The Bulova Military Heritage Hack Watch, specifically the reference 96A245, is a masterful contemporary tribute to the timepieces Bulova supplied to the United States military during World War II. It represents a critical segment of Bulova’s Archive Series, which focuses on reviving the brand's most historically significant designs for a modern audience. This model is defined by its high-legibility field dial, featuring both 12-hour and 24-hour scales, and the essential 'hacking' feature—a mechanism that stops the seconds hand when the crown is pulled, allowing soldiers to synchronize their watches to the second. Collectors and enthusiasts are drawn to this model because it offers a tangible connection to military history without the fragility or maintenance concerns of a true vintage piece. It balances rugged utility with a refined aesthetic, making it a versatile staple in any collection focused on tool watches or Americana. The inclusion of an internal rotating elapsed time ring, controlled by the secondary crown at 2 o'clock, adds a layer of functional complexity that distinguishes it from standard field watches. It exists as a testament to Bulova's enduring legacy as a primary contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense, bridging the gap between mid-century tactical requirements and 21st-century horological reliability.

The engineering of the 96A245 is centered around a robust 38mm stainless steel case, a size that stays true to historical proportions while catering to modern preferences for wearable tool watches. At its heart beats the Miyota 82S0 automatic movement, a workhorse caliber known for its reliability and, crucially, its hacking function. The movement features 21 jewels and a power reserve of approximately 42 hours, operating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The dial is protected by a double-domed mineral crystal, which provides a vintage-appropriate silhouette while offering modern clarity. One of the most distinctive technical features is the dual-crown configuration; the crown at 4 o'clock adjusts the time, while the crown at 2 o'clock operates the internal bi-directional rotating bezel. This internal bezel allows for tracking elapsed time without the bulk of an external diving ring. The dial execution utilizes high-contrast Arabic numerals and cathedral-style hands, all treated with luminous material for low-light visibility. The watch is rated for 30 meters of water resistance, emphasizing its role as a field watch rather than a maritime instrument, and is typically paired with a supple NATO-style or vintage-effect leather strap that reinforces its heritage aesthetic.

Bulova's history is inextricably linked to the American military effort. During World War II, Bulova shifted a significant portion of its production to support the war, manufacturing everything from ship clocks and altimeters to the iconic A-11 'Hack' watch. The A-11 was often called 'the watch that won the war,' as it was issued to thousands of Allied personnel. The modern Military Heritage Hack Watch is a direct descendant of these specifications, specifically drawing inspiration from 1940s designs and the subsequent MIL-W-3818A standards. Introduced as part of the Archive Series in the late 2010s and early 2020s, this model replaced the need for collectors to hunt for increasingly rare and often non-functional vintage military surplus. It fits into the broader brand history as part of Bulova's strategic pivot toward celebrating its 'Greatest Hits.' By reviving the dual-crown 'Super Compressor' style aesthetic within a military framework, Bulova successfully captured the zeitgeist of the vintage revival movement that has dominated the industry over the last decade. It serves as a reminder of a time when Bulova was a powerhouse of American industrial manufacturing and precision engineering.