| Manufacturer | Bulova (Citizen) |
| Caliber Number | 8137 |
| Jewels | 11 |
| Frequency | 262.144 kHz |
| Quartz Crystal | 3-prong torsional resonator |
| Battery Cell | 395 (SR927W) |
| Hacking? | Yes (energy saving) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds at 6:00, chrono seconds at 6:00, 60 minute counter at 3:00, 12 hour counter at 9:00 |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
| Known Models | Bulova CURV |
The Bulova caliber 8137 is found in Bulova CURV chronograph watches. The 8137 is the world’s first curved chronograph movement. It is a high accuracy quartz (HAQ) movement with 11 jewels.
Bulova is owned by Citizen and the 8137 movement is made in Japan.
From Bulova:
The world’s first curved chronograph movement features high-performance quartz technology with 262 kHz vibrational frequency for precise accuracy. Five-hand chronograph in a black stainless steel case with black and transparent blue dial, black hands and markers, anti-reflective curved sapphire crystal, exhibition case back with screw-back case, blue leather strap with an alligator grain texture and double-press deployant closure. Water resistance to 30 meters.
No Central Seconds:
The caliber 8137 is not like most chronograph watches with a central chronograph seconds hand that stays at 12:00 until it is activated. Watches with the 8137 do not have a central seconds hand. Instead, there is a small seconds subdial at 6:00 which serves as the regular running seconds as well as the chronograph seconds. Activating the chronograph function with the top pusher will switch the running seconds to chronograph seconds.
Chronograph Operation
- Press button “B”. The 6H hand will move to ‘60’ position.
- Press Button “A” to start the chronograph.
- Press Button “A” to stop the chronograph. Start again by pushing button “A” again.
- Press button “B” to reset Chronograph, returning all Chrono hands to the 12H position.
- Press button “B”. The 6H hand returns to current second hand time.
Accuracy:
Bulova claims that the 8137 is capable of accuracy within 5 seconds per month, in part thank to their exclusive “Three Prong Torsional Resonator”. The Bulova caliber P102 has a quote where Bulova explained this technology like this:
The innovative Precisionist crystal has three prongs, creating a torsional resonator – the prongs not only move back and forth, but twist. Standard quartz crystals have only two prongs.
Battery Life:
Bulova states that the expected battery life for the CURV models with the caliber 8137 is approximately one year, but there have been claims of the battery lasting as long as two years. Using the chronograph more frequently will drain the battery faster. Please add your battery life experience in the comments below.
Extending the Battery Life:
“When the crown is in the “OUT” position, the motor and hands stop. Only the quartz crystal continues to vibrate, using very little power. If the watch is to be stored for a length of time, it is recommended that the crown be left in t he “OUT” position to prolong battery life.” -Bulova manual
Resetting the Chronograph Hands to Zero:
- Pull the crown out to position “1”. The 6H hand will return to ‘60’.
- Press button “B” for 3 seconds. The 6H hand will return to ‘60’ again. (If it does not, press button “A” to move 6H hand to ‘60’.)
- Press button “B” for 3 seconds. The 3H hand will return to ‘60’. (If it does not, press button “A” to move 3H hand to ‘60’.)
- Press button “B” for 3 seconds. The 9H hand will return to ‘12’. (If it does not, press button “A” to move 9H hand to ‘12’.)
- Push the crown back to the “NORMAL” wearing position.
Examples of Watches with the 8137:
Additional Resources:
- Shop Bulova CURV watches
- Bulova CURV user manual here
