Bulova A15 Automatic Field Watch with Brown Strap #96A245

Take to the skies with this reissue of a military classic, the Bulova A-15 Pilot watch. The original 1944 military spec A-15 “Elapsed Time Watch” was developed for World War II pilots but never reached full-scale production, with only 500 known to have been made for testing. This vintage reissue incorporates the unique features and design of the original while upgrading it for modern use.

The Bulova A-15 Pilot watch’s 43mm stainless steel case features a blend of brushed and polished finishes with a double domed sapphire crystal. Three crowns provide functionality for setting and control of the internal dual-time and elapsed time bezels, which would’ve been mission critical for fighter pilots. A solid screw-down caseback in addition to the pull-out setting crown affords 30m of water resistance. A rugged top-stitch brown leather strap with a pin-buckle closure completes the look and allows the 14mm-thick case to sit comfortably on the wrist.

The dial is all about balancing information display and legibility, both of utmost importance when in flight. The matte black dial features Arabic hour markers, that along with the vintage-style handset feature a generous application of lume. Within the hour track, a 24-hour scale is printed in yellow for clear reading at a glance. Surrounding the main dial, two concentric internal rotating bezels allow the wearer to track a second time zone and the elapsed time.

The Bulova A-15 Pilot is equipped with a Japanese automatic Miyota 82S6 movement. This reliable caliber provides 42 hours of power when fully wound, with a beat rate of 21,600 vph and 21 jewels. Further, it features hand winding and hacking for precise setting. For both history and aviation buffs alike, this men’s Bulova timepiece is a must.