The Bulova Classic Hack is a modern automatic field watch inspired by Bulova’s military-era designs—not evidence of a modern watch issued to soldiers. The ivory-dial 96A246 is the core reference; the black-dial 96A259 is a distinct sibling with a Veteran’s Watchmaker Initiative connection. Both have a 38 mm case, a 24-hour track and a 30 m water-resistance rating, according to Bulova.
What “Hack” means on the Bulova
A hacking seconds hand stops when you pull the crown out, letting you set the watch against a reference time. Bulova Japan’s 2020 launch notice explains the function and says the 96A246 draws on the earlier 3818-A, which it describes as used by the U.S. military from the late 1950s into the 1960s. That history is the inspiration for the modern watch; it does not establish that the 96A246 itself was a military issue. Bulova Japan’s launch notice.
Bulova describes the 96A246 as inspired by its military heritage and vintage watches. Its design cues include an ivory dial, luminous hands and markers, and a central 24-hour track. Bulova’s 96A246 product page.
96A246 and 96A259: what changes?
| Detail | 96A246 | 96A259 |
|---|---|---|
| Dial and strap | Ivory dial; black leather NATO strap | Black dial; green nylon strap |
| Movement listing | 21-jewel automatic; 42-hour power reserve. Bulova’s U.S. page identifies it as automatic but does not name a caliber. | Miyota 8S20-43A automatic; 21 jewels; 42-hour power reserve. |
| Case and lug width | 38 mm case; 18 mm lug width | 38 mm case; 18 mm lug width |
| Distinctive detail | 24-hour center track; luminous hands and markers | 24-hour center track; luminous hands and markers; screw-back glass insert printed with the Veteran’s Watchmaker Initiative logo |
| Water resistance | 30 m, as stated by Bulova | 30 m, as stated by Bulova |
| Initiative support | Not stated for this reference | Bulova says 10% of proceeds support the Veteran’s Watchmaker Initiative; check the live product terms for current details. |
Specifications and variant details in this table are from Bulova’s U.S. pages for the 96A246 and 96A259. The support statement applies to the 96A259, not the Hack line generally.
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- From the Bulova Men's Classic Collection, inspired by vintage design, our classic watches achieve a tailored, these beautiful timepieces feature self-winding movements that are powered by the motion of your wrist.
- 3 Hand, Automatic, Hack Feature, View Movement in Open Heartbeat and Caseback
- Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Case with Black Dial, 3-Piece Buckle
- Domed Mineral Crystal
- 30M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Movement and everyday use
Bulova lists a 42-hour power reserve for both references. That is a manufacturer specification, not an independently measured result. The 96A259 page names the Miyota 8S20-43A; Bulova’s U.S. 96A246 page describes an automatic movement without naming its caliber. A Bulova Canada listing surfaced as caliber 82S0, but regional naming alone does not establish that every market’s 96A246 uses the same configuration.
The 24-hour track adds a second way to read the dial, while luminous hands and markers are intended to remain legible in low light. No independent measurement of accuracy, lume performance, comfort or durability is established here, so those qualities should not be treated as tested results.
Rank #2
- From the Bulova Men's Classic Collection, inspired by vintage design, our classic watches achieve a tailored, understated look that's always in style.
- 3 Hand, Automatic, Hack Feature
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Mineral Crystal
- 30M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Fit, straps and water resistance
Bulova lists a 38 mm case and 18 mm lug width for both watches. The case measurement is a useful starting point when considering how the watch may sit on your wrist; wrist shape and strap choice also affect fit. The 18 mm lug width makes 18 mm straps a plausible accessory option, but verify the particular strap’s fit and attachment before buying.
Both U.S. product pages state 30 m water resistance. That number alone should not be taken as a recommendation for swimming or diving. If you intend to expose the watch to water, consult Bulova’s current guidance for the exact reference.
Rank #3
- 3 Hand, Automatic, Hack Feature, 42 Hour Power Reserve
- Double Curved Mineral Box Crystal
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Case
- 30M Water Resistant
Which reference should you choose?
- Choose the 96A246 if you want the ivory dial and black leather NATO strap associated with Bulova’s principal Hack reference.
- Choose the 96A259 if you prefer a black dial with a green nylon strap, want its specifically named Miyota movement, or value its Veteran’s Watchmaker Initiative connection.
For the 96A259, Bulova states that 10% of proceeds support the initiative; review the live product terms before treating that as a current transaction guarantee. The design and specifications above are maker claims, not the result of independent hands-on testing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Warranty, manuals and ownership support
Bulova support describes a three-year limited warranty. Coverage terms, exclusions, regional applicability and purchase requirements can vary, so consult the current warranty page for the applicable conditions.
Rank #4
- From Bulova's Men's Military Collection, explore field watches that pay homage to our unique military heritage.
- 3 Hand, Automatic, Hack Feature
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Double Domed Mineral Crystal
- 30M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
For setting and care, Bulova provides a Standard Manual and model-specific manual resources. Check the exact reference when choosing a PDF.
Quick Recap
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