Bulova MIL-SHIPS-W-2181 Submersible

Bulova has just resurrected a watch that never really was, at least for the layman. The MIL-SHIPS Diver was a prototype created for testing with the U.S. Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Divers and Underwater Demolition Team in 1957, but it never saw the light of production. Now, the new MIL-SHIPS-W-2181 is for sale to the public, a modern version that evokes a watch that boasts some very important history. It retains the 41mm diameter of the original case, as well as its matte bead-blasted finish. There’s also a no-date black dial, double domed sapphire crystal, vintage-style khaki fauxtina lume, mechanical automatic movement, and in what’s easily the most unique feature, a litmus paper water-resistance indicator above the six that changes color if moisture enters the case, just like the original prototype. The watch comes in two versions, a limited edition with a Swiss Sellita SW200 movement and a more affordable standard production model with a reliable Miyota 82S0 automatic movement. The limited edition comes with a gold diver helmet presentation box, an accompanying book, and a numbered plaque (x/1000). Water resistance for both is 200 meters. Theh MIL-SHIPS will be available starting September 2nd.