How I Styled my Bulova A-15 Pilot Watch

If you’re dipping your toes into the world of watches, it can be an overwhelming experience. Though it seems like endless watch brands are available, it’s hard to find a more respected timepiece brand with a longer and richer American history than Bulova. In partnership with the brand, here’s why Bulova is a high-quality watch brand you need to add to your collection.

Bulova has been an NYC staple since 1875. Like myself, Joseph Bulova was an immigrant to NYC. When he moved to the city, he was a 23-year-old immigrant and established Bulova operations in Woodside and Flushing, both neighborhoods I grew up and lived in. When it comes to watches, I love when the brand story is something meaningful I can relate to. That special story connection is what makes watches into special timepiece collection items.

 

I chose to style this A-15 Pilot Watch inspired by their 1944 Military Issues A-15 “Elapsed Time Watch.” This timepiece incorporates features of the original, from the stainless steel case to the distinctive black dial. I especially love the unique black dial matched with the brown leather strap. In my outfits, I love to push and combine styles that could seem contradictory, whether it’s combining brown or black or creating “sharp casual” looks, for example. With its unique coloring, this watch is the perfect piece to dress up or down. Other than the design of this timepiece, I also appreciate its 2H crown that shows elapsed time while the 4H crown indicates dual time—the 21-jewel automotive movement paired with a 42-hour power reserve. Not to mention the sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating.

 

I styled this watch with lighter neutral pieces to make the watch pop. This beige linen blazer perfectly complements the watch with its classic form and more casual fabric. I also paired this look with a black t-shirt instead of a dress shirt in a timeless, sharp casual style. To finish the look, I paired it with these loafers that incorporate a light brown color and fade into a very dark brown, almost black color. The A-15 Pilot Watch is a perfect modern statement piece to add to nearly every outfit.

In terms of style and durability, it’s hard to beat Bulova. Whether you’re shopping on a budget, you can still get a premium-looking watch at a great price. If you’re after something more top-end, they also have you covered. Here are a few other watches I love:

• Limited Edition Chronograph
• Limited Edition MIL SHIPS
• Limited Edition Commodore
• Frank Sinatra The Best is Yet to Come
• Classic Collection