Bulova Shelby Bullhead Racer introduction – Fast and Precise!

Tags: Presentation | Bulova | Men's | Classic | Retro

1.12.2025 | 4 MIN

From time to time, the American brand Bulova surprises us with well-executed new releases and reissues that pay tribute to the brand’s landmark models and milestones. The new Bulova Archive Series Shelby Bullhead Racer Quartz Chronograph 98B452, released to mark the brand’s 150th anniversary, is no exception. In today’s article, we take a closer look at this racing-inspired model.

Bulova in the service of motorsport

Throughout its rich history, Bulova has repeatedly managed to make inroads into various fields and communities, including American motorsport. In the 1960s and ’70s, it was primarily NASCAR, where Bulova sponsored teams as well as individual drivers. Beyond that, its timing systems were officially used to time the races. At the time, the Bulova logo was visible on the cars and gear themselves, as well as on trackside advertising.

Bulova as the official timekeeper of NASCAR races. Source: www.bulova.com

And it proved to be highly effective advertising! Bulova is still talked about as one of the most influential watch brands with a footprint in American motorsport. It’s also worth remembering that Bulova delivered these precision timing systems at a time when accurate electronic timing was still in its infancy. As in many areas, Bulova was simply ahead of the curve.

This year, Bulova celebrates its 150th anniversary. To mark the occasion, it released several limited editions referencing the brand’s major milestones. One of them is the Shelby Bullhead Racer we’re introducing today, which nods directly to Bulova’s motorsport heritage. The anniversary chronograph is named after a legend tied to American motorsport perhaps even more closely than the watch brand itself.

That Shelby—Carroll Shelby—was a renowned automotive designer and racing driver. He is famous, among other things, for his collaboration with Ford, most notably for work on the racing model Ford Shelby GT500. It is known for its so‑called Cobra engine and the cobra emblem on the hood. The car also became iconic for its livery of a white base with blue stripes. As you’ll soon see, Bulova has beautifully carried these details over into the watch’s design.

Ford Shelby from 1967. Source: www.motorauthority.com

Taking the bull by the horns

This new release will appeal above all to lovers of larger watches. The asymmetrical stainless‑steel case measures 43 mm in diameter and completely upends any preconceived notions of what a typical Bulova might look like. And rightly so—this is anything but a typical watch! Beyond the case shape, one thing immediately jumps out: the chronograph pushers.

Yes, the watch features a chronograph complication—but more on that in a moment. What matters here is that the chronograph pushers are executed in a bullhead layout, positioned at the top of the case. This evokes a bull’s horns and, in practice, makes it easier for racers to operate the chronograph on the wrist. This placement is rare today and highly sought after by collectors. The layout dates back to the late 1960s, when Omega first introduced this configuration. Historically, however, Seiko and Citizen are the most famous exponents of the category.

Let’s stay with Bulova and move on to color. As mentioned above, the new model is finished in the same colors as the original 1967 Shelby car. The dial is blue with white sub‑dials. The silicone strap follows the same color scheme. In addition, the right sub-dial bears the cobra emblem found on the car itself. If you’re thinking the motorsport references have been handled really well, you’ll probably appreciate the next detail too.

Bulova has included a small bonus with this limited edition in the form of a faithful scale model of the Ford Shelby. Fans can dress up not only their wrist but also their home. I consider it a pleasant extra that further enhances the overall experience. It’s also not all that common for watch brands to include a model car as a gift—though there are exceptions, such as Frederique Constant or Meister Singer.

Model of the 1967 Ford Shelby. Source: www.watchxl.com

Serious oscillation

Inside the watch is Bulova’s high‑frequency quartz calibre NN10. Its headline spec is an impressive frequency of 262,000 Hz. This ensures the watch runs with a very low deviation of just ±10 seconds per year. The wearer can also enjoy an almost perfectly smooth sweeping seconds hand. The calibre adds a date and chronograph complication. Thanks to the tachymeter scale on the bezel insert, you can use the chronograph to calculate the average speed over a known distance.

This movement is known from the legendary Bulova Lunar Pilot and other modern Bulova models. It’s a great compromise for someone who wants quartz accuracy and low maintenance yet still desires something a bit more technically interesting. Bulova’s movements are likely manufactured by Citizen, the Japanese company that is Bulova’s parent today.

Bulova’s high‑frequency movement from the Curve model. Source: www.teddybaldassarre.com

Closing thoughts

The Bulova Shelby Bullhead Racer took me completely by surprise at first glance. I simply didn’t expect anything like this from Bulova at all. If I had to describe the watch in a single word, I’m not sure whether I’d choose “unique” or “eccentric.” While the two are related in meaning, I’d still rather go with “unique,” because it carries a far more positive connotation. And my final verdict on this model is positive as well.

This watch is unlike anything else in Bulova’s current lineup. It also very clearly targets a specific group of customers—motorsport fans. I believe Bulova really put in the effort here, and it shows in the result. Add in the model car that comes with the watch, and to me it all adds up to a fantastic pre‑holiday treat for fans of racing cars.

Do you own any Bulova watches? And how do you like the new model?

Sources:

• Manufacturer’s photos
• Hodinky 365
• www.bulova.com
• www.motorauthority.com
• www.watchxl.com
• www.teddybaldassarre.com

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