While Bulova, like many watchmakers, has previously offered curved
cases, especially with its rectangular models in the 1930s and 1940s,
the shaped quartz movements inside the CURV collection cases are
quite new. Vintage watch collectors ar e aware of the many curved
cases of the early 20th century, some created with specially made mechanical movements. (Gruen’s Curvex is perhaps one of the best known
of these historic designs, and numerous newer examples tout similar
wrist-hugging features.)
The long-standing popularity of curved wristwatch cases attests to
their comfort, and Bulova has with the CURV Chronograph added a new
twist to this proven design. Indeed, wearing the CURV recently, I can
attest that its lightweight case and ergonomic shape conform comfortably to the wrist.
Two of the CURV’s models (44mm) open up the caseback to allow
a view into the work done here, and the result is more impressive than
you might expect from a quartz movement. The bronze-hued baseplate
is nicely brushed, and Bulova even engraved the Accutron tuning fork
logo on the battery cover, echoing the same logo on the CURV’s crown
and dial.
The CURV Chronograph lineup includes a dressy, thin-cased titanium/
steel-cased model and an all-steel model, both with clear casebacks,
plus ten additional 43mm steel models with sportier layouts and with
multiple dial color and case color options. The two premier models
arrive with rubber straps and the remaining models feature steel, blackened steel, two-tone steel or gold-toned steel bracelets. Leather straps
are also optional on certain models.
The premier edition ($899) is a five-hand chronograph in titanium
and stainless steel case, dark grey exhibition dial with rose gold-tone
accents, exhibition screw-back sapphire case, curved sapphire glass
with black metallization on the outer crystal, black rubber strap with
three-piece buckle closure, and water resistance to 30 meters. With
its identical case in all-steel (priced at $799) the second edition with
the clear caseback features steel accents instead of the rose-gold-tone
hands and markers seen on the premier edition, and also replaces the
gold-toned seconds hand with a blue version. The additional sportier
(closed caseback) CURV Chronograph models are priced from $599 to
$799.
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