Bulova Men’s Watch (96B296)

Almost every surface on this watch carries crystals. They run around the bezel, down the case flanks, through the centre of every bracelet link, and across the whole dial. What keeps it from turning into a shapeless glare is the ring of applied polished batons at the hours. Case and Wrist Presence The case is a cushion: square in outline with the corners rounded off. That shape covers more of the wrist than a round case of the same width and sits flatter against it. Stones are set right around the bezel and continue over the sides, so the watch catches light from an angle and not only from directly above. The crown is small and tucked close to the case at three. Dial and Legibility The dial is paved from the centre to the edge, which is a difficult surface to read time against, so the markers carry the load. The batons are polished metal and stand proud of the stones, reflecting in long straight lines where the pave scatters. The hands are broad and filled in a pale tone. Below the six marker sits a framed date window printed in black on white, the one piece of flat contrast anywhere on the dial. Movement and Functions A quartz movement drives hours, minutes, a sweep seconds hand and the date. Quartz is the sensible choice for a watch worn occasionally: it keeps time in a drawer, needs no winding, and the date is corrected from the crown when you pick it up again. Bracelet and Fit Three rows of stainless steel links, the centre row set with stones and the outer rows left polished. It sizes by removing links. Worth doing properly rather than wearing it loose, because a set bracelet that slides around the wrist drags its stones across desks and door handles. Who This Watch Suits Someone who wants the watch seen. It reads as an evening piece and works against a dark sleeve, where the stones have something to contrast with. It is a poor match for anything rough, and it is not a watch that disappears under a cuff. Care and Maintenance Set stones sit in small metal claws, and knocks loosen claws faster than anything else. Wipe the watch with a soft dry cloth and lift dust out of the setting with a soft brush rather than picking at it. Keep perfume and hairspray off the stones; the residue dulls them and is hard to remove once it has dried in. Have the case gasket checked at each battery change. About the Brand Bulova has been making watches since 1875 and has kept a crystal-set line running alongside its dress and sports pieces for decades. The house approach is a full-coverage setting on a conventional steel case rather than an unusual case shape. Technical Specifications Attribute Specification Brand Bulova Reference 96B296 Case shape Cushion Case Crystal-set stainless steel Dial Pave crystal Markers Applied batons Date Window at 6 Movement Quartz Bracelet Crystal-set stainless steel Gender Men’s Warranty 24 months Buying With Confidence The watch carries a 24-month international manufacturer warranty on the movement; the battery and normal wear fall outside it. It ships new and unworn in its original box with the manufacturer’s paperwork, travels on a tracked nationwide courier, and the Consumer Protection Act gives you the right to return an unworn watch in its original packaging.