There has been some mixed reviews for the Bulova Mil-Ships Limited Edition. I’m a happy owner of this version and keep getting positive comments and questions as this has become my favorite to wear. Among many of my watches, this is maybe the most interesting one to wear given the 16mm strap (I’m mostly wearing a 1965 NAM original strap which I found more interesting than the black one supplied, but the black one being true to the time, works well also). I’m not a fan of very commercialized watches and the Limited Edition offers something else. The Sellita SW200 movement with a 41h power reserve, has turned out much better than expected with less than daily accuracy of less than +/- 5 seconds. All in all, if you want a truly unique watch, go for the Limited Version (I would not consider the unlimited one with the Miyota 82S0 movement) which you can pick up at discounted prices as long as inventory is there.
Great addition to my collection. The look is so original I see it's design cues in many so called "new" releases. I found a variety of 16 mil straps that work well. It's a joy to wear. Thanks Bulova!
I just bought the Mil Ship limited edition and love it. I love the history of it and I am so glad that Bulova did not change the original design. I collect watches including several of the Bulova archive series and this is definitely one of my favorites.
Bought this a few weeks ago. Got number 0043. Very Pleased
I have had my Mil-Sub for several months now and couldn’t be happier. It stands alone from my 15 or so other watches. I bought both versions and the Swiss version is by far the superior hooves and worth the extra investment. A lot of reviews I watched and read said the bracelet was to small ant felt off. Well I disagree it is a historically accurate representation of the originals. The quality of the strap is my favorite part when comparing the Swiss vs. Non. This would be a great add to anyone’s collection no matter if you went Swiss or not but for me it’s Swiss all the way!
I bought this a week ago and put it on my wrist and it sits like a rock tied to a thread . The watch is to heavy to be supported by the 16mm strap. It’s definitely a design flaw, also something feels cheap about the bezel, the push down function is something to get used to. I would have gone with an acrylic bezel. The watch is way to thick top heavy and clunky . The caseback is also a bit much and an unnecessary deviation from the original, I get that they wanted to stick to the original specs but they have definitely failed with the choices the made to modernize and ignore certain aspects. This watch could have been so amazing. We won’t even get into the scuba helmet vessel it comes in.
Bulova Respuesta
Great watch. Easy wearing. Super comfortable with the nylon strap.
I think the key work here is "Prototype" the watch was never put into production, or critiqued by the US Navy. Bulova backed out of the deal, and the watch was just lost to time until someone came with one of the originals, and asked Bulova if they would make it again as is. That's what makes this piece unique. I read about it before I bought it and yes, 16 MM lugs were odd to me, but that's how the prototype was made, You either love it, or hate it.
I was very happy to finally purchase this watch. I love the historic tie this watch has although it was never actually put into production. It's feels great while wearing it and the look is different enough that I get lots of questions about what it is.