Bulova Hack Watch 96A246 Review
There’s something undeniably appealing about military watches—their rugged simplicity, purposeful design, and the stories they carry. The Bulova Hack Watch 96A246 taps into that legacy, blending WWII-era inspiration with modern styling and everyday practicality. Modeled after the iconic A-11 watches, which Bulova once supplied to U.S. troops, this timepiece offers what the brand calls “an authentic taste of heritage”—without demanding a military budget.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at its design, build quality, movement, comfort, and how it compares to both vintage and modern field watches. By the end, you’ll know whether the Bulova Hack Watch 96A246 is a stylish tribute worth wearing—or just another nostalgic nod.
Contents
The Bulova Heritage & Military Connection
Bulova’s relationship with the military dates back to the 1940s when they supplied watches to American troops during World War II. The term “hack watch” isn’t just clever marketing—it describes a functional feature where the seconds hand stops when the crown is pulled out, allowing soldiers to synchronize their watches down to the second. This precision could mean the difference between life and death during coordinated military operations.
The Bulova Hack Watch 96A246 pays homage to this heritage while bringing modern refinements to the table. Unlike many “military-inspired” watches that merely adopt the aesthetic, this Bulova maintains the actual hacking feature that gave these timepieces their name.
First Impressions & Unboxing
The Bulova Hack Watch 96A246 arrives in a sturdy box with minimal branding—nothing fancy but perfectly functional. Removing the watch reveals its substantial heft (about 70 grams), immediately conveying quality rather than flimsiness. The brushed finishing catches light in a subtle way that photographs don’t quite capture.
Bulova Hack Watch 96A246 Design & Aesthetics
The 96A246 features a 38mm case diameter—the sweet spot that works for most wrist sizes. At 13.5mm thick, with approximately 3mm of that height coming from the domed mineral crystal, it has more presence than your average field watch while still maintaining wearability. The 47mm lug-to-lug measurement means it works well on wrists down to about 6 inches.
The case features brushed finishing throughout with some clever variation—vertical brushing on the center sections of the case sides contrasts with the horizontal brushing elsewhere, adding visual interest without compromising the tool watch aesthetic.
The dial balances legibility with style through:
- Ivory-colored face that appears more cream or eggshell than stark white in person
- Super-clear Arabic numerals in a classic 12-hour scale
- Inner 24-hour scale (13-24) for military time reference
- Black cathedral hands filled with luminous material
- Rectangular lume plots at each hour marker
The domed mineral crystal sits prominently above the bezel, creating an interesting visual dimension that plays with light and adds to the vintage aesthetic. This dome accounts for nearly 3mm of the watch’s overall height. While not as scratch-resistant as sapphire (which would have been preferable), the mineral crystal offers acceptable durability for the price point.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the crown, significantly oversized with deep ridging that makes time adjustments remarkably easy, even with gloves on (a nod to its military origins). The crown is signed with Bulova’s tuning fork logo and operates with satisfying precision when winding or setting the time.
Materials & Construction
The stainless steel case resists scratches better than expected. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters—sufficient for handwashing and rain but not suitable for swimming or showering.
The Bulova Hack Watch 96A246 comes with a black genuine leather NATO-style strap at 18mm width (not the more common 20mm found on many field watches). While relatively thin, the strap arrives surprisingly pliable with a minimal break-in period needed—a pleasant surprise at this price point. However, the 18mm width might be a drawback for those with extensive strap collections in the more common 20mm or 22mm sizes.
Bulova Hack Watch 96A246 Movement & Technical Specs
Inside beats a Miyota 82S0 automatic movement—a Japanese workhorse known for reliability rather than exceptional accuracy. Being part of the Citizen Watch Group (Bulova’s parent company) gives them in-house access to these reliable calibers. The movement is rated at -20 to +40 seconds per day, which is acceptable considering the price point.
The 42-hour power reserve means you can take it off Friday evening and find it still ticking Sunday morning. The hacking feature (which gives the watch its name) works flawlessly, stopping the seconds hand immediately when the crown is pulled out, providing precise time synchronization.
The movement can be hand-wound, with a smooth winding action that feels more refined than you might expect at this price point. Both automatic winding and manual winding are efficient at building up the power reserve.
Wearability & Comfort
Despite its military inspiration, the Bulova Hack Watch 96A246 doesn’t scream “tactical gear.” The ivory dial variant particularly offers more versatility than traditional black-dialed field watches. You can pair it confidently with everything from t-shirts to blazers without feeling out of place—the ivory dial adds a subtle vintage charm that works in casual and business-casual settings.
The 38mm case sits perfectly on my 7-inch wrist, with the 47mm lug-to-lug measurement ensuring it doesn’t overhang. Those with wrists down to about 6 inches should still find it wearable, though it might appear slightly more prominent.
Weight distribution is notably good—unlike some watches that feel top-heavy, this one stays put without rotating around the wrist. The 70-gram weight provides enough heft to feel substantial without becoming burdensome during all-day wear.
Value Proposition
Retail pricing falls between $310-$425 (depending on retailer), placing the Bulova Hack Watch 96A246 in competition with entry-level Swiss pieces like the Hamilton Khaki Field. What it lacks in Swiss pedigree, it makes up for with distinctive design and better finishing than many competitors at this price point.
For the budget-conscious, gray market retailers frequently offer this model around $250 (I’ve seen it as low as $218). Authorized dealers frequently offer discounts that bring the price below $300 during seasonal sales. Even at the Bulova official store, the price typically falls below $350 when a 20% sale is active. At these price points, this model provides exceptional value, especially when compared to the Hamilton Khaki Field, which usually costs $200 to $300 more for similar specifications.
Who Is This Watch For?
This watch speaks to several types of buyers:
- History buffs appreciating the military connection
- Everyday watch seekers wanting something distinctive but not flashy
- Those entering the mechanical watch world without breaking the bank
- Gift-givers looking for something with substance beyond fashion brands
It’s probably not for hardcore watch collectors seeking rare complications or those needing extreme durability for adventure sports.
Pros & Cons
Strengths:
- Distinctive military-inspired design faithful to 1940s A-11 watches
- Ivory dial offers more versatility than standard black field watches
- Oversized crown provides excellent grip and easy operation
- True to its heritage with a functional hacking feature
- Comfortable strap requires a minimal break-in period
- Thoughtful case finishing with mixed brushing patterns
Weaknesses:
- Limited 30m water resistance restricts recreational use
- Mineral crystal is susceptible to scratches over long-term wear
- 18mm lug width limits strap options from standard collections
- Thicker profile (13.5mm) may not suit all wrist sizes or shirt cuffs
Final Verdict
The Bulova Hack Watch 96A246 delivers genuine character in an increasingly homogenized watch market. It respects its military heritage without becoming a costume piece, functions reliably in daily use, and offers enough distinctive touches to generate conversation without screaming for attention.
For someone seeking their first mechanical watch or adding a military-inspired piece to their collection, the 96A246 represents thoughtful design at a fair price. Its quirks are part of its charm rather than dealbreakers, making it a watch you’ll reach for regularly rather than save for special occasions.
Is it perfect? No. But at this price point, its combination of heritage, design, and wearability makes it an honest value that will likely outlast trendier alternatives in both durability and style relevance.
If the Hack Watch’s military-inspired design appeals to you, take a look at our roundup of the best field watches of the year for more rugged options. You can also explore the best Bulova watches of the year to see how this model compares across the brand’s lineup, or get a broader understanding of Bulova’s history, quality, and reputation in our comprehensive review of Bulova watches.