Bulova embodies the essence of the American Dream, exemplifying a remarkable journey. Established in 1875 by Joseph Bulova, an immigrant from Bohemia (present-day Czech Republic), this American watchmaker boasts a captivating chronicle of horological accomplishments that seems boundless. From producing durable timepieces for soldiers in World War II trenches to spearheading the development of quartz technology, and even accompanying astronauts on lunar missions, Bulova has built a reputation for its unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries while maintaining affordability.
Enduring the test of time, Bulova has become a cherished luxury watch brand, renowned for its elegant, groundbreaking, and wearable timepieces that do not necessitate resorting to crowd-funding campaigns for financing. Moreover, by reintroducing recreations of its most iconic models, Bulova not only captivates watch enthusiasts with its forward-thinking designs but also evokes a sense of nostalgia and admiration. The Bulova Wilton GMT has captured the attention of watch enthusiasts with its timeless design and exquisite craftsmanship. It is a remarkable addition to the Bulova Classic collection, renowned for its sophisticated dress watches. If one could capture the sheer joy and excitement in a timepiece, it would undoubtedly be the Bulova Wilton GMT.
In this comprehensive review of the Bulova Wilton GMT, we will delve into its impressive functionality, captivating aesthetics, and overall appeal. Our assessment is based on our personal experience with this exceptional traveler’s watch, with a particular emphasis on its standout feature: a Miyota GMT movement with local jumping hour. Traditionally, such a feature was exclusively reserved for significantly more expensive timepieces.
Bulova Wilton GMT Review: An affordable GMT watch
Imagine discovering an incredible opportunity: owning a remarkable dual-time display watch featuring a jumping local hour hand, also known as a “flyer” or “true” GMT complication, that doesn’t break the bank at a price under $1,000. It’s an offer that’s hard to resist. That’s why we wholeheartedly support and admire the Bulova Wilton GMT for its admirable goal of making this highly desirable feature accessible to all watch enthusiasts, transcending the realm of exclusivity.
The movement
Undoubtedly, the standout characteristic of the Bulova Wilton GMT Automatic timepiece is its remarkable Miyota 9075 movement, which Bulova did not produce in-house. This movement has garnered significant attention in the realm of watchmaking as it represents a noteworthy advancement in making authentic GMT movements accessible to individuals with budget constraints.
When we refer to “true” GMT movements, we are specifically alluding to those equipped with a jumping local hour hand. These movements are relatively uncommon and usually come at a higher price point, allowing the hour hand to be adjusted independently. However, thanks to the collaboration between Miyota and Bulova, individuals with more modest financial means can now enjoy the seamless timekeeping experience offered by these movements.
The Miyota 9075 movement not only possesses automatic winding but also includes the option for hand-winding. It beats at a frequency of 4 Hz or 28,880 vibrations per hour, showcasing its precision. Furthermore, the movement incorporates hacking seconds and offers a power reserve of 42 hours. Through the exhibition case back of the Bulova Classic Wilton GMT, which can be securely screwed down to ensure water resistance up to 30 meters, one can witness this exceptional movement in action. Its outstanding quality and functionality rival those found in elite GMT watches crafted by renowned brands such as Rolex and Omega.
The design
The Bulova Wilton GMT is available in two captivating variations. You have the option to choose between a captivating blue dial paired with a stainless steel case or a sleek silver dial hugged by a gold-plated case. Both exude an air of timeless elegance with their classic mid-century design, yet the gold-plated option possesses an extra touch of sophistication. Undoubtedly, the Wilton GMT serves as the ideal complement to any black-tie ensemble.
Upon closer examination of the Bulova timepiece, one will discover a delightful combination of polished and satin finishes, subtly enhancing its overall appeal. The Bulova Wilton GMT watches come in two versions, both featuring dials decorated with an embossed world map. This is a noteworthy and charming detail that would catch the attention of curious onlookers. Furthermore, they showcase graceful dauphine hands, applied Roman numerals, and luminescent properties on the hour, minute, and GMT hand, facilitating effortless readability even in dim lighting conditions. The GMT hand features an arrow tip encompassed by a red frame, further enhancing its legibility.
Positioned gracefully at the three o’clock mark, a white date aperture ensures convenient visibility without overpowering the dial’s captivating design. Encircling the periphery of the dial is a dual-tone 24-hour scale, while the crystal that safeguards it is expertly crafted from domed sapphire with an anti-reflective treatment—providing exceptional strength, scratch-resistance, and distortion-free clarity. This distinct advantage sets the Bulova Wilton GMT apart from its counterpart, the Seiko 5 Sport, which incorporates a Hardlex crystal.
The blue dial version of the watch is complemented by a stylish black leather strap, whereas the gold-plated dial option comes with a sophisticated brown leather strap. The absence of crown guards enhances the watch’s streamlined and refined appearance, rendering it perfect for business travel, especially when compared to bulkier GMT sports watches with rugged bezels.
The size
The Bulova Wilton GMT boasts a generous case size of 43 mm, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 49.5 mm, making it noticeably larger than the typical dress watch, which usually ranges up to 41 mm. However, the current trend of embracing chunkier timepieces for formal occasions alleviates any concerns about its size. Additionally, the leather strap does not protrude significantly beyond the watch case, ensuring that even individuals with smaller wrists can wear it without it appearing overly large.
Upon holding it, one may perceive a substantial weight, but once it is fastened to the wrist, the watch surprisingly feels lighter. Although it sits somewhat higher, occasionally causing the shirt to get caught around it, this aspect contributes to its commanding presence. The model we tested features a butterfly clasp, which not only facilitates ease of use but also minimizes the risk of creasing the leather and enables the watch to rest more comfortably on the wrist.
GMT Watch
In the realm of timepieces, the old adage holds true: you usually get what you pay for. However, Bulova defies expectations by delivering far more than just your money’s worth. Presently, the Bulova Wilton GMT commands a price tag of $875 for the captivating blue dial variant, and $895 for the gold-plated dial option. Remarkably, this represents an incredibly competitive price point for a watch boasting an authentic GMT complication, a feature that often exceeds the $1,000 mark.
With the Bulova Wilton Classic, a timepiece heralding a genuine revolution in the watch-making industry, affordability meets desirability. By making this highly sought-after movement accessible to a wider audience, Bulova showcases their commitment to challenging the norm. Rest assured, quality is not compromised in the slightest. The Bulova Wilton Classic stands as a testament to durability and craftsmanship, assuring you of its unwavering reliability.
Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to spend their entire salary on a new watch, the Bulova Wilton GMT presents an irresistible opportunity to enhance your watch collection. The inclusion of GMT functionality also positions this timepiece as a top choice for individuals who frequently travel or explore the world. Adjusting the hour hand to a different time zone is effortless and doesn’t compromise accuracy. Moreover, the bi-colored dial ring with 24-hour indication allows you to easily check the dual-time with a quick glance. Whether you’re a frequent traveler crossing time zones or simply want to stay punctual, the Bulova Wilton GMT offers a practical and fashionable way to keep track of time.