The Bulova Jet Star is a modern watch line inspired by Bulova’s 1973 original. The red-dial 96B401 is its clearest documented example: a 40 mm stainless-steel watch with a 262 kHz Precisionist quartz movement, domed sapphire crystal, date display and a manufacturer-rated 50 m water resistance. Bulova’s own accuracy claims differ between its product and collection pages, so they should be read as attributed brand claims—not as an independently verified measurement.
What is a Bulova Jet Star?
The Jet Star is Bulova’s retro-styled watch collection. The brand describes the current line as inspired by its 1973 original, emphasizing a bold case shape and retro color details. That establishes the revival as Bulova presents it, but the available official material does not document a precise, component-by-component reproduction of the 1973 watch. Bulova’s US Jet Star collection page
The detailed reference discussed here is the 96B401, a stainless-steel bracelet model with a claret-red sunburst dial. Its styling combines a faceted case and dial color with a date display and luminous details. These specifications belong to the 96B401; they should not automatically be applied to every watch listed in the Jet Star collection. Bulova 96B401 product page
Bulova Jet Star 96B401 specifications
| Specification | 96B401 |
|---|---|
| Case diameter | 40 mm |
| Lug width | 20 mm; this measurement alone does not confirm fit for a particular replacement strap or bracelet. |
| Case and bracelet | Silver-tone stainless steel |
| Clasp | Deployant |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire |
| Dial and display | Claret/red sunburst dial, date display and luminous details |
| Movement | NM10 Precisionist quartz, described by Bulova as an 8-jewel, 262 kHz movement |
| Water resistance | 50 m / 5 bar / 166 ft, per Bulova |
Specifications are from Bulova’s US 96B401 page and its Canadian 96B401 page. Check the page for your market and exact reference before buying, since details for other Jet Star variants may differ.
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- Complete Strap: This 20mm dark brown watch band includes preinstalled quick release spring bars, providing a convenient replacement for worn, damaged or outdated wristwatch straps.
- PU Leather: Selected PU leather with a soft lining creates a comfortable wrist feel, while the matte surface and subtle vintage texture deliver a refined, timeless appearance.
- Quick Release: Built-in quick release pins allow fast installation and removal without additional tools, while the 20mm lug width provides a secure and precise connection.
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- Customer Support: Please measure the inner distance between your watch lugs before ordering; contact us if you have questions about sizing, installation or product quality.
How does the Precisionist movement work?
Bulova identifies the 96B401’s movement as NM10 Precisionist quartz. The product description says it runs at 262 kHz, has eight jewels, uses a sweeping seconds hand and is designed for increased resistance to temperature changes. A smoothly moving seconds hand is a visible characteristic; it does not make the watch mechanical. The NM10 is still a quartz movement.
Bulova’s stated accuracy is not expressed consistently across its pages. The US 96B401 product description says “accurate to 5 seconds per month,” while the US collection page says “accuracy to seconds a year.” Those wordings are not equivalent, and the collection statement is not a quantified figure. Neither is an independent measurement: the material available here establishes no laboratory test or comparative accuracy result. 96B401 product description · US Jet Star collection copy
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- From Bulova's Men's Marine Star Collection, live and play in maritime watches that feature bold accents, iconic patterns and innovative materials inspired by the sea.
- 6 Hand, 1/20 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, Calendar, Small Second Hand
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Mineral Crystal
- 100M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Can you swim with the Bulova Jet Star?
For the 96B401, Bulova states water resistance of 50 m, also expressed as 5 bar or 166 ft, and associates the rating with swimming or swimming in still water. Follow the manufacturer’s use description rather than treating the depth figure as a guarantee for every water activity. The cited material does not establish suitability for scuba diving, and no independent water-resistance test is available here. Bulova 96B401 product page
Which Bulova Jet Star model should you compare?
Bulova’s US collection page displayed three Jet Star entries when checked for this article, with listed prices of $520, $650 and $750. The page excerpt does not map those three prices confidently to exact reference numbers, and prices and availability can change. Use the live collection and individual product pages to identify the reference and its current price rather than assuming each collection listing’s specifications match the 96B401. Bulova US Jet Star collection
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- From Bulova's Men's Marine Star Collection, live and play in maritime watches that feature bold accents, iconic patterns and innovative materials inspired by the sea.
- 6 Hand, 1/20 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, Calendar, Small Second Hand
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Domed Mineral Crystal
- 200M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
When comparing specific references, check the details that affect both the look and use of the watch:
- Case and dial: Confirm the dial color, finish and case treatment for the reference you are considering.
- Movement and accuracy wording: Read the exact model page; do not assume the 96B401’s movement details or its product-page accuracy claim apply to another variant.
- Fit and fastening: Compare case width, lug width, bracelet or strap, and clasp. A stated lug width is a useful search dimension, not proof that a particular replacement will fit.
- Crystal and water rating: Verify the crystal material and the manufacturer’s stated water-use guidance for that model.
- Purchase terms: Check the current price, availability, warranty and seller at the time of purchase.
What did the 96B401 cost?
Bulova’s US product page gives July 14, 2023 as the 96B401 launch date and $595 as its introduction price. That is a historical introduction price, not a statement of its current selling price. The page also displayed a higher list price and a discount when reviewed, and notes that retail partners may set different prices. Check the current product page and seller listing for today’s price. Bulova 96B401 product page
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- From Bulova's Men's Marine Star Collection, live and play in maritime watches that feature bold accents, iconic patterns and innovative materials inspired by the sea.
- Chronograph, Calendar;Luminous Hands and Markers
- Gray Ion-Plated Stainless Steel
- Mineral Crystal
- 100M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Rank #4
- From Bulova's Men's Marine Star Collection, live and play in maritime watches that feature bold accents, iconic patterns and innovative materials inspired by the sea.
- 3 Hand, Date Quartz Movement
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel with Deployant Clasp with Push Buttons
- Black Dial, Mineral Crystal
- 100M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
