Inspired by a post-WWII program at Bulova , which trained disabled veterans , and through the vision and dedication of Sam Cannan , a retired Baltimore police officer and Swiss-trained master watchmaker , the school officially opened its doors on September 13 , 2017 , in Odessa , Delaware . The mission of VWI is to give disabled veterans the opportunity to rebuild their lives by learning the lucrative skills of mechanical watchmaking at no cost to them , while simultaneously supplying an understaffed profession with well-trained new experts .
In addition to VWI ’ s new role with Bulova , the brand is further supporting the cause through the launch of a new special VWI edition hack watch , a timepiece inspired by the 3818-A military model . The piece was produced in the 1950s-60s post WWII era for three branches of the military including the Air Force , Army and Navy . The exclusive watch holds a Miyota 82S0 automatic movement with a 42- hour power reserve . A domed mineral crystal showcases super luminous hands and markers while the screw case back displays the VWI logo painted on a glass insert . The 38mm case is held on a supple nylon green strap and is available for $ 395 .
“ The Veterans Watchmaker Initiative is a program that Bulova holds near and dear to our hearts ,” says Michael Benavente , U . S . Managing Director at Bulova .“ The school draws inspiration from the 1945 Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking that began to support disabled veterans . We are thrilled to pay homage to our partnership through the unveiling of this new timepiece and with the expansion of our relationship with VWI as an official Bulova authorized
service center .”
Since its inaugural year in 2017 , Bulova has supported the school through various initiatives and activations in an effort to bring forth the brand ’ s historical appreciation of our nation ’ s veterans and support the continued education of watchmaking . In 2019 , the brand hosted the first graduating class at Bulova ’ s headquarters in the Empire State Building for a congratulatory afternoon . That same year , Bulova launched a GoFundMe campaign , in which the brand matched the donations made to VWI to support the school in carrying out its teaching mission and the building of a new campus on four acres of donated land in Middletown , Delaware .
“ We are excited to be expanding our partnership with Bulova as an authorized service center and through the addition of this new special timepiece ,” says Sam Cannan , Chairman of Veterans Watchmaker Initiative . “ Through Bulova ’ s continued support we have been able to provide our Veterans with incredible skills that can not only be used for watchmaking , but also in their everyday lives .”
A portion of all sales from the novelty timepiece will be donated directly to the VWI School . To learn more about the ongoing partnership , please visit www . bulova . com .
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