Bulova is presents a re-edition of their original 1973 Chronograph “31008-6W” timepiece, popularly known as the “Parking Meter.”
Press Release details with commentary in italics.
New: Bulova re-edition of the original 1973 31008-6W “Parking Meter” Chronograph
The new Bulova Parking Meter Chronograph re-issue is limited to 5,000 pieces, available first on Windup Watch Shop and Bulova’s official website for USD 595.
Commentary
The Bulova Parking Meter Chronograph was one of the very interesting watches to come out of the 1970s period, where designers had this childish curiosity and were ready to explore shapes, colours, functions and design. These days, the formula for success is so well known, that most designers do not push the envelope enough, resulting in boring and same-same watches. But the original Parking Meter Chronograph was introduced in 1973.
It had a automatic column wheel movement in the form of the Heuer Caliber 12 (original, not to be confused with the current TAG Heuer Cal.12). The base was the Buren 1281 automatic movement with the Dubois-Depraz 8510 module attached. The Buren had a micro rotor, and the module was attached in a bull head style arrangement. This was an expensive design, which led to its demise as a victim of the quartz revolution. Ironically, the tribute novelty is now powered by the Miyota 0S21 quartz chronograph movement.
The bull head pusher arrangement with the crown on the opposite side required a blue metal bezel to connect the crown and pushers. This resulted in a rather interesting shape, which gave rise to the nickname of the watch, as it looked like a mechanical parking meter in the US in those days.
The new Bulova Parking Meter Chronograph is designed to look the same as the original. With the novelty imitating the bull head case shape and 43mm size. But while the original 1973 version features only two pushers at 12 o’clock, and a crown for winding and time setting at 12, the new watch has a second crown between the pushers at 12 o’clock. This is the regular crown of the chronograph which is used to disconnect the battery and also to set the time and date. As the new movement is quartz, it does not require winding. The second crown at 6 is used to operate a second timezone displayed in 24 hours on the sub-dial below 12. This is a new function of the new Parking Meter Chronograph. The sub-dials are also different. The original had a 30 minute totaliser counter at 12 and a 12 hour totaliser at 6. The new has the said 24 hour second timezone sub-dial at 12 and the 60 minute chronograph totaliser at 6.
The novelty matches the silver dial with blue orange detailing on the original. This colour accents is repeated on the bezel, with blue ion plating leading up to the pushers and matches the inner tachymeter ring sloped rehaut.
We must say that we are impressed with the photographs in the release documents, and the watch looks very handsome, with the key signature elements of the original Parking Meter. We have requested for a review sample, and will update with a full hands-on review when we receive it.
Release details
In what may be considered “The Golden Age of the Bulova Chronograph,” between 1970 and 1974 Bulova produced a number of distinctive chronograph watches. These original 70s timepieces are highly sought after by vintage watch enthusiasts due to their iconic design like the newly re-released famous Bulova Stars & Stripes and Surfboard. Today Bulova is proud to present the Archive Re-edition of the original 1973 Chronograph “31008–6W” timepiece, popularly known as the “Parking Meter.”
With its eye-catching shape, Chronograph “31008-6W” features a unique dial configuration, resembling a parking meter – giving this particular model its nickname. The timepiece is further distinguished by the unusual placement of its pushers, forming a bullhead feature – 2 at the top of the case, with the crown at the 6H.
Coming from a family of famous “firsts,” the original Bulova Chronograph “31008-6W” housed the “ChronoMatic”movement, the first automatic chronograph movement of its kind. While the vintage timepiece represents a significant event in horological history, Bulova reintroduces a new version incorporating the same signature design details.
The new Bulova Parking Meter Chronograph boasts the same “Parking Meter” case shape with top pushers and unique crown positioning as the original. Featuring a silver dial with blue and orange details, the watch comes in stainless steel with a blue ion plated outer ring leading up to the pushers and matching inner tachymeter ring. The watch is powered by a 0S21 Miyota Chronograph with dual time feature set with the 6H crown and is set on a supple brown leather strap with blue-grey stitching.
Bulova re-edition of the original 1973 31008-6W “Parking Meter” Chronograph Specifications
Shipping commences 07/22/2022
- Case: 316L Steel w/ Blue IP Bezel
- Dial: Silver and Blue
- Movement: Miyota OS21
- Type: Quartz
- Complications: Chronograph, Date, 24-hour
- Lens: Sapphire
- Strap: Leather
- Water Res.: 100M
- Diameter: 43mm
- Length: 43mm
- Thickness: 11.8mm (Crystal to Case Back)
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Ref: 98B390
2 Comments
Big Citizen! Big Bulova! Good Job!
Bulova is making cheap, not to be confused with inexpensive, watches in its revised format. Citizen has not done Bulova any favors by acquiring the company name. I just can’t see it!