Story Highlight
– Bulova celebrates 148 years with limited-edition chronograph.
– Tribute to Shelby’s legacy and 1966 Le Mans victory.
– Features high-frequency Precisionist movement for accurate timing.
– Includes a sapphire crystal and 8-hand chronograph function.
– Comes with die-cast GT500 model for car enthusiasts.
Full Story
In a year marked by celebration, Bulova is commemorating its role as America’s official timekeeper since 1875 with the launch of a limited-edition watch that pays homage to its rich legacy in American motorsport. The Bulova x Shelby Racing Chronograph is a nod not only to the brand’s history but also to the iconic GT40, which triumphed at Le Mans in 1966, showcasing American engineering prowess against European competitors.
This timepiece merges the esteemed design elements championed by Carroll Shelby, a legendary figure in automotive customization, with Bulova’s cutting-edge watch technology, now being refined by Japan’s Citizen. The watch features a striking blue and white ‘Cobra’ design that is sure to excite car enthusiasts, while the ‘262kHz’ marking on the dial highlights the Precisionist movement’s exceptional high-frequency quartz crystal, known for its accuracy.
Bulova’s ties to auto racing stretch back to the 1960s and ’70s, a period when it served as the official timekeeper for premier events such as NASCAR and IndyCar, firmly embedding the brand within the racing community.
Measuring at a robust 43mm, the watch is constructed from steel and incorporates stopwatch-style ‘bullhead’ pushbuttons along with a black tachymeter ring. This limited-edition model, restricted to just 7,500 pieces, is the result of a collaborative effort with Shelby’s brand licensing division, which was instrumental in financing his early racing ventures.
Protected by a sapphire crystal, the watch boasts an impressive 8-hand chronograph capable of precise timing to 1/1000th of a second, with a smooth-moving seconds hand. The Carroll Shelby Cobra emblem is prominently featured at the 3 o’clock position, a detail sure to appeal to fans of the legend.
Accompanying the watch is a unique presentation box that includes a 1:24 scale die-cast model of the GT500, a vehicle that Shelby famously modified from Ford’s Mustang in 1967. This addition is expected to delight car aficionados, regardless of their interest in timepieces.
The Bulova x Shelby Racing Chronograph is available for purchase through select retailers and the official Bulova and Carroll Shelby websites, priced at £995 or $1,350.