Bulova Military VWI Special Edition: A Chronograph With A Purpose
Bulova has unveiled the Military VWI Special Edition, a purpose-driven chronograph created in partnership with the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative (VWI). Beyond its military-inspired aesthetics and high-precision quartz movement, the watch contributes directly to a meaningful cause, with 10% of sales donated to the non-profit organization dedicated to training U.S. military veterans in professional watchmaking.
The collaboration pays tribute to Bulova’s historic role in educating veterans after World War II, when the brand operated the renowned Bulova School of Watchmaking, helping former servicemen develop valuable technical skills for civilian life.
A Vintage-Inspired Military Design
The Bulova Military VWI Special Edition comes in a 42 mm stainless steel cushion-shaped case with a predominantly brushed finish, complemented by polished details on the coin-edge bezel, crown, and chronograph pushers. Its silhouette takes clear inspiration from military chronographs of the 1940s, combining rugged styling with classic proportions.
A domed mineral crystal reinforces the vintage character, while the watch offers 100 meters of water resistance, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Olive Green Dial With Practical Chronograph Layout
The watch features an olive green dial that immediately reinforces its military identity. A railroad-style minute track surrounds Arabic numeral hour markers, all treated with luminous material alongside the hour, minute, and central chronograph seconds hands for improved readability in low-light conditions.
The dial adopts a balanced tri-compax chronograph layout. At 9 o’clock is a 60-minute chronograph counter, while the register at 3 o’clock displays an uncommon 1/20-second indicator that reveals the fraction of a second once the chronograph is stopped. At 6 o’clock, the small seconds sub-dial also incorporates a discreet date window with a black background and white numerals, allowing it to integrate neatly with the overall design without disrupting the dial’s military-inspired aesthetic.
Bulova’s High-Precision Quartz Technology
Powering the Military VWI Special Edition is Bulova’s proprietary High Precision Quartz (HPQ) movement, operating at 262 kHz, approximately eight times the frequency of a conventional quartz caliber.
This technology delivers exceptional accuracy, keeping time within seconds per year. While the small seconds hand advances in one-second intervals, the central chronograph seconds hand sweeps smoothly during timing operations, creating a more mechanical-looking display while preserving the reliability and precision that Bulova’s high-frequency quartz technology is known for.
The movement is hidden behind a solid screw-down caseback engraved with artwork commemorating the partnership between Bulova and the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative.
Brown Leather Strap
Complementing the vintage styling is a brown leather strap with subtle padding and contrasting white stitching, giving the watch a classic utilitarian appearance. The strap features quick-release spring bars, making it easy to swap for alternatives, while its 22 mm lug width provides owners with plenty of aftermarket options.
Availability
The Bulova Military VWI Special Edition is available now and retails for GBP 429.
More information at www.bulova.com.
General Specifications:
Brand: Bulova
Model: Military VWI Special Edition
Reference: 96B482
Dial: Green
Lume: Yes
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 42 mm Diameter
Crystal: Mineral Glass
Case Back: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100 Meters
Strap: Brown leather strap with a steel pin buckle
Calibre: NP20
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
Winding: High Precision Quartz
Frequency: 262.144 kHz
Price: GBP 429
Limited Edition: No
Availability: Now
