Bulova Jetstar Series Merlot Dial 96B401

Bulova Jet Star 96B401: The Merlot‑Dial Marvel Bringing ’70s Cool Into the Now

Few modern reissues capture the spirit of their era as effortlessly as the Bulova Jet Star. Its silhouette, its swagger, its unapologetic charm—everything about the Jet Star is a timestamp from the 1970s. When Bulova revived the model in 2023 for its 50th anniversary, the collectors immediately noticed: this wasn’t a nostalgic re‑skin; it was a thoughtful evolution.

Among the trio of debut models, one stands out with confident, velvety flair: the Jet Star Reference 96B401 with its Merlot dial. Warm, saturated, and richly nuanced, this version delivers a perfect blend of retro personality and modern execution.

Let’s deep dive into what makes the Merlot Jet Star 96B401 such a compelling addition to Bulova’s growing lineup of heritage-inspired hits.

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A Case Study in Retro Attitude

The original Jet Star from the ‘70s wore a curvy “turtle shell” case that looked like nothing else on the market. The 2023 revival brings the same rebellious DNA—but with sharper tailoring and modern refinement.

The 40mm stainless‑steel case is technically octagonal, with subtle facets and crisp edges that give it real wrist presence. These shifting planes—mixing polished surfaces with brushed ones—create a play of light that lets this watch feel both vintage and upscale.

At roughly 45mm lug‑to‑lug and 12.5mm thick, the Jet Star wears comfortably, helped by its compact lugs and domed sapphire crystal that nods faithfully to the period original.

Topping it all off is a round bezel that gently hugs the domed crystal, striking a perfect balance between angular boldness and ’70s softness.

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A Bracelet with Personality (and Plenty of It)

The bracelet on the Merlot Jet Star is a highlight in its own right—more intricate than the 1970s version, and far more refined.

The design features:

• Two outer rows of slender rectangular links
• Two inner rows of squarer links
• All connected by distinctive double‑H style center pieces

The combination of polished and brushed finishes gives the bracelet visual texture and a surprising amount of sparkle. It’s supple, eye-catching, and carries that unmistakable “if you know, you know” charm that collectors not only value but love.

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The Star of the Show: The Merlot Dial

Bulova poured real creativity into the Jet Star dials, and the Merlot edition 96B401 may be the most dramatic expression of that effort.

The rich wine-toned gradient carries a near three-dimensional degradé effect, darkening subtly toward the edges. It’s moody, elegant, and unmistakably ’70s in its warmth.

Key dial details include:

Geometric Hour Markers

Rectangular indices echo the hands’ baton-like shape, carved out in the center for added dimensionality. On the Merlot model, select hour markers extend inward into reversed rectangles—forming quirky, stylized inverted T-shapes at the non-cardinal markers. It’s unusual, but it works.

A Clean Date Window

At 3 o’clock, a faceted frame surrounds the date. Notably, Bulova chose not to bring back the original’s day-date complication—perhaps a controversial choice for some, but it allows the modern Jet Star to retain a cleaner, more symmetrical dial.

Lume, but Make It Tasteful

Dots of Super‑LumiNova accompany each marker, with lume also applied to the hands. The glow is subtle but legible—not overpowering, just functional and refined.

And just above the 6 o’clock marker, a small inscription hints at what’s ticking inside: 262 kHz.

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Inside: Bulova's High-Frequency Precisionist Powerhouse

This is where the new Jet Star truly outperforms its ancestors.

While the 1970s models ran on Swiss automatics, the updated Jet Star is powered by Bulova’s Precisionist Caliber P102, one of the most accurate quartz movements in the world.

What Makes It Special?

• Oscillates at 262,144 Hz (8x the frequency of standard quartz)
• Accuracy of ±10 seconds per year
• Continuously sweeping seconds hand—rare for quartz
• Uses a triple‑prong torsional resonator instead of a traditional two‑prong design

This is not ordinary quartz. It’s electronic innovation descended from Bulova’s famed Accutron, yet modernized for 21st-century reliability and serviceability.

Simply put: you get mechanical-style smoothness with quartz precision. Hard to beat at this price point.

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Value: A Bulova Specialty

Bulova has long been known for approachable, enthusiast-friendly pricing—and the Jet Star collection continues that legacy.

• Jet Star 96B401 Merlot on bracelet. RRP AU $950

Given the design, finishing, movement tech, and unique wrist presence, it’s arguably one of the best sub‑$1500 retro reissues you can buy today.

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Final Thoughts: Why the Merlot Jet Star 96B401 Hits Hard

The Bulova Jet Star 96B401 is a watch that doesn’t try to fit in. It stands out—boldly, unapologetically, stylishly.

• The Merlot dial is rich, warm, and artistically finished
• The case and bracelet present a sophisticated take on 1970s design
• The high‑frequency Precisionist movement offers accuracy rivaling watches many times its price
• And at Starbuy Pricing, it’s a value-packed proposition

For anyone seeking a watch that blends retro character with modern capability, the Merlot Jet Star is not just a standout—it’s a statement.

Is it any wonder that everytime we are able to get a hold of this model, it always ends up in our BESTSELLERS.

Click HERE to see why the Bulova Merlot Dial is always on our bestsellers list.