Buships Series detail

The Buships watch is a smaller size, with a diameter of approximately 33mm, and about 44mm even with the crown guard. It has been reissued many times. However, many of these reissues have simplified the case back shape, changed the crystal material, or enlarged the strap material, size, or width. It is precisely because of this size that the large crown guard does not get in the way. This size is also likely why it is popular with people of all ages and genders.

The balance, texture, and weight come to life precisely because the watch case and dial, as well as the crown cap and its mounting hardware, have been faithfully reproduced. M.R.M.W. values these details and strives to reproduce them as faithfully as possible. This commitment extends to the accompanying strap, as we have also faithfully reproduced the original fabric strap.

Because it's a popular model, many companies are reissuing this Buships. However, they have simplified the case back or made it a snap-on type. The M.R.M.W. Buships case back is faithful to the original, finished with a 10-sided screw-in type. Therefore, the engravings on the case back are not parallel. We consider this part of the charm of a military watch.

M.R.M.W. watches are more than just reproductions of old military watches. The Buships Small Second, for example, features a unique vintage finish that recreates the discoloration and corrosion of the dial's indices and hands over time.

Two Types of Buships

At the time, Buships were produced by two manufacturers. The difference lies in the shape of the crown cap: one was a frustum (trapezoidal when viewed from the side) and the other was cylindrical (rectangular when viewed from the side).

The Elgin version of the Buships watch has been reissued many times. However, most of these reissues simplify the case back shape, or significantly alter the crystal material, strap material, and strap width. Our model, from the case body shape and size to the strap, has been designed to be as close to the original as possible.

Although the Buships truncated cone version has been reissued several times, including by our company, the cylindrical (square when viewed from the side) version has never been reissued. This may be because the truncated cone version is larger and more distinctive. However, various dials existed for Buships. By combining a rare small second hand, a genuine leather strap, and aged indexes and hands, the cylindrical version has been reborn as a sophisticated Buships. We have also reissued the UDT Pointer with a pointer that changes color to indicate when water has entered the watch's interior.

-Main Case-
The original case and shape have been reproduced in stainless steel, maintaining the same size. The small stainless steel case measures approximately 33mm in diameter, or approximately 44mm when including the crown cap. Even with a large crown cap, the size is calculated to be easy for special forces to work with.

- Crown Cover -
The most distinctive feature of the Buships watch is its large crown cap. This shape was designed to maintain a water resistance of 300 feet with the technology available at the time. However, its unique shape is highly popular because of its distinctive form compared to many other classic watch designs.

-Windshield-
The domed acrylic is rounded, just like the original. The mold is shaped by cutting out a rounded form.

-Dial Legibility-
A matte black dial with white index printing that stands out, in keeping with the original. This color scheme offers the utmost clarity.

The words "USN BUSHIPS" are printed on the matte black dial in glossy black, visible only at certain angles of light. There is no better color scheme to avoid hindering time readability.

Crown Protector
At the time, this shape was necessary to maintain the required water resistance. However, due to its unique form, which stands out among many classic watch designs, it is extremely popular.

Left) Hamilton replica shape Right) Elgin replica shape

-Windshield- A domed shape with an R-curve, just like watches of that era. Made of glass to emphasize solidity and character.

-Windshield-
It is a domed acrylic with an R-shape, just like the original. The mold is formed by carving it into a rounded shape.

-Dial Legibility-
A matte black dial with white index markings that stand out, adhering to the original design. No color combination offers better clarity.

The matte black dial features "USN BUSHIPS" printed in glossy black, visible only at certain angles of light. No other color combination would less impede the legibility of the time.

All Black Edition

Buships Black OpsThe mission of the UDT was to infiltrate by sea, hidden from the enemy, and plant explosives to remove obstacles that would hinder the landing of friendly forces coming behind them. It is said that they carried nothing that could identify them, even if they were captured in enemy territory. "Black Ops" is short for "Black Operations," meaning unofficial operations. A stainless steel case with black IP plating, a black dial, and white indexes provide the ultimate visibility. The name "unofficial operation" perfectly suits the IP black model, as it does not exist in reality. Additionally, there is the Buships Grey Recon, which features the same black case and black dial, but with gray indexes.

Nose Art Edition

Buships Betty™ Nose Art Limited EditionNose art refers to paintings or words drawn on the nose of fighter planes and bombers, and can be seen in militaries around the world. These include depictions of feelings for a loved one separated by war, expressions of anger, and many humorous and cynical expressions. They are not merely "graffiti," but rather a summary of emotions towards war. On the right half of the dial is Betty Boop™ in a vibrant red dress called Betty Red. On the left side is "oohrah!", a common cheer of the U.S. Marine Corps. Buships Popeye™ was also produced with a similar concept.

Black Ops is an abbreviation for "black operation," which refers to an unofficial operation (black operation, black op, Black Ops). These are covert activities or secret operations carried out by government agencies, military, or paramilitary organizations, and may also include activities by private organizations or companies. The main characteristic of a "black operation" is that the operation itself is top secret, and any involvement by the organization executing it is denied. This refers to the operations of secret agencies where the line "the authorities will deny all involvement" appears in spy movies, etc. Of course, since these are highly confidential assignments commissioned by the government, they must be very responsible and important missions. We determined that the fictional IP Black Buships model, which does not actually exist, is perfectly suited to the name "Black Operations," meaning unofficial. With its black dial and white indices, there is no dial with higher legibility.

The term "Recon" is English slang, an abbreviation of the English word "reconnaissance," which has French origins. While primarily used in a military context to refer to scouting enemy movements or terrain, it also carries the meaning of gathering information beforehand in general conversation. Indeed, the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT), the "hands" of Buships, had the mission of infiltrating enemy territory before the main force's naval assault to clear and detonate obstacles that would impede ship entry. The black dial with gray indices, designed to be inconspicuous, is very cool.

BUSITPS BETTY BOOP™

Betty Boop™, known affectionately as Betty-chan, is a character created in America by Max Fleischer in 1930. With her blend of cute and sexy elements, Betty Boop™ stands out as a unique presence among animated characters.

The black dial with white indexes offers unparalleled legibility. On the right half, Betty Boop™ is depicted in a vibrant red dress, known as Betty Red.

On the left, the common U.S. Marine Corps cheer, "oohrah!", is inscribed.

BUSHIPS POPEYE™

Popeye™ was a character originally created as a supporting role by Elzie Crisler Segar in 1929. However, he quickly gained popularity as an immortal character who gained superhuman strength by eating spinach, and swiftly became the protagonist. With Popeye™ being a sailor, when World War II began, episodes were created where Popeye™ fought enemy forces, serving as war propaganda. He was also a symbol of a strong America.

On the highly visible black dial with white indices, a highly motivated Popeye™ on the left side looks as if he's about to run off. Is Popeye™, after eating spinach, about to save Olive? Or confront Bluto™? In any case, he is depicted facing something head-on.

On the right side is written "hooyah!", the common cheer of the U.S. Navy.