Bulova?s Archive Series revisits some of the historical brand?s most cult-classic pieces from the mid-20th century, from digital-era pioneers like the Computron LED to distinctive deep-sea divers like the Oceanographers. Recently, I had the opportunity for an extended session with one of the most colorful, playful, and defiantly retro of the lot, the Chronograph A ?Surfboard,? which joined the vintage-inspired collection earlier this year.

The original watch, nicknamed for the quirky, blue surfboard-shaped oval encompassing the two subdial counters at 3 and 9 o?clock, was produced for only two years, in 1970 and 1971. As we?ve all seen from the booming vintage-look market, however, a watch need not have been a smashing commercial success in its original incarnation to be fertile ground for a successful re-edition. And the retro charm of the Chronograph A Surfboard is undeniable, particularly the Limited Edition model that I had the opportunity to review, which is the only one of four total new models to be outfitted with a mechanical, automatic movement (the other three have quartz calibers, slightly larger case diameters, and a range of contemporary colorways).
The 38-mm stainless steel case of the Chronograph A ?Surfboard? is tonneau-shaped, though the prominent, colorful bezel makes it appear more rounded. It has a brushed finish on most of its surfaces, with the notable exception of the curving sides, which are polished. The watch has a somewhat chunky pro...