Well I wasn't really looking for a new watch (a familiar story around here...) but thanks to the recent heads-up about a 20% discount on Beaverbrooks website I am now the proud owner of this bad boy:
It's a Bulova Precisionist, model number 96B131, and is quite simply the most extraordinary looking watch in my collection. This has got so many small details all over it, I don't even know where to start with a description. I guess one of the first things worth mentioning is the curved crystal, which I've only ever seen on Bulova watches. It's not even noticeable when viewed square-on to the watch face, it just looks perfectly round and flat. However, look at it from the side and there's a massive curve, which I've tried to show here:
Of course this means the bezel is also curved, and that means it is fixed - Quite unusual for a divers watch rated to a depth of 300m 
The watch face is a masterclass in precision detailing, with an inset carbon fibre centre section, and cutouts around the dial which reveal an etched or engraved(?) silver metal layer, that has proved quite difficult to capture on photos:
One word to describe the watch would be "multi-faceted" (or is that 2 words? 
). There are sharp angles all over, with a mix of satin and shiny finishes, including the bracelet which is absolutely bonkers:
The centre links are not flat or symmetrical, so the top edge sticks out slightly, and there's also a fine groove in the middle, for no apparent reason other than to look good. The outer links are flat, and are satin finished on the outside, but have a thin mirror finished part on the inside - But they are also mirror finished on the outer edges - Aaargh, there are just so many details, I think my head will explode! The clasp is double locking, with a wet suit extension, and features an etched tuning fork logo. The end links are solid, as you might expect:
It's a heavy beast of a watch, and quite large so not one for the faint-hearted or the smaller wrist. The full bracelet is good for approx 8.5", and the watch head is about 46mm excluding crown. Thickness is approx 15mm.
The Precisionist movement pretty much speaks for itself, with the usual silky smooth sweeping second hand (finished in bright yellow on this model) and accuracy quoted to within 10 seconds per year.
Anyway, here's one last pic which - as expected - doesn't even come close to capturing how gorgeous the watch is in real life:
Sorry for the long and rambling post, but I am very excited about this one (as you might have noticed... )
