# Bulova Bullhead Parking Meter 1973 Review by A.I. WatchMetrics

## Watch Summary
The Bulova Bullhead Parking Meter 1973 reissue captures the bold spirit of the 1970s original with its oversized 45mm stainless steel bullhead case positioning the crown at 12 o'clock for ergonomic pusher access, a textured black dial featuring whimsical parking meter-style subdials in orange and white, and a reliable Swiss quartz chronograph movement offering battery-powered precision without servicing needs; this retro sports chronograph appeals to vintage collectors and casual enthusiasts seeking standout wrist presence on a budget.

## Overall Watch Rating: 6.4/10.0

**Dials & Design Metric (8.7/10.0)** - The playful parking meter graphics, applied indices, and bullhead layout deliver exceptional retro character comparable to vintage Glycine Airman dials.
**Material Metric (8.5/10.0)** - Brushed and polished stainless steel paired with sapphire crystal provides robust everyday resilience akin to Oris divers.
**Cohesiveness Metric (7.5/10.0)** - Strong thematic unity in 70s bullhead styling creates a cohesive identity matching brands like Heuer.
**Versatility Metric (7.2/10.0)** - Retro sports vibe suits casual outings or office wear with 24mm lug width for strap versatility like Seiko 5 Sports.
**History & Innovation Metric (6.9/10.0)** - Iconic 1973 reissue honors Bulova's chrono legacy on par with Tissot PRX heritage models.
**Movement Metric (6.0/10.0)** - Swiss quartz chronograph ensures quartz-level accuracy and reliability similar to Longines Quartz Conquest.
**Functions Metric (5.8/10.0)** - Core time and chronograph functions match practical utility of Citizen chronos.
**Brand Metric (5.5/10.0)** - Bulova's established mid-tier reputation delivers consistent quality like Hamilton Khaki field watches.
**Complications Metric (5.5/10.0)** - Functional three-subdial chronograph performs adequately versus basic ETA-powered chronos.
**Rarity Metric (3.7/10.0)** - Accessible pricing and production volume positions it below limited-run microbrands like Halios.

## Total Performance Score (TPS): 4.0

## WM Collector Grade: C

## Performance Insights: Strong showings in dials, materials, and design elevate this reissue, while rarity and functions trail; solid value versus $1,250 implied price for its unique aesthetic.

## TPS Interpretation: Modest Value: The watch offers distinctive vintage-inspired design and build quality that punches above its price for style-focused buyers.

## Watch Data
[https://www.bulova.com/dw/image/v2/BFWH_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-bulova-master-catalog/default/dw2d5d5e4c/98B403_1.jpg?sw=800&sh=800&sm=fit] - front; [https://www.bulova.com/dw/image/v2/BFWH_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-bulova-master-catalog/default/dw8f4b3d2e/98B403_2.jpg?sw=800&sh=800&sm=fit] - back; [https://www.bulova.com/dw/image/v2/BFWH_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-bulova-master-catalog/default/dw2d5d5e4c/98B403_1.jpg?sw=800&sh=800&sm=fit] - no lume; [Bullhead Parking Meter 1973] - nickname; [Bulova] - brand; [98B403 Chronograph "Parking Meter"] - model; [United States] - country; [https://www.bulova.com/us/en/product/98B403.html] - product link; [] - review link; [Quartz] - movement type; [B112] - movement name; [0] - # secondary; [Faithful 2023 reissue of 1973 bullhead chronograph with parking meter dial motif] - watch description; [45] - case width; [49.7] - lug to lug length; [14.3] - thickness; [24] - lug; [30] - water resist; [N/A] - power reserve; [N/A] - beat frequency; [None] - lume; [0] - jewels; [Stainless steel] - case material; [Sapphire] - watch glass; [Fixed] - bezel; [Solid] - caseback; [Bullhead] - crown; [Brown calfskin leather] - strap; [Round] - shape; [Black parking meter] - dial; [Subdial] - seconds; [no] - date; [no] - calendar; [no] - chiming; [yes] - chronograph; [no] - compass; [no] - date compilation; [no] - digital display; [no] - dress; [no] - field; [no] - GMT; [no] - mechanical alarm; [no] - moonphase; [no] - tourbillon; [no] - world timer; [no] - power reserve indicator; [no] - diver; [no] - pilot; [no] - racing; [no] - skeleton; [yes] - vintage; [no] - style formal; [yes] - style casual; [yes] - style sports; [no] - style travel; [no] - style adventure; [yes] - style collector; [no] - style tool; [yes] - style statement; [yes] - style vintage; [no] - style smart; [no] - style custom; [4.0] - TPS_new; [C] - TPS grade; [1250] - TPS implied price;

**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v37.4 Grok 4 Fast. December 19, 2025.**