A New Dive Watch From Bulova With Classic Looks & An Interesting Backstory - Bulova MIL-SHIPS
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
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In this video, I'll take a detailed look at the new Bulova MIL-SHIPS, a new model from the brand's Heritage collection with a design based on an obscure US Navy Prototype from the 1950s. I also have both the limited edition and standard production models in hand to demonstrate all of the differences.
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Good year, 1955. I emerged in November having spent 9 months submerged in amniotic fluid. So I can appreciate the work that went into this...
I really hope no one pays the asking prices for these watches. Even cutting the prices in half is still an absurd price for these things.
What sort of watches do you have?
@@garyboyle695 What kind of watches do _you_ have?
Lmao what kind of watches you'll have? Before you ask, Bulova, BuloVA, BULOVA, rolex, omega, Tudor, Tissot, Seiko, Grand Seiko, Gshock, Casio, Tag-heuer. You know what, if money is an issue don't spend it. That's is that.
@@garyboyle695 I have a Casio how much Is this thing?
You sound like an Invikta man or some chinese pos is more your speed.
I just purchased this watch in the standard version and it’s really fantastic. Paid $900 Canadian taxes inc. The proportions as odd as they may seem some how works very nicely. I love the unique futures of this watch with the push down bi directional bezel mechanism, the moisture indicator, the heavily domed Chrystal and yes even the 16mm lugs.
Interesting watch, absurd price
even if it was half the price 16mm says to me NO WAY!
agreed i'd buy but the price is up there for a better more respected watch (I'm not a Bulova fan) But I'd want the limited edition one and at that price I'd start looking into spending a little more and getting either a Grand Seiko, Omega, or possibly a Rolex
@@zillsburyy1 Wonky lug widths are an easy “no” from me. Bulova/Fred Constant, Orient and Swatch seem to be the worst offenders of this terrible new trend.
@@Mister_Phafanapolis only bulova i have is their accutron 2. i like orient over seiko. i have 3 of them
Funny how it looks somewhat Vostok-ish
I think I dig the slightly darker background more than the regular background. The intro music is maybe a bit dramatic, but hey, the videography is top-notch :D
Thanks, Felix. It is much easier to shoot this way as well given the variables with natural light.
I agree the music is a biit too much. Everything else is mint
@@TeddyBaldassarre Hey kaik
lol, he just closed the blinds
Gonna second this, I think for the content the dark background is more fitting and relaxed.
I like the design element, and that it stays traditonal with the original versian, that being said. I think staying with the original is on point. Being a Navy veteran myself, it pays homage to the Navy issue hard hat diver. I think it's smart that Bulova stayed with the original design for the divers of the earlier era.
All you watch you tubers try so hard. You make special intros for each watch you review. So awesome. The effort does not go unnoticed.
Makes me think of the Aquascaphe from Baltic
Was thinking the same thing
Which is sub $700 which makes the pricing on these even more insane
Bulova should start putting the Precisionist movements in more watches. That smooth sweeping second hand could give them a pretty compelling product
I agree. I have Two watches from the now Discontinued entry level 262Khz Quartz Line - Precisionist II - a) WW II GI Style Field Watch - 96 B 230; & b) the 262Khz Tribute Watch of the Accutron Space View. Both are Terrific ! At the very least the Quartz Models in the SINATRA Line & Other Regular Quartz and some using the "8" series Miyota, should be using a 262 Khz Quartz instead ! While others should of course use a Hi Beat "9000". Point is NO watch with MSRP of $400 or more should be using the "8" series movements.
@@RoaroftheTiger I love my Military UHF Bulova... I greatly enjoy that smooth sweeping second hand and the tremendous accuracy. I would love to see Bulova work with its parent Citizen to develop a solar-powered UHF movement. But the energy requirements of the 262 kHz movement might be too much for the solar to power.
@@zHumanfactor I believe your correct - the 262Khz system, may be too much of a drain on the Solar Cell & it's Capacitor
(Usually in lieu, of a true Battery)
IMHO - since the disappearance of their "entry level" Precisionist II line.
I believe that Citizen, is purposely preventing Bulova from using 262Khz Tech, in more of their Watches ... sad ... no ... Stupid
@@RoaroftheTiger A very good observation. I believe Citizen came out (within the last couple of years) with their highly accurate Calibre 0100 (which is an Eco-Drive technology) The limited-edition model cost over $7k, so I guess that can't have watches (UHF's) costing just a few hundred dollars having nearly equal accuracy. Which makes me greatly appreciate my 262 kHz Bulova.
@@zHumanfactor- Exactly !
Not much of a fan of Bulova, but this a beauty and a gem and would be the only Bulova watch I would consider buying.
Following the trend of the past releases, I'd expect the standard version to drop in price at resellers to around $400 within a year or two. Then I'll look at them. I've been eying getting a dive watch, but even with the price halved, there's a couple better options at the same price.
The lume on Bulovas is a problem, and I've even been considering sending my two Bulovas (Lunar Pilot and A15) away to get better lume applied. Would be nice to have them be as good as the watches in my collection that have properly good lume.
You got it right, $400.00 is exactly the value of the LE, the myota model max $150.00.
Jumpcuts where do you send you’re bulovas for servicing etc ?
@@kaynejk9629 Haven found a place yet, which is part of why I'm hesitant.
@@watchtimewithhamilton8513 You won't ever see it new for $150... even on sale.
@@ralphus555 They are always looking for ignorants to buy their stuff. It has no resale value at all. It has a miyota movement.
I was able to get my fingers on the standard edition last night. Fantastic looking watch. Just the right size for my wrist.
Love the intro- same as others
And as someone who worked in underwater operations in the Navy, I will definitely be getting one of these
I’m digging the 16mm for authenticity. I can definitely live with it.
Now only if they made a 1 to 1 recreation of the lunar pilot
I love the standard. I selected it over the bb54 for travel. Easy to wear with everything and keeps great time…. It’s private with a ton of personality!
The 16mm lugs and cheap movement is a deal breaker for me but otherwise I really like the high dome and working moisture indicator.
I'm out for the exact same reasons. I will not purchase a Miyota 82 series for over $120. 16mm looks way to narrow. 20mm is the best look these days.
@@mikehoward9912 I would like a 22mm strap on a 40mm FF clone. I have an Undone with 20mm and a few Seiko FFF with 20mm but want a wider strap.
I love Citizen group brands including Bulova. What a great recreation and worth every cent. The highlight is that moisture sensing cloth. Wow how innovative. That dome is incredible. The limited addition is the pick of course. Great review Teddie.
The citizen group is actually is a group, I like to imagine where they pool parts and resources only and each watch brand is free to do anything they want so long as they use citizen's and Miyota parts.
Swatch " group" on the other hand ( I call them the Swatch mafia, Is a control freak.
Those retail prices are insane, even with the SW200.
Who pays retail?
Having owned the original mil-spec version, I can say that this watch has the overall look of it. The choice for a rectangular litmus instead of a round one does throw me off a bit. I do love Bulova watches, having grown up in the era when Bulova was king of men’s watches in America, I am still biased towards them. Great review as always Teddy!!!
Bulova was trying to recreate their prototype, not the Tornek-Rayville, so the square litmus would be accurate.
There were as I understand it several batches and they did use them, so I wouldn't rule out the possibility of an original bulova having a factory or watch maker installed different moisture indicator. But Indeed the ones I've seen exclusively have the style seen here on the modern ones.
That watch isn't for me... but the opening credits were amazing! It is pretty inspiring to see how far you've come in your production in the three years I've been following your channel. By the way, can you do another QVC reaction video? That has been my favorite video so far!
To the issues with the 16mm strap, and the bezel-design/construktion.....
I actually agree with Bulovas decesion. If making it a 20mm, and a "normal" bezel, it would just be another watch exactly like other current brands make them.
Furthermore, I give them credit for being true to the original dimensions.
Regarding the miyota movement.... would it be possible to change/upgrade it?
He’s doing the posing thing again 😆 anyway, a really nice watch. My favorite contemporary Bulova so far. And so similar to the Blancpain Millspec…which is a good thing. Considering the shared history and the vast difference in purchase price. That domed crystal is incredible! My only caveat…that ridiculous 16mm lug width! I don’t are if it’s historically accurate.
For a Bulova enthusiast, this MIL-SHIPS, the Breton (salmon dial), and Moonwatch would be an outstanding collection. As for this MIL-SHIPS, the "flaws" like 16mm lugs and strap, could be addressed by calling this version the "MIL-SHIPS Prototype" and the next version, with 18mm-20mm lugs & strap, the "MIL-SHIPS FRP" with "FRP" standing for "full rate production". It's not unusual for FRP versions (at least in the acquisition world) to be slightly different than the prototype version. Just my two cents.
Ultra man rules
@@Mark-sd7fc I'm Mad about him
My problem is where am I going to put that stupid helmet?
Phenomenal intro btw
Your videos continue to be more than just a “this and that” overview of a watch… your videos continue to reveal your passion for watches and excite aspiring collectors like myself to keep “diving” into a life of watches… thank you!
Won't lie: the Bulova Hack Watch shows the sort of classic this company is capable of. If this is half as good...I'm in.
Wow the intro is insane! Also, I really like your style Teddy!
Appreciate that Tyson. I actually got soaked trying to shoot it haha.
@@TeddyBaldassarre I think I know which shot you’re talking about…it looked like it anyways hahahaha
I’m absolutely happy with it, especially the 1:1 ratio, the lum bezel and the moisture indicator.
Oh and my son loves the helmet, gets his imagination fired up.
Wish they treated the moon watch the same way.
I have the Lunar Pilot, and yeah, would have been cool to have it come in a Saturn V rocket display... :) But I do wish it had an automatic movement, its my ONLY quartz watch, but at least its a good quartz watch.
Own it and it’s an amazing watch. It wears perfectly and the retro look and overall quality definitely make it worth the price. FYI street price is considerably lower than MSRP.
Such a pity, this could've been an amazing watch
I just bought one of these and I'm very happy with it, idiosyncrasies and all. Having said that if I were in a position to tell Bulova what to do I think that a new version (v2.0) with some updates (9000 series movement, 20mm lug width) would be brilliant. Coming out with a 1:1 copy for the collectors who want that was a great way to launch it but then you sell those and move on to the next version with changes and improvements. That's when you start building the model up . Maybe take it down a more serious path with some ISO certification as well. That's just my 2 cents. Good video as well. Enjoyed it a great deal.
You nailed it with this one TB. I might pick one of the std models up for collecting purposes. The watch itself is really appealing, but honestly, and I could overlook the 8 series movement, the 16mm lug is almost a non starter. Even 18mm would have been insufficient. This should have been a 20mm lug with a 9 series movement and they would have sold like hotcakes.
20mm and shorter.
16mm Doh! So bad
It looks like a mesh between the Blancpain 50 fathoms and Rolex submariner dials. Beautiful vintage watch. I think the box do add to the experience and the exclusivity feel, just like the omega moonwatch 50th anniversary.
I’d buy it just for the watch box! That thing is epic, sort of like the intro.
I appreciate your honesty on this one Teddy.
I don't have a Bulova yet. I am a mid price range kinda collector. Your outstanding intro was absolutely amazing. Cool water guage feature. Such a vintage vibe. I love the history. Thank you for your insightful research, the great photographs and videos of the watch. That 5mm domed crystal looks like clear, pure honey. This may well be on my future trigger list. I must say I prefer the lighter backgrounds....especially the candle lit ones.
My buddy In Calgary just bought the standard version today for $717.00 Canadian dollars. If you're keeping score, that translates today to $568.04 US.You don't have to pay $895.00 US for it.
At 0:35 onwards, I wanted to go to war wearing a Bulova on my wrist, thank you Teddy
Thanks for a great review. I am on the fence about this watch...as a former naval officer I have been looking for something that has a nautical history and specifically with the USN that also has colors in keeping with navy uniforms ie navy/black and gold. I would probably go for the less expensive one and prob would have pulled the trigger at a lower price point given the movement.
a $90 Sellita movement selling for $1990 with the plastic toy helmet and $50 Miyota selling for $895. That is a massive mark up even if they try to sell you their history. This is marketing cash grab. Disgusting.
If Bulova had actually done a 1 to 1 recreation I would be able to deal with the 16mm strap. It's just not a 1 to 1 though. Sapphire for the crystal, different movement, different back ( rear case ). I also thought that the 8000 series Myota movement for that price was a non- starter. That watch would be a real wearer with 20mm lug width. I thought , when I tried it on , that the 16mm strap made the watch feel a bit bulkier and top heavy. The simple fix of widening the lugs would make it more proportional and stabler on wrist . It is an interesting peice though. I'd be a fan of the limited edition if they made a few simple changes . Just my opinion.
Also not radioactive.
This is a darn good looking watch. 👏 Bulova. Well done.
They did a great job but I agree with the price point/miyota issue
Lot of people think the price will drop... unfortunately watches are sold immediately & there’s even nothing for sale from a second hand.
That’s mean Bulova do a good move & keep the original design.
Nice little talk you do, I really enjoy it👍🏻
What amazes me constantly is the waves the Great Lakes produce…and I’m from Australia, and a coastal city at that, with real oceans!
It is very crazy how violent the lake can get. Lake Erie is a shallow lake for its size which creates nasty undercurrents and choppy yet powerful waves. It essentially acts like a giant bath tub when a storm comes in. Not on the level of size of the Oceans but living by it my entire life I have noticed many underestimate how powerful it can be.
One source says there are at least 1500 shipwrecks on Lake Erie alone, and another says 2000!
The Great Lakes are the largest body of fresh water in the world. Because North America is such a massive continent they don't look as large as they are. When you fly over Lake Superior it sure looks like you are over an ocean.
@@robertlevasseur6843 I’m very familiar with Michigan certainly. My favourite way to show it off is to take guests to the 95th floor of the John Hancock building where you can’t see across the narrower sections of the lake. It’s just curve of the earth and water as far as the eye can see.
Spot on review, Teddy! Nice to see Bulova taking this turn in the road, but I totally agree that they can toss the helmet, nice a trinket as it is, and add a 9015 movement!
Would have been interesting to see these on some 16mm bracelets
Could we get an ID on that beautiful jacket you’re wearing? Great review as always!
I agree with him about putting a better movement in. Any changes to the watch from its original version would of taken from the watch. I ordered the limited version and look forward to wearing it.
Love the 16mm lug size and the bezel actuation method. All features that make the watch a faithful reproduction and a watch you can't get somewhere else. But the movement in the standard edition is a real bummer for the price.
I like the overall design and I actually think the 16mm strap looks proportionate to the case - that being said, the 8-series movement is a bit cheap and fauxtina is unforunately a deal breaker for me. But overall a beautiful watch and great video 😊
8 Series are made in Japan, not some Seiko sweatshop in china. Mine runs at COSC standard so there is that.
@@camarocarl7130 Sorry, let me preface that! Not a bad movement by any means! I have two watches with the movement, and I have had two others. But for the price they could have used the upgraded 9000-series is all I’m saying! 8000-series is rock solid! 😃
wow that intro!!! Bulova should pay you lol
Absolutely stunning watch! I’m super late to the party, but idc. Just ordered it!
Great video Teddy and a beautiful watch. Bulova is such a great brand. I maybe would have tried to compromise towards an 18mm or even 20mm strap size to provide better options. I bought a Bulova over the weekend. It looks like the Timex Weekender. At 40GBP it was a steal and worth it just for the box and beautiful quality leather strap. The box is of the same quality that the Lunar Pilot came in. How do they do it? I prefer their historical reissues though to the modern designs which can be a bit overpowering. Thanks again. 👍🏼⌚
Absolute baller intro. The production quality of your channel is unmatched in the watch world.
It's pretty good, but not unmatched.
@@JayandSarah who does it better?
@@scottecklund1965 well the 10/31 from adrian at bark and jack is as good if not better. TWC is better. Teddy stuff is good, but it's not the top of the genre.
Would love to see the moisture indicator function.
Definitely like the design of the case and the history behind the model, but I think the price is a bit steep for what you get and also why choose 16 mm lugs?? I don’t see any real benefit to it outside trying to be different 🤔
In the approximate words of the owner of an original many years ago when I questioned the narrow strap and lugs that look like they should be paired to a fatter bracelet "it was designed to go over a wetsuit for navy missions, not to be jewelry." He went on to explain that it was the rarest military dive watch ever issued, that I'd never see another like it, and that "military dive watch collectors would go apeshit over thing"
Now that they're available, niche collector interest has been satisfied but the mainstream dive watch crowd is unconcerned with 50's dive watch history and that of Vietnam era frogmen and the 1-1 replica doesn't mean as much.
Personally I think everyone is right. They should offer a legit recreation of the prototypes, and they should offer more newer watches that aren't ugly as hell like most of bulovas catalog.
18mm lug width would still have given respect to the prototype while being far more practical. I think this is a deal breaker for me.
I wish Bulova would do a contemporary version of their classic 70's TV dial everyday watches.
You can get the standard for 20% father's day +10% sign up for text 30% discount right now through Bulova. Unfortunately the limited is not discounted. I have seen them as low as $1500. Some of the citizen divers can retail for $700 so the mil-ships on sale for $650 or less is a bit closer to reasonable. Although a miyota 9015 is no brainer!
As always, great video and review. Although not a fan of divers, this one hit it spot on for me. So much so that I ordered two of them. It also brought to light the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms collection. I can overlook the lug width size since I am one of the few people who prefer it be just like the original.
Octavio 'walter mitty' Sandoval. Lol
The hands are white on my standard edition ( I own the watch ).
The video opening is sick!
@teddybaldassarre that intro certainly has you looking like a man of many seas. Superbly done.
THICCCCCK! But wow it’s beautiful. Love the simplicity. Thx for the historical perspective. Always enjoy.
Those ocean shots in the beginning are amazing! Your production just keeps getting better and better. Keep up the good work!
That or Lake Erie.
I appreciate the honesty in your review, even as a retailer for the watch.
Most youtubers who have stake in what they're reviewing fake enthusiasm.
Love the diving helmet packaging,one of Bulovas quirks
Agreed on the movement and saving on the extras. Although I'm happy to see a 1:1 remake as you pretty well never see that.
This is a nice watch and I am tempted to buy the 1:1 limited edition version. However, to each their own. It would be cool if in the future they made a modernized take on this watch with wider strap and slightly changed shape of lugs with a lower price point. They would do it justice making it 300m or more and iso cert
In Italy the standard version is 599€, I guess this price makes the watch slightly more attractive for the European market
Great comments on trinkets! We want a better watch, not a better watch box.
A very beautiful watch but a 20 mm lug width would be better. A sunburst blue dial would be interesting, it’s pricey too I will start saving for thjs next piece for my collection
I loved the look of my Marine Star, but the mineral crystal scratched so fast. I replaced the crystal, but the replacement did not fit perfectly. Learned not to buy another Bulova watch unless it has sapphire crystal. This one has that at least.
Looks just like my Direnzo Eclipse, an obscure microbrand.
Congrats on intro man! but the bracelet width on that Bulova.....wtf?
Great review as always. Cool history. Beautiful dial and handset. Lug width kills it dead for me. Looks like a “pinhead” on that little 16 mm passthrough NATO.
I saw it today in person and the strap width.. wow it looks ridiculous.
I agree with you, Bulova is a favorite brand of mine
It’s a beautiful timepiece! But the price for the limited edition is higher for its value!!
I think they look fantastic.
Really tempted to purchase this one , definitely putting it on my my list of favourites. 👌🏻
Teddy doing a 90-ties whiskey commercial 😁 But seriously a 35$ movement in an almost 900$ watch is a no go, and don't even ge me started on the lugs...
*watches intro*
Teddy confirmed for next James Bond with Bulova as the new watch.
Do you know what the original watch had as the movement ? I agree with you a Miyota 9000 movement & 18mm lug width & a bit shorter lug to lug you've got a real winner.
It was a hand wound movement called the 10BPCHN.
@@RexApplegate Thanks Rex 👍
They also had anti magnetic shielding, which in my experience repeatedly having to degauss my 82S0 was probably a really good idea.
Οκ. I have already stated that your videos offer a fresh air in the watch info arena. I have to say though that you keep improving by the vid and this is rather rare and in the same time satisfying. My humble opinion. DON'T CHANGE THE FORMAT. Keep delivering as you do. Thanks for the videos mate
This looks exactly in the middle between the Longines legend diver and the Oris diver 65. Regardless I find it quite ugly and would pick the Longines or the Oris any day.
Ouuuu blinds down. Teddy Baldassare, after houuuuurs!
Teddy is now my favorite lifestyle model.
I just got the Limited Edition from you guys, I love it. There isn’t really another “vintage” modeled watch that is accurate (design wise) for a reasonable price.
There's some neat stuff going on with this watch - and some retro appeal for sure. I agree that being 100% faithful to the original needed to have been reconsidered. The floss-thin band is far too thin and while i think the ultra dome is neat it might be too much, idk. I like the overall package, but the details (so important) keep me from getting after it.
It's just too much money for an 8 series miyota. It's too much money for the Sellita movement lol. The standard version with a 9 series? Yeah maybe for that price. And then a few hundred more to upgrade to the Sellita.
As it is, yeah, it'll eventually make its way to the gray market and come down in cost but even then... We'll see.
1957 design language, holy smoke :-)
Very unique
Why’s there such a craze for lume that looks retro instead of crisp white or green? Seems like a quirky trend that’ll be our ‘what were we thinking?’ moment in the future
I agree... I think Bulova dropped the ball with the, helmet and the 8000 Miyota movement... they should have gone with the 9000 Miyota movement and dropped the helmet!
Wow, that looks almost exactly like a Baltic Aquascaphe.
Teddy,
A superior review. I agree with all of your points. I am a collector of vintage Bulova and completely agree their back catalogue has many gems waiting to be mined. Sadly, I don’t think the Mil-Ships effort is worth the cost.
Great work!
JR Seeger
old warrior/new novelist
A very handsome watch indeed!
The standard edition is on sale at the moment.
Your content is great, I feel like every time I watch your videos they get better and better.
The back story surprised me. Usually mil-contracts are very well documented. Contenders dropping out just because is more commonly them being eliminated I would assume.