Bulova Mil-Ships: A Legend Reborn for the 150th Anniversary
Bulova celebrates its 150th anniversary with a reissue that will make the hearts of enthusiasts beat: the Mil-Ships. This watch, steeped in history and military significance, returns in a modern guise that honors the past and looks to the future.
A Piece of Military History
The original Bulova "MIL-SHIPS-W-2181 Submersible" was never commercialized, but it was developed for the United States Navy during World War II. The elite units EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) and UDT (Underwater Demolition Teams) needed reliable and high-performance tools for their missions. Bulova answered the call, creating prototypes that, despite excelling in the tests of the Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU), never went into production. Only a handful of original examples (12 to be exact) survive today, making them cult objects for collectors.
In 2021, Bulova brought this legendary model back to life with a modern reinterpretation. And now, for the 150th anniversary, the Mil-Ships returns in an even more special guise.
Mil-Ships 2025: A Tribute to the Past with an Eye to the Future
The new edition of the Mil-Ships stands out for its CuSn8 bronze case, a material resistant to marine corrosion that evokes the diving helmets of the 19th century. The bronze, with its warm rose gold hue and the patina that develops over time, gives the watch a unique charm and a story to tell.
Among the main features we find:
A dial matched to the insert of the bidirectional aluminum bezel. A double-domed sapphire crystal. A window at 6 o'clock that indicates humidity, a historical detail that adds authenticity to the model. A 21-jewel automatic movement with a 60-hour power reserve. A commemorative caseback embossed for the 150th anniversary. The strap has been redesigned with a rubber base and a Cordura insert for greater resistance and a superior quality feel. The width of the strap has been increased to balance the weight of the bronze case. The new Mil-Ships is available in two color variations: navy blue and olive green, both enhanced by the warm tones of the bronze.
Technical Specifications:
- Bronze case with rose gold finish, 41 mm diameter and 15.4 mm thickness.
- Blue, brown, and white dial.
- Contrasting hands and hour markers on the dial with luminescent treatment.
- Convex sapphire crystal and screw-down caseback personalized with the engraving of a diver's helmet.
- Miyota 83S0 caliber automatic movement with time-only and date function.
- HNBR Cordura strap for greater resistance and pin buckle.
- Water resistance 200 meters.
With the Mil-Ships, Bulova celebrates not only an iconic watch, but also 150 years of commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and design. A brand that continues to look to the future, without forgetting its roots. The Mil-Ships is a worthy tribute to this legacy, a watch that embodies the spirit of adventure and watchmaking excellence.
