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Flashfred
23
Jun 19, 2018
Bulova 96B251, the other moon watch
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bwiese
1
Jun 24, 2018
FlashfredI have this watch in the metal band format.
[Note the lug dimensions in relation to spring bars are different for the leather band vs the metal band version - do not expect to be able to 'convert' the leather band version later with a factory bracelet [sure, there may poss. be ill-fitting aftermarket stuff or Speidel, etc. but I'm not talking about that: don't think you can buy the leather/canvas band model and later get the official Accutron band for the other version - won't fit.]
Function fit & finish are excellent. This is not a Seiko-grade watch case from soft metal: the case is 318 stainless and has a sapphire crystal. The metal bracelet, also 318, has solid forged links with screws and is not stamped. (Band may be China-made but it's first-rate!!!). The band is not a la Rolex "Jubilee" style, but links are smaller than "Sub"-style - and in fact more toward "bullet" style a la the old Accutrons (but not quite).
This watch is not 'diver watch' in terms of depth/waterproofing. [BTW, many depth ratings are just test instrument ratings under pressure and are not necessarily real-world dynamic pressure when moving under water. But since I've never doing more than a pool or hot tub, fine.]
I'd take it off swimming though it's prob OK. Certainly safe for ordinary water exposure (rain, handwashing, car washing, etc). Don't run the pushers or pull the crown if underwater.
I'd love to see a variant of this watch in a "very similar style", but... - decent waterproofing - screwdown pushers - screwdown crown - beveled edge on crystal.
Would have loved to have had the old Bulova logo-font on its face.
This watch is an excellent hommage to the original Bulova-Omega astronaut Scott wore, and is better & more refined in many ways. It appears to be a part collaboration (from what I've seen in various writeups) with Citizen.
Bulova hit one out of the park with this watch and its content/value/quality exceeds price.
[For the record, I own a Rolex Sub & a Marathon CSAR chrono and have my dad & uncle's Accutron Astronaut tuning fork watches - needing restoration.
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