MIL SHIPS
Archive Series
Brand new to the Archive Series, the Limited Edition MIL-SHIPS-W-2181 — only 1,000 will be made — is based on a prototype that was never commercially launched, making 2021 the first time watch enthusiasts will have the opportunity to own this luxury timepiece. The sport watch was inspired by a timepiece developed for the U.S. Navy, and it has a unique paper strip on the dial that indicates if moisture has entered the watch, and will change color should the water resistance — up to 200 meters — ever start to fail. Another unique feature of this watch is that the top ring will only rotate once it is pressed down. The black matte dial is set into a stainless steel case, and has a black NATO strap made with a finely-woven nylon material made to withstand continuous contact with water. This unique watch is versatile enough to be worn every day, but has the features to stand up against any other sport-style watch on the market today.
MECHANICAL WATCH 101
What makes a mechanical watch special?
In a world that’s increasingly digital, there’s a real appeal to something that relies on gears, springs, and jewels to work, and that’s reflected in the growing interest in mechanical watches today. Learn more about how a mechanical watch work and why buy one.
Product Details
Model
- 98A265
- 8/25/2021
Movement
- SW200
technology
- Automatic
- Powered by the release of a wound spring, mechanical movements never require a battery. Automatic mechanical movements have an oscillating weight that winds the spring with the motion of the wearer’s arm.
Case Width (mm)
- 41
Lug Width (mm)
- 16
Dial
- Black
- Luminous
- Luminous Hands and Markers
Strap Type
- Strap
- Nylon
Case Material
- Silver-Tone
- Stainless Steel
Clasp
- Buckle
Crystal
- Anti-Reflective Double Domed Sapphire Crystal
Water-Resistance
- 0200M
Additional Functions
- 3 Hand
- Automatic
- Calendar
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Reviews
Superb retro diver
There has been some mixed reviews for the Bulova Mil-Ships Limited Edition. I’m a happy owner of this version and keep getting positive comments and questions as this has become my favorite to wear. Among many of my watches, this is maybe the most interesting one to wear given the 16mm strap (I’m mostly wearing a 1965 NAM original strap which I found more interesting than the black one supplied, but the black one being true to the time, works well also). I’m not a fan of very commercialized watches and the Limited Edition offers something else. The Sellita SW200 movement with a 41h power reserve, has turned out much better than expected with less than daily accuracy of less than +/- 5 seconds. All in all, if you want a truly unique watch, go for the Limited Version (I would not consider the unlimited one with the Miyota 82S0 movement) which you can pick up at discounted prices as long as inventory is there.
Bulova Response
Unique Watch with a rich history
It was hard to pass up the limited edition version of this watch. Didn't even know Bulova made this piece until reading an article in Hodinkee about collecting vintage Fifty Fathoms. A vintage FF is way above my pain tolerance for a vintage piece but found out Bulova put their prototype from the late 50's into production & I followed the bread crumbs. With it's history & honoring the original design, this is just a cool, vintage looking piece & everything about just works for me - so as I said, it was hard to pass this up & I'm glad I didn't. Bonus is it's also suitable for diving.
Great addition to my collection. The look is so original I see it's design cues in many so called "new" releases. I found a variety of 16 mil straps that work well. It's a joy to wear. Thanks Bulova!
Great Retro Diver
The MIL-SHIPS is a really great retro diver. True to the original prototypes, the watch has a great 50s look. The watch is really well made, and the push-to-rotate bezel is a nice touch. I read some negative reviews of the narrow 16mm strap, but thay hasn't bothered me at all.