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v7.2 (A.I. Watch & Collection Reviews)
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Model Name:
Reference:
Bulova 1973 Jet Star 97B214
97B214
Country
USA
Current Rating
981
Rating Implied Value ($)
$
476
Expected Rating Based on Price
981
Rating Alpha
0
Price ($)
$
476
Date Added:
Sep 27, 2024
# Times Rated
0
Watch Description
Straight from the 1970s comes the Bulova 1973 Jet Star, an iconic model from the brands impressive history, now equipped with an equally impressive movement. Borrowing from its historic forebear, the gold-tone stainless steel case features a striking angular design with broad facets and a domed sapphire crystal. The warmth of the butterscotch sunburst dial is accented by a rich brown chapter ring, applied brown and gold-tone hour markers, and gold tone hands. Luminescent plots at each hour and fill in the hands allow for exceptional legibility in every environment, while a date display sits perfectly at 3 o’clock. A red seconds hand brings a pop of color and sweeps smoothly around the dial thanks to Bulova’s Precisionist movement, a revolutionary 8-jewel quartz mechanism vibrating at a remarkable 262kHz and accurate to 5 seconds per month with increased resistance to temperature changes. The Bulova 1973 ‘F’ Jet Star is paired perfectly with a brown leather strap with latched spring bars for easy release. Strut your stuff in legendary style with the high-flying Bulova 1973 Jet Star, a legendary design recreated for the modern connoisseur.
40
45
20
11.5
50
Steel - 316L
Round
Sapphire
Quartz
NM50
0
Gold
A.I. WatchMetrics Review:
8.2
### **Bulova 1973 Jet Star 97B214 Review by A.I. WatchMetrics**
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### Overall Watch Rating: **8.2/10.0**
- **Brand**: 7.5/10
- **History & Innovation**: 8.5/10
- **Rarity**: 7.8/10
- **Material**: 8.0/10
- **Dials & Design**: 8.7/10
- **Movement**: 7.5/10
- **Complications**: 6.5/10
- **Functions**: 8.0/10
- **Versatility**: 8.5/10
- **Cohesiveness**: 8.5/10
---
### Summary:
The **Bulova 1973 Jet Star 97B214** is a modern homage to a 1970s design, reviving the spirit of the original Jet Star. With bold retro styling and vibrant color accents, this watch appeals to those who appreciate vintage aesthetics with contemporary build quality. The Jet Star’s unique case shape, sunburst dial, and red accents reflect its 1970s roots, while the addition of a modern automatic movement and sapphire crystal offer durability for everyday wear.
Bulova has positioned the Jet Star as an accessible, eye-catching timepiece for enthusiasts who enjoy standout designs that combine nostalgia with modern watchmaking.
---
### Breakdown by Watch Metrics:
- **Brand (7.5/10)**
Bulova is a well-established brand with significant contributions to watchmaking history, including the development of the Accutron tuning fork. While it may not hold the prestige of higher-end Swiss brands, its legacy in innovation gives it strong credibility, particularly with retro-inspired pieces like the Jet Star.
- **History & Innovation (8.5/10)**
The Jet Star taps into Bulova’s storied history of iconic designs from the 1970s. While the design is a reissue rather than a groundbreaking new model, it leverages Bulova’s heritage in both design and innovation.
- **Rarity (7.8/10)**
As a limited reissue, the Bulova Jet Star is moderately rare. It’s not an ultra-limited edition, but it’s still relatively hard to find compared to mass-produced modern watches.
- **Material (8.0/10)**
The use of stainless steel for the case and a sapphire crystal for the dial provides durability. While the materials are high-quality, they are fairly standard for watches at this price point.
- **Dials & Design (8.7/10)**
The dial is a standout feature of this watch, with its vibrant red accents, retro typography, and sunburst effect. The design is playful yet rooted in Bulova’s vintage style, offering a visually distinct watch that sets it apart from more conservative designs.
- **Movement (7.5/10)**
The Jet Star is powered by a modern automatic movement, reliable and accurate for everyday use. However, it’s a basic automatic without any major complications or unique features that elevate its mechanical appeal.
- **Complications (6.5/10)**
The watch features only basic time and date functions. While sufficient for its style and purpose, it lacks the complexity seen in more high-end watches, making this its weakest category.
- **Functions (8.0/10)**
The Jet Star’s water resistance (50m) and robust construction make it suitable for everyday wear. However, its resistance rating is limited to light splashes and brief submersion, making it more of a casual or dress watch rather than a tool for more active environments.
- **Versatility (8.5/10)**
Despite its bold retro design, the Jet Star is versatile enough to be worn in a variety of settings. Its unique look works well in both casual and dressy situations, especially for those who enjoy showcasing a bold, vintage-inspired timepiece.
- **Cohesiveness (8.5/10)**
The design language of the Jet Star is consistent and cohesive, drawing on a well-defined vintage aesthetic. Every element, from the case shape to the dial design, feels aligned with its 1970s heritage.
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### Strengths and Potential Areas for Improvement:
- **Strengths**:
- Bold, retro design with a unique 1970s flair.
- Reliable automatic movement and solid construction.
- Nostalgic appeal for fans of vintage watches with modern reliability.
- **Potential Areas for Improvement**:
- A slightly higher water resistance rating would improve its versatility.
- Offering additional complications (like a power reserve or small seconds) could elevate the watch's mechanical appeal.
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"A.I. WatchMetrics Review v6.20"