Bulova Curv Chronograph collection
Fergus NashBulova’s models in recent years have been split into two distinct categories. The one we discuss most frequently is full of watches for enthusiasts, whether they’re vintage reissues or modern adaptations of cult classics. The other category is less celebrated by publications but far more popular with people who simply want a quality watch for a decent price. That’s where watches like the Marine Star or the Sinatra Collection come in. The Bulova Curv Chronograph lies somewhere in between, and this new collection of colours will definitely appeal to both kinds of customers, as well as presenting a world first – a curved chronograph.
To say the Bulova Curv Chronograph contains the world’s first curved chronograph movement is interesting, because it’s not as if that incredibly niche title was a race between different manufacturers. That said, it’s still an impressive feat and one that deserves to be celebrated. In a review like this we would normally begin by talking about the case or dial, however I’m going to start from the back. Through a curved mineral crystal in the caseback, you can see a very rare display of a quartz-powered movement. It may not have the dynamic elements of a beating mechanical calibre, but seeing the battery and various coils instills a sense of technological awe. The technology may be decades-old, but it still feels futuristic to look at. Add in the novelty of its curvature, and you’re left with an absolutely unique watch. The 262kHz frequency chronograph is capable of measuring 1/1,000th of a second, and provides a smooth sweep to the seconds hand.
Returning to the case, of course the curvature of the movement compliments the overall arched case design. Although flat watches usually compensate for the wrist’s curvature with angled lugs, the Bulova Curv Chronograph can drape continuously and comfortably. This spreads the watch’s weight more evenly across your skin, thus reducing its perceived weight. Considering the beefy diameter of 44mm, all additional comfort is very welcome. The lug-to-lug length is almost made irrelevant by the integrated bracelet design, gradually tapering away from the case and culminating into a smooth butterfly clasp.
The dial is complex yet clean, with Geneva stripes decorating the main surface. Three chronograph sub-dials count the hours at 9 o’clock, minutes at 3 o’clock, and seconds at 6 o’clock. Arching between the hour and minute subdials and below the applied tuning fork logo is a tinted window of skeletonisation, giving you a peek at the movement beneath. Above it all are two partially skeletonised alpha hands with luminous paint at their tips, granting an overall sense of refinement and sharpness. There are three colour variations in this new collection, the most versatile being a dark grey or black dial paired with rose gold hands and indices. If you prefer something a bit more colourful, the steel case can also be brought to life with an intense forest green that shimmers in the light. Finally, the black dial can also be had with yellow gold details in a two-tone case, where the bezel and some bracelet links are coated in a yellow gold colour too.
Bulova CURV Chronograph collection pricing and availability
The new Bulova CURV Chronograph collection is now available from Bulova retailers. Price: A$1,990, US$1,150
| Brand | Bulova |
| Model | Curv Chronograph |
| Case Dimensions | 44mm (D) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front, mineral caseback |
| Dial | Green or black |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Movement | Precisionist chronograph, 262kHz beat rate |
| Power Reserve | Two-year battery life |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | A$1,990, US$1,150 |