Bulova Precisionist X: A Timepiece for Sophisticated Watch Lovers

Bulova is a brand from which you can always expect top-notch innovation. It has contributed a lot of firsts to the history of horology, including its curved-styled chronographs and clever electrostatic timepieces. This American brand has long been coveted for its cutting-edge watches that always manage to keep things fresh. For this reason, when Bulova decided to launch its Precisionist collection in 2010, it instantly became a favourite amongst watch connoisseurs. The Precisionist family represents a new era for the brand, as it comprises remarkably high-frequency timepieces that boast peculiar, complex architectural designs.

In celebration of the Precisionist collection’s 10th anniversary, Bulova has released a unique, revolutionary new model: the Bulova Precisionist X. Equipped with high-end features and a stylish, almost futuristic-looking design, the Bulova Precisionist X is one of the most advanced timepieces the brand has ever created. Without further ado, let us take a closer look at the very first model of the Bulova Precisionist X — the Ref. 96B349 — and everything it has to offer.

A Closer Look at the Bulova Precisionist X

As part of its innovation, Bulova has always experimented widely with different unusual watch materials, case shapes, and dial designs when crafting a timepiece. This has allowed the brand to create a number of truly iconic and unique timekeepers over the years, such as the classic Bulova Oceanographer, the retro Bulova Computron, and now, the avant-garde Bulova Precisionist X.

Case, Bezel, and Caseback

Right off the bat, you can tell that the Bulova Precisionist X shows off an unusual, sophisticated aesthetic that blends well with the complex architectural looks of the other Precisionist models. This watch comes in a 45mm stainless steel case that is shaped like an octagon. Unlike the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, which is another timepiece with an octagon-shaped case, the case of the Bulova Precisionist X has cleaner and sharper sides, giving it a more angular look. This case also showcases alternately brushed and polished finishes, creating an interplay of textures that cleverly plays with the light depending on the angle at which you view the watch.

Fitted on top of the case is a fixed bezel insert. This bezel is secured with four screws at the top and the bottom. For the regular Bulova Precisionist X, this bezel is crafted from scratch-resistant Damascus steel, which is known for its rougher, almost wavy texture and darker tone compared to stainless steel. The limited-edition Bulova Precisionist X, on the other hand, has this bezel in luxurious 18K yellow gold. The bezel serves to break up the even look of the Precisionist X’s face. This bezel offers a different texture and hue from the rest of the case, giving the watch a distinctly edgier, more stylish look.

On the underside of the Bulova Precisionist X, you can find a solid steel caseback. This caseback is tightly screwed down, keeping the watch’s interior safe from any dust or moisture. It is also engraved with Bulova’s name and logo, along with the other details of the watch. A chunky screw-down crown is also located on the right side of the case. It protrudes boldly out from the case and bears wavy, grooved edges which allow wearers to grip and turn the crown more easily. Surrounding this crown are two elongated pushers in handsome blue and silver. Thanks to its screwed-down crown and caseback, this watch also possesses a superior 300-metre depth rating.

Dial

The highlight of the sophisticated Bulova Precisionist X is easily its complex dial. This dial comes in a dark blue colourway, matching the pushers on the side of the case. Despite being packed full of complications, this dial is quite neatly organised. Each component on this dial is carefully placed, with a certain uniformity that creates a clean and easy-to-follow layout.

This dial comprises applique silver hour indices and hollow hands, all of which have been generously coated with lume for optimal legibility in poor lighting conditions. On the lower half of the dial is a transparent section, which gives you a clear view of half the date wheel, along with a compact date window positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock.

On the upper half of the dial, you can find three sub-dials. The 60-second and 12-hour counters are placed at 9 and 3 o’clock, and they overlap nicely with the transparent date wheel display. Located at 12 o’clock is an unusual, shield-shaped counter, outlined in thick silver, for the 1/10th of a second chronograph. A final chronograph sub-dial can be found at 6 o’clock, underneath the transparent date section. This sub-dial, which takes the shape of a semi-circle and is also outlined in silver, is used to record the 1/1000th of a second chronograph. All these features make the Bulova Precisionist X an incredibly high-functioning, practical watch.

Finally, the Bulova Precisionist X also comes with a layer of sapphire crystal fitted carefully on top of the dial. This sapphire crystal protects the dial from any scratches and impacts, while also giving wearers a clear and unimpeded view of the watch face.

Movement

As befitting of a watch from the Precisionist collection, the Bulova Precisionist X is powered by a top-tier, high-frequency movement with an excellent accuracy rate. Underneath its complex watch face, you can find the robust in-house Bulova NN50 quartz movement. This proprietary movement possesses a record-breaking vibrational frequency of 262 kHz, which is eight times higher than that of the typical quartz watch. It also offers an outstanding accuracy rate of +/-10 seconds per year and a battery lifespan that can last up to two years.

Strap

The Bulova Precisionist X’s sleek, sophisticated look is finished off with a high-quality three-link stainless steel bracelet. It is equipped with a steel buckle pin, which keeps the watch securely fastened to your wrist. This bracelet enhances the Bulova Precisionist X’s professional look, making it the perfect watch to bring to a formal dinner party or to the office.

Price

The Bulova Precisionist X, which is known for its ultra-accurate timekeeping and stylish build, is offered in two different editions, as previously mentioned. The regular model with a Damascus steel bezel insert retails at approximately $1,295 USD, which is quite affordable considering its top-tier features. The limited-edition model with an 18K yellow gold bezel insert, on the other hand, is a lot rarer and more valuable, with only 100 pieces in existence. This watch is priced at around $33,950 USD. If you are searching for a newly-minted watch fitted with outstanding features, the Bulova Precisionist X is certainly a worthy grab.

Final Thoughts

Over the years, Bulova has never failed to meet the expectations of its patrons and the general public with its fine, highly-advanced watches. In particular, the Bulova Precisionist X is a revolutionary version of the Precisionist collection, boasting state-of-the-art watch technology and a sophisticated, almost avant-garde design. It perfectly epitomises the brand’s expertise in creating innovative and ultra-modern watches. If you love wearing a timekeeper with a distinctive aesthetic and incredible accuracy, then the Bulova Precisionist X should definitely be on your radar.

All images are credited to Amazon.com.

Featured image courtesy of Bulova.com.

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