Bulova releases the "Millship" replica of the prototype it provided to the U.S. Navy.

Bulova has announced the "MIL-SHIPS," a reproduction of a rare prototype diver's watch that was provided to the U.S. Navy's Underwater Research Unit in 1957. The watch faithfully reproduces the original's elements, including its exterior and an indicator that detects high humidity inside the case. It is scheduled for release in late October 2021.

Unproducted military prototype

　Bulova has announced the "MiL-SHIPS" model, a reproduction inspired by the original "MIL-SHIPS-W-2181" diving watch. This is a reproduction of a historically extremely rare prototype originally provided to the US Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) in 1957, and is a new addition to Bulova's Archives series.

　Bulova, which had a strong relationship with the U.S. military, manufactured military-grade watches in response to government requests during World War II. In May 1957, the company delivered three prototype diving watches to NEDU for the U.S. Navy. The completed watch met four requirements established by the Bureau of Naval Ships in 1955: watertight to a specified depth, impervious to water vapor for months, legible in the dark, and fitted with a rotating bezel.

　The following year, in 58, several additional prototypes were delivered, and the Navy conducted field tests on the submarine force. Extensive testing was conducted, including successful depth testing at 392 feet (approximately 119.5 m), an unusual feat for the time. The Navy's technical report detailed the findings and recommendations from the tests, and commented that they had "never seen a watch like this."

　However, while the Navy was waiting for final approval of the additional prototype, Bulova discontinued the diving watch and moved on to other products. As a result, only a few "MIL-SHIPS-W-2181" watches were produced, all of which were delivered to the Navy.

High reproduction rate of the original model

　The new Millship, a reproduction of the original model with such a story, is an archive model that boasts a high level of authenticity. As a result of its reproduction, it will be "released" by Bulova for the first time in 2021.

　Of course, its performance has been improved over the original, and the stainless steel case with a rotating bezel is water resistant to 20 bar. The biggest feature of this model is the "moisture indicator" located at 6 o'clock, which is the same as the original model.

　This unique feature lets you know when high humidity levels are detected inside the case by changing the color of the indicator from light brown to blue. If it does turn blue, it's a good sign that maintenance is needed.

　The bidirectional rotating bezel also features a push-lock top ring for added security. It can be operated even while wearing underwater gloves; you simply push it in and then rotate it. The watch is paired with a NATO strap made of delicately woven nylon, incorporating the design of the original model down to the smallest detail.