Bulova Military VWI Special Edition Review

The Bulova Military VWI Special Edition is a unique offering for watch enthusiasts.

In today's world, where career choices demand skills that are both in demand and stable, the craft of watchmaking remains relevant. Despite technological advancements, traditional watchmaking persists, and the demand for wristwatches continues to grow, increasing the need for skilled specialists in assembly, repair, and maintenance.

One organization deserving of more attention and support is the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative (VWI) - a program providing U.S. Armed Forces veterans with the opportunity to learn the profession of watchmaking and repair techniques for free. VWI revives the concept of the "Bulova School," which existed after World War II, offering veterans training in watchmaking for rehabilitation and valuable skill acquisition. This nonprofit initiative is funded by donations and sponsorship from major companies, including Bulova. By purchasing the Bulova Military VWI Special Edition, you support VWI - 10% of the price of each model sold is directed towards the program's development.

The Watch Case

The Bulova Military VWI Special Edition case is made of stainless steel, featuring a cushion shape and a diameter of 42.5 mm. The watch has water resistance up to 30 meters, aligning with the standards of military field chronographs from the 1940s. The main part of the case has a matte finish, while the bezel, crown, and chronograph buttons have a polished finish, highlighting design details. Despite the large dial, the length and shape of the lugs ensure a comfortable fit on medium and large wrists.

Dial and Its Features

Under the domed mineral glass with a vintage tint lies an olive-green dial that emphasizes the military theme and ensures good readability. The outer edge of the dial is designed as a railway minute track, around which Arabic hour markers and three chronograph registers are balanced in layout.

• At the 9 o'clock position is a 60-minute chronograph counter.
• At the 3 o'clock position is a 1/20 second counter, which shows a fraction of a second when the chronograph is stopped - a rare and interesting feature.
• At 6 o'clock is a small seconds counter with an integrated date window in white text on a black background. This design makes the date less noticeable but harmonizes with other white elements of the dial.

The hour, minute hands, and the chronograph second hand are filled with luminescent material for improved visibility in the dark, which is especially important for military watches. The Arabic numerals also have a luminescent coating.

Strap: Classic and Comfortable

The watch comes with a brown leather strap with light padding and white stitching, giving the piece a classic American style reminiscent of a baseball glove in color and texture. The strap is equipped with quick-release lugs 22 mm in width, making it easy to swap for other options to fit individual style.

The Bulova Military VWI Special Edition is equipped with the proprietary high-precision quartz movement NP20, operating at a frequency of 262 kHz - eight times higher than standard quartz calibers. This ensures exceptionally accurate timekeeping with a deviation of only a few seconds per year.

Unlike the completely smooth motion of the second hand characteristic of some Bulova models, the small seconds counter here ticks at one-second intervals, while the chronograph hand moves smoothly, simulating a mechanical movement. The movement is hidden under a solid case back with an engraving dedicated to the partnership between Bulova and VWI.

Final Assessment of the Model

At first glance, the Bulova Military VWI Special Edition may seem like a simple model, but its high-precision quartz technology and thoughtful design make the watch appealing to those who value reliability and functionality. Supporting veterans and the history of the special edition add extra value to the watch. It is a reliable and comfortable chronograph with a military character that simultaneously contributes to the craft and helps veterans.

For those who prefer smaller three-hand watches or are looking for a model priced under $500, consider the Bulova Hack Watch VWI Special Edition with a 38 mm diameter, released three years before the Military VWI Special Edition. It is priced at $475, and 10% of its sales also support VWI.

Price and Availability of Bulova Military VWI Special Edition

The Bulova Military VWI Special Edition is available for purchase at a price of $695.