MIL SHIPS
Archive Series
Brand new to the Archive Series, the MIL-SHIPS-W-2181 is based on a prototype that was never commercially launched, making 2021 the first time watch enthusiasts will have the opportunity to own this luxury timepiece. The sport watch was inspired by a timepiece developed for the U.S. Navy, and it has a unique paper strip on the dial that indicates if moisture has entered the watch, and will change color should the water resistance — up to 200 meters — ever start to fail. Another unique feature of this watch is that the top ring will only rotate once it is pressed down. The black matte dial is set into a stainless steel case, and has a slate blue NATO strap made with a finely-woven nylon material made to withstand continuous contact with water. This unique watch is versatile enough to be worn every day, but has the features to stand up against any other sport-style watch on the market today.
MECHANICAL WATCH 101
What makes a mechanical watch special?
In a world that’s increasingly digital, there’s a real appeal to something that relies on gears, springs, and jewels to work, and that’s reflected in the growing interest in mechanical watches today. Learn more about how a mechanical watch work and why buy one.
Product Details
Model
- 98A266
- 8/25/2021
Movement
- 82S0
technology
- Automatic
- Powered by the release of a wound spring, mechanical movements never require a battery. Automatic mechanical movements have an oscillating weight that winds the spring with the motion of the wearer’s arm.
Case Width (mm)
- 41
Lug Width (mm)
- 16
Weight (g)
- 78
Dial
- Black
- Luminous
- Luminous Hands and Markers
Strap Type
- Strap
- Nylon
Case Material
- Silver-Tone
- Stainless Steel
Clasp
- Buckle
Crystal
- Anti-Reflective Double Domed Sapphire Crystal
Water-Resistance
- 0200M
Additional Functions
- 3 Hand
- Automatic
- Hack Feature
- 42 Hour Power Reserve
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Reviews
[staff review] the watch is great but I’m continually blown away how comfortable it is. The strap size and comfort is the sneaky star of the watch.
I love this watch. Real heritage/history for under $1000. The LE version has "Swiss Made" on the dial, but the original didn't because the movement was made in the US! So arguably, the SE version is more true to the original. The 16mm strap may seem small but once you get used to it, it really looks quite nice and more like 18mm. The narrow lugs really compliment the case design, IMHO. The movement, the 82SO Miyota is basic and unrefined, but totally functional and reliable. I wish Bulova dipped into their margins and put a better movement in there, but that's not enough for me not recommend this watch. My dream version of this watch would have a hand-wind movement in it, just like the original.
It was a birthday gift for my husband and he loved it
It was a birthday gift for my husband and he loved it
I bought this watch 2 months ago, great quality , nice to wear, love the case and looks, would love if instructions and history pamphlets would come in the box, and also if Bulova would make silicone bands for it . Luminous hands and markers aren’t that bright at dark but it’s a great watch for the price Bulova please bring back more Army and Navy inspire watches thank you
I bought this watch from Zales as soon as it was offered for sale. Looks grate and sits on the wrist perfectly! Perfect watch for Florida ocean living! The bezel function is different and interesting! The only bad thing is that the pamphlet explaining the history of this watch was not in my packaging, I was looking forward to reading that.
I bought this watch thru Hodinkee when they were first offered for sale. I'd been reading about the history of it and became fascinated. The Mil-Ships is beautiful, well made, and fits my wrist nicely. I'm a trained military diver and a PADI SCUBA instructor and will be taking this honey on all my future dives. The bezel is beautiful and unique with its "push-down-and-turn" action. The dial looks exactly like that on the original 1957 prototype. The case back is nicely finished and very beautiful. And the strap is extremely comfortable. A very beautiful tool-watch diver from Bulova!
The watch that wasnt until it was!
From the face to the strap and back up through the case and the bezel, man this is a great watch. I love the look and the feel and have already gotten some nice comments from fellow watch nerds. If Bulova can pull from their archive like this, they are going to be positioning themselves to shake things up and move on from the fashion watch label that seems to be its lot right now. Great work and good luck...oh and coming back to the bezel, the push to twist? Make it happen again and again.
Great history, great wear
[staff review] the watch is great but I’m continually blown away how comfortable it is. The strap size and comfort is the sneaky star of the watch.
Great watch.
Excellent vintage inspired diver and I would love to see more silhouettes like this from Bulova in the future.
Basically perfect
I love this watch. Real heritage/history for under $1000. The LE version has "Swiss Made" on the dial, but the original didn't because the movement was made in the US! So arguably, the SE version is more true to the original. The 16mm strap may seem small but once you get used to it, it really looks quite nice and more like 18mm. The narrow lugs really compliment the case design, IMHO. The movement, the 82SO Miyota is basic and unrefined, but totally functional and reliable. I wish Bulova dipped into their margins and put a better movement in there, but that's not enough for me not recommend this watch. My dream version of this watch would have a hand-wind movement in it, just like the original.