Bulova Watch (96A118)

A silver dial with Roman numerals around the edge and two openings cut into it, so part of the mechanism underneath is visible from the front. Blue hands over silver finish the contrast. Case and Wrist Presence Polished stainless steel, round, with a slim bezel and lugs that curve down to meet the bracelet. The crown sits at three. It is a plain case with no ornament on it, which is the right decision on a watch where the dial is already doing something unusual – the moment the case starts competing, an open dial turns into clutter. Dial and Legibility Silver-white with black Roman numerals printed around a raised chapter ring, and a fine railway minute track outside them. Two apertures interrupt the dial: a small one below twelve and a larger one at three, both revealing finished parts of the movement turning behind. The hands are blued steel colour, slim and pointed, and they read cleanly against silver from any angle. Roman numerals are slower to read than batons – your eye has to parse VIII rather than count positions – but they suit a dial that is asking to be looked at anyway. Bracelet and Fit A three-row stainless steel bracelet with brushed outer links and polished centres, closing on a folding clasp. Sizing is done by removing links, which is a jeweller’s job. On a dress-leaning steel watch, aim for a fit that lets the bracelet slide about a centimetre – loose enough to be comfortable in heat, tight enough that the case does not turn over on the wrist. Who This Watch Suits Someone who wants to see something happening on the dial without the watch turning into a skeleton. The openings are small and the numerals keep it formal, so it still works under a cuff. Care and Maintenance Polished steel picks up hairline scratches – use a soft cloth and never a polishing compound, which rounds off the edges between brushed and polished surfaces. Rinse the bracelet and dry it fully if it has been near soap or salt. Keep the crown pushed fully home. Any service work belongs with a watchmaker rather than a kiosk. About the Brand Bulova has been making watches since 1875 and has a long habit of putting technical features into watches at ordinary prices. Opening a dress dial to show the mechanism is exactly that instinct at work. Technical Specifications Attribute Specification Brand Bulova Reference 96A118 Case shape Round Case Stainless steel Dial Silver with open apertures Markers Roman numerals Hands Blue Bracelet Stainless steel 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.