Bulova 96B482 Military VWI Chronograph Green Dial Leather Band

Bulova 96B482: A Military Chronograph With a Real Mission

The Bulova 96B482 is part of the Military collection’s VWI Special Edition, and unlike most “military-inspired” watches, this one actually supports veterans. Ten percent of every sale goes to the Veteran Watchmaker’s Initiative, funding career training in watchmaking for U.S. military veterans. That alone makes it worth a closer look—but the watch itself backs up the good intentions.

The Cushion Case That Sets It Apart

The 42.5mm cushion case is a departure from the usual round suspects. Topped with a coin-edge fluted bezel in stainless steel, it gives the 96B482 a period-correct silhouette that nods to 1940s military field chronographs without feeling like a costume piece. The proportions work—it wears confidently but not oversized, helped by the 22mm lug width that keeps the strap-to-case ratio balanced.

262 kHz: Not Your Ordinary Quartz

Inside is Bulova’s proprietary NP20 High Performance Quartz movement, vibrating at 262 kHz—eight times the frequency of a standard quartz crystal. The practical result: accuracy measured in seconds per year instead of seconds per month, and a sweeping chronograph hand that moves smoothly rather than ticking in steps. The six-hand layout covers three subdials plus date, and the chronograph pushers have good tactile feedback.

A Dial That Earns the Name

The military green dial works because Bulova committed to the palette. Beige-toned Arabic numerals and luminous hands create genuine contrast—this is a legible watch in any lighting condition. The domed mineral crystal adds a subtle vintage character, and while sapphire would be nice at this price, the impact-resistant mineral glass fits the tool-watch ethos better than you might expect.

The Caseback Detail

Flip the watch over and you will find a custom engraved caseback depicting the VWI partnership—veterans learning watchmaking. It is a nice touch that connects the watch to its purpose beyond just branding.

Who This Is For

If you want a chronograph that looks different from everything else in the display case and carries a story worth telling, the 96B482 delivers. The HPQ movement means you will never worry about accuracy, the green dial stands out without being loud, and the VWI partnership adds substance. Just know the 30m water resistance means this is a fair-weather companion—keep it away from the pool.