original day-of-week display on the dial as well? Sure, but I’ll take the existence of this modern version over holding out for a perfect replication. And yes, a 30m WR rating is less than we’d like to see, but this isn’t one you’d keep on if you were going swimming. So, yes, I am very definitely a fan of this new version. If you want the silver-tone versions (blue or green dial), those are going for $695, while the gold-tone version commands $775. Check out the full lineup over at bulova.com
Bulova Super Seville Tech Specs
- MOVEMENT: NM50
- TECHNOLOGY
- HPQ Precisionist
- A movement featuring a 3-pronged quartz crystal with a frequency of 262 kHz that is 8 times greater than standard quartz, leading to an accuracy of seconds a year.
- CASE WIDTH (MM): 37.5
- LUG WIDTH (MM): 26
- DIAL
- Blue or green with silver accents, or silver tone with gold accents
- Illuminated Hands and Markers
- STRAP TYPE
- Bracelet
- Stainless Steel
- CASE MATERIAL
- Silver-Tone or gold-tone
- Stainless Steel
- CLASP: Deployant Clasp with Push Buttons
- CRYSTAL
- Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- Impact and shatter resistant – anti-reflective coating deflects light
- WATER-RESISTANCE: 30M
- ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
- 3 Hand
- Calendar
- HPQ Precisionist
