Bulova Men’s Watch (96C108)

A rectangular case, which is already unusual on a watch with this much going on, and a black dial with a paved cross running through the middle of it. The pave is not scattered over the whole face; it is shaped, and the black around it is what gives the layout its edges. Case and Wrist Presence The case is rectangular with the long axis running up the wrist, and the stones are set in two rows down each side. A rectangular case wears differently to a round one: it follows the line of the forearm instead of cutting across it, and it slides under a cuff more easily than its size suggests. The bracelet is set to match, so the stones run in an unbroken line from clasp to clasp. Dial and Legibility Black outer field, paved centre, with an oversized Arabic 12 and 6 top and bottom and applied batons at the other hours. Numerals and batons together is a mixed layout, and it works here because the numerals anchor the vertical axis on a case that is taller than it is wide. The hands are polished and outlined, which keeps them visible where they cross the pave. Movement and Functions Quartz. Two framed apertures sit at nine and three – one for the day of the week, one stepping through the date – and a round register at six carries a 24-hour scale numbered in twos. Between them you get the full calendar picture without a window big enough to interrupt the dial pattern. Bracelet and Fit Stainless steel, crystal-set, sized by removing links. On a rectangular case the fit matters more than usual: a rectangle that sits crooked on the wrist looks crooked, where a round case forgives it. Take the time to get the length even on both sides of the clasp. Who This Watch Suits Someone after a dress watch with an unconventional outline. The rectangle plus the shaped pave gives it a period look that a round crystal-set watch does not have. Care and Maintenance Wipe it down after wearing and keep it away from chlorinated water, which attacks the adhesive and the plating on set pieces faster than fresh water does. Store it flat rather than stacked with other watches – stones scratch stones. Change the battery before it dies rather than after; a leak inside the case is the one failure that is not worth repairing. About the Brand Bulova has been in business since 1875, and shaped cases have been part of its catalogue since the Art Deco years. This one carries that outline into its crystal-set range. Technical Specifications Attribute Specification Brand Bulova Reference 96C108 Case shape Rectangular Case Crystal-set stainless steel Dial Black with pave centre Markers Arabic 12 and 6 with applied batons Calendar Day and date apertures Register 24-hour 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.