Bulova Tony Bennett "We Are All Here" Collection
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- 22 hours ago
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Updated: 4 hours ago
The prestige watch industry has seen a strong return to models that are not just precision instruments, but actual containers of historical and cultural narratives. The collaboration between Bulova and the Tony Bennett Foundation fits perfectly into this groove, offering a series of timepieces that celebrate one of the most beloved icons of 20th-century American music and activism. Founded in 1875 by Joseph Bulova in New York City, the watchmaker shares with Tony Bennett a DNA deeply rooted in the metropolis, a sense of artisanal excellence, and a longevity that defies passing fancies. The "We Are All Here" collection, based on references 97B235, 96B471, and 97B236, represents the first chapter of this tribute, focusing on an aesthetic that recalls the 1980s, the decade of the artist's legendary career comeback.
Historical Genesis and Roots of Humanitarian Commitment
The essence of this collection lies not solely in its mechanical architecture, but in the powerful message it carries. The name "We Are All Here" originates from a conversation heavy with meaning during the historic civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. On that occasion, Tony Bennett, actively participating in the movement led by Martin Luther King Jr., spoke these words to fellow legend Ella Fitzgerald. This watch thus stands as a symbol of social conscience, culture, and courage—a tribute to Bennett's dedication to justice and equality.
The partnership between Bulova and the Tony Bennett Foundation is not limited to aesthetic celebration; it includes a direct philanthropic aspect. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these timepieces is donated to the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, a public high school in Queens co-founded by Bennett and his wife Susan Benedetto. This connection strengthens the authenticity of the commercial operation, transforming the purchase of a watch into concrete support for the artistic education of new generations, a value that resonates deeply with Bulova's legacy of social responsibility.
Design Philosophy: The Aesthetic of the "Roaring Comeback"
From a stylistic perspective, Bulova chose to draw inspiration from the classic silhouette of the 1980s. This period is fundamental in Bennett's biography as it marks his establishment as a cross-generational performer capable of winning over new audiences without ever giving up the suave and refined style that made him famous. The watch designs reflect this duality: a stainless steel case with bold angular lines, polished facets, and an extremely slim profile that evokes the elegance of vintage "tank" watches.
Symbolic Elements and Author's Details
Each reference in the "We Are All Here" collection is enriched with details that serve as the artist's visual signature. The dial, with a vertically brushed finish, was designed to catch light variably, giving depth and character to an otherwise minimalist aesthetic.
Symbolic Detail | Meaning and Function |
Seconds Hand Counterbalance | Shaped like a folded pocket square, Bennett's signature accessory. |
Engraved Case Back | Features Tony Bennett's autograph signature and the commemorative phrase "We Are All Here". |
Brushed Dial | Recalls Bennett's painting technique, honoring his parallel career as a painter. |
Sapphire Crystal | Anti-reflective treatment for optimal legibility in all lighting conditions, typical of high horology. |
Technical Analysis of the Three Main References
The collection is distinguished by three color and material variants, each designed for a different collector profile. All share the same case dimensions, with a diameter of 32 mm and a slim thickness of approximately 7 mm, ensuring exceptional wearability for both formal and casual contexts.
Bulova 97B235: The Warmth of Vintage and Teju Lizard Leather
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Reference 97B235 features a gold-tone stainless steel case and a vertically brushed black dial. This model is paired with a brown calfskin leather strap with "Teju lizard" embossing, a choice that accentuates the retro and sophisticated character of the timepiece. Weighing only 39 grams, this version is the lightest in the range, ideal for those seeking a watch that "disappears" on the wrist while maintaining a strong aesthetic presence.
Bulova 96B471: Versatility in Steel and Champagne
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Model 96B471 represents the most modern and versatile option. It features a silver-tone stainless steel case and an integrated bracelet of the same material with a push-button deployment clasp. The champagne-colored dial offers a chromatic variation that pairs perfectly with the cool tones of steel, making it suitable for daily use in professional environments. The weight of 108 grams gives a pleasant sensation of solidity and heft without being excessive.
Bulova 97B236: The Pinnacle of "All-Gold" Luxury
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For those desiring a high-impact piece, reference 97B236 offers a complete gold-tone finish for both the case and the bracelet. The vertically brushed silver dial with gold markers and hands creates a refined contrast, preventing the gold aesthetic from appearing overbearing. This model embodies the elegance of Bennett's comeback era, where understated luxury met the opulence of showmanship.
Technical Specs | Reference 97B235 | Reference 96B471 | Reference 97B236 |
Case Material | Gold-Tone Steel | Silver-Tone Steel | Gold-Tone Steel |
Strap Type | Brown Teju Lizard Leather | Silver Steel Bracelet | Gold Steel Bracelet |
Dial Color | Black | Champagne | Silver |
Dimensions | 32 mm x 43 mm | 32 mm x 43 mm | 32 mm x 43 mm |
Movement | Miyota 9U13 Quartz | Miyota 9U13 Quartz | Miyota 9U13 Quartz |
Crystal | Anti-Reflective Sapphire | Anti-Reflective Sapphire | Anti-Reflective Sapphire |
Water Resistance | 3 ATM (30m) | 3 ATM (30m) | 3 ATM (30m) |
The Miyota 9U13 Movement: Japanese Precision at the Service of Style
The beating heart of this collection is the Miyota 9U13 quartz movement, a choice driven by the need to maintain an ultra-thin case profile. Miyota, a division of the Citizen Watch Company (which acquired Bulova in 2008), is a global synonym for reliability. The 9U13 caliber is only 2.33 mm thick (3.70 mm total height with pinion), allowing Bulova to build a watch that fits like a "second skin".
Performance and Reliability
The movement offers a precision of ±15-20 seconds per month, ensuring the user does not need to worry about constant adjustments. The Renata 373 battery provides an operational life of approximately 4 years (48 months), an extremely long maintenance interval compared to standard automatic movements. The "hacking" function allows the seconds hand to stop for perfect synchronization with official time signals, a feature appreciated by precision enthusiasts.
Strategic Comparison: "We Are All Here" vs. "NYC Collection"
For collectors, it is vital to distinguish the "We Are All Here" series from the more recent "NYC Collection," also launched to honor Bennett. Although both celebrate the artist, the technical and philosophical differences are substantial.
The "We Are All Here" line (97B235, 96B471, 97B236) focuses on minimalism, quartz slimness, and the historical symbolism of the Selma march. The "NYC Collection" (references like 96B484 and 97B244) is instead an homage to Bennett's painting career and his paintings of Central Park. NYC models feature hammered dials evoking brushstrokes, larger 39 mm cases, and are powered by the Caliber 8205 automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. The choice between the two collections depends on a preference for vintage charm and the discretion of the 32 mm size or the mechanical complexity and wrist presence of the 39 mm automatic.
Consumer Reviews and Feedback: The Real Experience
Reviews from those who have already purchased a Bulova Tony Bennett confirm the high level of satisfaction with the product. One verified reviewer, Sloan M., describes the watch as a "perfect choice and a perfect fit," highlighting how the design captures the essence of the 1980s without appearing dated.
User-Identified Strengths
Comfort: The lightweight and slim thickness make the watch ideal for all-day wear under tight cuffs.
Material Quality: The use of sapphire crystal at this price point is considered a significant value-add, ensuring protection against daily scratches.
Included Details: Bulova includes materials like measuring strips for the wrist in the packaging, facilitating correct size choice and bracelet adjustment.
Aesthetics: The black dial of the 97B235 has been praised for its "quiet depth" and elegant contrast with the gold case.
Critical Considerations
Some users noted that the leather strap on model 97B235 may appear initially stiff or of an unusual size, suggesting that those with very small or very large wrists might consider an after-market replacement, an easy task given the quick-release pins present on many models. Additionally, the 3 ATM water resistance is a limit to consider: the watch should not be submerged or worn in the shower.
Buying Experience and Exclusive Services
Purchasing a Bulova Tony Bennett through official channels or authorized retailers offers substantial benefits. Bulova provides a 3-year global warranty, exceeding the standard 2 years offered by many competitors. For orders placed on the official site, a free bracelet sizing service by expert technicians is available; while this adds 2-4 days to order processing, it ensures the watch arrives ready to wear.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
The Bulova Tony Bennett "We Are All Here" collection positions itself as a sound investment for those seeking a watch that combines style, history, and social commitment. It is not just a fashion accessory, but a fragment of American cultural history.
Why buy Reference 97B235: It is the ultimate dress watch for those who love the 1980s aesthetic and the warmth of fine leather. The gold/black contrast is a timeless classic.
Why buy Reference 96B471: It offers maximum versatility. It is the perfect office watch—robust due to the steel bracelet and sophisticated thanks to the champagne dial.
Why buy Reference 97B236: It represents the boldest and most celebratory choice. The "total gold" aesthetic is a tribute to Tony Bennett's success and charisma, ideal for grand occasions.
Ultimately, the attention to detail (such as the pocket square on the seconds hand) and the use of premium materials like sapphire make this collection a prime example of value-for-money excellence. Supporting the Tony Bennett Foundation through this purchase adds ethical value that elevates the object to a higher rank of collectibility.
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