Bulova Chronograph C “Stars & Stripes” Reissue
By: Michael Penate
One of my favorite aspects of following brands and their releases during Baselworld is the sheer volume of new watches being revealed. We saw just how easily a great watch can be overlooked and forgotten until it surfaces at ADs later in the year. This year, Bulova teased something that I wasn’t expecting and with the exception of a few Instagram posts popping up here and there, I’m not sure much has been said about it. It’s the Bulova Chronograph C “Stars & Stripes” watch – a visually unique, Space Age offering from Bulova’s archives. After falling head over heels in love with their Moon Watch line-up, this is another watch that is pulling me in as far as Bulova’s Archive Collection goes.
Originally introduced in 1970, the Bulova Chronograph C was offered with a Valjoux 7736 chronograph movement. With the little evidence we have now, it seems like Bulova will opt for their 262kHz precision quartz movement. Like the Moon Watch, this should prove to be a solid combination that results in a retro-inspired, everyday wearer without the vintage hassle. For a guy that’s pretty into “safe” and often, monochromatic watch designs I have to say, this might be a winner for me (if I can get my hands on it).
The Bulova Chronograph C reissue will supposedly come with both a mesh bracelet and a navy leather strap. The only thing that bugs me is the rumored size increase that blows the case up from 43mm to 46mm. With the lugless design, it shouldn’t be too bad. Sadly, Bulova isn’t really too clear about solid release dates. When the Bulova Moon Watch was first announced, a year nearly passed without any kind of concrete release info. Some of us watch lovers even thought the project got cancelled. Hopefully, this isn’t the case but price and the release date have yet to be determined. So what do you guys think? Is this a step in the right direction for Bulova? Let us know in the comments. Bulova
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Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.
Really loving this watch…finger’s crossed that the lug less design will keep the size in check. Reminds me of the Hamilton Intramatic 68 reissue. Another one they blew up in size.
Have you guys thought about adding a forum/message board to the website?
Same here (:
An integrated forum would be an awesome idea. Never tried building one but maybe it’s something we can look into.
I dig it, 46 would be too big though.
My Moon Watch is around 45mm + its big lugs. I’m thinking with the absence of lugs in this design, it should work out ok…hopefully.
I like the general look and design etc but I feel like the dial is too ‘flat’. Some applied markers and/or sunken sub-dials would really help add more visual ‘texture’ to it. Even an applied logo might do it for me.
I see what you mean. Hopefully real photos will reveal more actual depth. Something that’s hard to see in generic press renders. Maybe it’s better in person /:
This is a striking watch that is instantly reminiscent of the 1970s. The lugless case is sweet and dial has charisma (even if somewhat flat). However, I agree that they missed the boat with their choice of size. If the original was 40, make the new on 41 or no more than 43. The large size kept me away from the moon watch reissues too, which is unfortunate. It was the right prices (especially used) and had the right aesthetics.
Honestly I think the increase in size is just them having to work around the constraints of the movement. It’s something we see with Seiko reissues as well I believe – if they reissued the watch and designed a whole new movement for it, then maybe we could have seen something in a much more authentic and tasteful size. It would also probably have been like twice the price though lol
I have just ordered one of these C models after it was on offer at silly cheap price, £275 ($300) so it going in my collection alongside my Bulova moonwatch and modern Spaceview, I also have a 1966 214?Spaceview and a 1969 218 Accutrons. Great watches.