The watch industry is going through many changes. New designs and movements are constantly being introduced. Digital watches are especially changing as watchmakers are finding new features to pack in them.
Bulova released the Computron, which is a timepiece that looks like no other. The brand itself is acclaimed by watch enthusiasts as it produces high-quality pieces. The digital watch is the newer version of a timepiece that was released years ago. The company decided to bring it back as its appearance is unique.
Design
As its name suggests, it’s quite computer-like. However, it doesn’t look like modern computers. It’s reminiscent of monitors from the 70s. This is thanks to the peculiar shape of its case – it’s a trapezoid, which you don’t see that often.
If you turn it around, you’ll notice that its edges are sharp. This helps with the robotic-feel. Other than this, its rear isn’t very exciting. All you get is a plain stainless-steel back.
The watch looks like it is from the 70s, and it is. Bulova released the original Computron decades ago. Their archive series brought it back in 2019. It got a modern twist to it.
Due to the shape of its case, it isn’t a surprise that its display isn’t the largest. Its case is only 31 mm. The watchmaker is known to produce some big watches, so this is a sharp contrast. Although small, its display is eye-catching – it reads the time in a sharp red.
You’ll like the Computron as it looks styish. The watch is made from pitch-black stainless steel. It’s ion-plated, making it so shiny.
There are grooves all over its case. This is another thing that will catch your attention. They don’t have a purpose, they’re just there to make the timepiece look machine-like.
Although its body is quality stainless steel, its strap is rubber. It blends well with its black body, so you won’t notice it from afar. However, rubber does not feel as good as steel. It is more waterproof, though. The material holds off dirt and water with ease. The rubber on it is soft too.
The watch comes in 2 different versions. The black and red is our favourite, but there is a silver one that has a sea-blue face. There is also a gold variant.
You’ll notice a button on its side – more on its function later. It’s recessed, so it fits comfortably under your finger. It’s also curved well, never bruising you if knocked against your wrist. The chances of you scratching it are low as it’s so small.
Features
It is a digital watch. It displays the time on an LED panel. If you’ve ever used a digital watch before, you’d know that it’s always on. If its screen is very bright, this results in quick power drainage. Bulova was smart with the Computron – it comes with an on-demand display. When you press the button on its side, it activates. It’s similar to tapping a smart-watch.
When you press it once, you’re getting the time, which is the hours and minutes passed. It stays on for about 5 seconds. If you press the button when its display is on, you’ll see the seconds passed. If you press it again, the date will be shown. When you press it with the date shown, the day will be displayed. If you press it once more, an additional time zone appears. Although the mechanism helps keep the watch going for a long time, you can imagine how much of a nuisance it can be.
If you look at collections from Bulova, you’d know that they produce expensive-looking devices. Many of its pieces have sapphire windows. As the Computron is so expensive looking, it’s strange to see regular mineral on it. The crystal is not that tough and is the weakest out there.
The timepiece is not very water-resistant. However, it can handle enough water to be worn in the wilderness. It’s resistant up to 100 feet (30 meters). As it comes with a quality stainless steel body, corrosion won’t be an issue. The device has a rubber strap – as you know, the material is very waterproof.
Speaking of the wilderness, the Computron camouflages well. Its black body blends in with the night-time. You don’t have to worry about its dial scaring animals away as you can turn it on when you want to.
Its backlight is bright due to its LED display. You’ll easily be able to read it when it’s dark. If the watch could handle more water, you could read it when submerged.
No surprise, the timepiece uses a quartz movement. The one on the Computron is accurate, but we have no idea what its specific movement is. As the watch saves its battery, it can last a long time. We were able to use it for 12 months straight.
This is not a feature, but it has an impressive warranty. You’re getting 3 years of coverage.
Verdict
What’s the verdict? Bulova is a brand that knows what they’re doing. They’ve been in the game for a while, and it shows from the quality of their products. The Computron looks great. Many of the digital watches available can’t compete with its look. It’s reminiscent of computers from the 70s and the device was first released back then. The watch company decided to redo it, and it was released to the market in 2019.
Its looks aren’t the only unique thing about it. As it has a very bright display, the manufacturer decided to include an on-demand screen. It works like a smartwatch – you press its switch to turn it on. Depending on how many times you push its button, the features you activate will differ. It’s a shame that it’s not ISO 6425, but we appreciate that it can handle 100 feet (30 meters) underwater.
The device is good-looking and comes in 2 other designs. We think the sharp black with the red display looks the best.
If you need a new digital watch, give it a go. You can snag it on Amazon for a reasonable price.