I really can’t find a good way to start this, other than I recently purchased this watch and want to tell you about it.
I suppose not having some eloquent opening or impressive jealousy-inducing story about taking this watch on some wild adventure might make me less of a writer, or a lame watch collector. And in reality, I just want to talk about this watch for the reason that I like it so damn much.
See, I have a thing for pilot watches, it is my collecting niche. Furthermore, pilot watches with a history. Either a legit history or inspired by history. So when a modern remake of a pilot watch with a direct lineage to ww2 American pilots and the home front war effort becomes available, I get a little excited.
The watch is the Bulova A-15.
I’m sure you have heard of Bulova before, an originally American brand with a heritage that goes back to 1875. Was eventually purchased by Citizen but still retains its headquarters in New York City.
Bulova was one of the big iconic American brands of the time, and one of the brands that were a part of the war effort during world war 2. Hamilton and Benrus are the other two major players. At the time watch manufacturers such as Bulova, were designing and building watches and vying for government contracts to supply watches to the Allied fighting force. Bulova created field watches for the infantry that made it to various theaters of operation and saw lots of action. But that’s a field watch, and maybe something I’ll cover another time.
Military History
The A-15 is a pilot's watch. Originally designed in 1944, June of that year is when allied forces landed in Normandy France in the largest amphibious attack in modern history known as D-day. The A-15 was built in 1944 and obtained by the Army Air Force air technical service command. Which was a part of the Air Material Command originally based out of Wright Patterson Field in Dayton Ohio, which is still home to an air force base. The Air Material Command (AMC) was in charge of supply and research and development so it’s only natural that the Bulova A-15 went through Dayton. The A-15 was a very limited run of just 500 watches. Most of which stayed stateside probabaly at various AMC bases across the country. It is rumored that some A-15s did make it to England, and Asian theaters of operation. After they were received at AMC it’s unclear as to what units these were sent to for real-world testing, by extension it’s unclear what pilots this watch was intended for.
Loose Lips Sink Ships
Shear speculation allows us to guess that this could be used by bomber pilots. The original dimension being smaller would fit under a jacket cuff for normal wear. The fact that’s it not a chronograph and doesn’t offer that level of “precision” would also lead to the assumption it could have been intended for bomber pilots. Again this is speculation on my part and the intended pilot is unknown. Never having been produced further, The history of the A-15 drops off after it arrives at AMC, unclear if it’s because of budgetary constraints or other issues. But the A-15 from Bulova then fell into obscurity.
From The Archives
It wasn’t until around 2015 that Bulova went to the archives and dusted off the folder for the A-15 that was probably in a filing Cabinet in the back of the deepest part of the basement. A PVD version with a slightly different dial layout was created on an again very limited basis. It wasn’t until 2020 that Bulova released the version we have today, which while dimensions and proportions have been increased to make it a more Modern sized and fitting watch is as close to reproduction as you’re going to get.
Don't Call it a Comeback
However, 78 years later the Bulova A-15 is a stunning and functional tool watch. What made it unique 78 years ago is still unique today. The parlor trick if you will of the A-15 is its dual rotating discs(bezels) on the dial. One for an elapsed time like you would use on a dive watch, the other for a dual time, allowing you to track another time zone.
The dual functionality makes this watch well-suited for many uses. For me, it’s a fantastic travel watch. Leave it set on your home time, turn the crown, and set the dial to your new time zone and you’re good to go. Then the elapsed time on the dial is fantastic for all its various uses. It offers the function of a GMT and a dive watch but in a handsomely understated pilot's watch. With 30 meters of water resistance, it can handle swimming and showering while on vacation. The 20mm lug width makes this watch even more versatile and can be worn on various straps that you probably already have. Its presence on the wrist is comfortable and unobtrusive. The watch feels like all dial, which is good because a lot is going on, but it wears smaller than it might suggest, which is also great. The vintage aesthetic and stock brown leather strap lends this to a rugged and almost refined look. It works well with a pair of boots and khakis, or throw it on a nato, or even better, one of my custom made canvas straps, and wear it with shorts and flip flops. The high polish case allows you to push towards a dressier look if need be, but this watch is like me and most comfortable in a casual setting. It Does the Autumn vibe well, so wear it for your next leaf-peeping trip or show it off at Thanksgiving.
Sometimes you're just 4F
Is this watch for everyone? No. While it’s versatile, the admittedly cluttered dial isn’t for everyone. Occasionally the crowns get inadvertently turned. The vintage vibe of this watch,while something I can’t get enough of, isn’t for everyone. Yes it’s a modern watch, but it’s firmly planted in 1944 military history and it shows. While not for everyone, if you’re into history or pilot watches, or Both, this watch oozes history and charm and will be an amazing addition to your collection. Priced at $556 from Bulova it’s not going to break the bank which will make you feel even better about it.
Final approach
This watch from Bulova flies under the radar straight out of history into modern watch collecting. It’s everything a military pilot watch nerd could want from a watch and if you fall near either of those categories this affordable watch should be a no-brainer and on your shortlist for what to buy next.
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