The Bulova Bullhead ref. 7392, known as the “Parking Meter” or “Driver”, is one of the most singular chronographs of the 1970s. The name Bullhead comes from the placement of the chronograph pushers on the upper side of the case, which recall the horns of a bull; the configuration, intended to make the chronograph easy to use even while driving, also gave rise to the nickname “Driver”.
The dial
The nickname “Parking Meter” derives from the chronograph minute counter at 12 o’clock, drawn as a wide arc reminiscent of the American parking meters of those years. The dial is completed by the hour counter at 6 o’clock, the quick-set date at 3 o’clock, the tachymeter scale and luminous indices and hands. Despite the unusual architecture, the whole is well balanced.
The movement
Inside works the Bulova automatic calibre 14EFAD, derived from the Buren calibre 12 micro-rotor, with 17 jewels. The micro-rotor allows automatic winding in a chronograph movement of restrained thickness, an innovative solution for the time.
For the collector
The 43 x 43 mm stainless steel case, massive and of a typically 1970s shape, has a considerable presence on the wrist. According to some sources the reference was produced in about 500 examples; in any case, the Bullhead series never had large production runs, and today the watch is a cult object for collectors of vintage chronographs.
Technical details
| Brand | Bulova |
|---|---|
| Model | Bullhead “Parking Meter” |
| Reference | 7392 |
| Movement | Automatic micro-rotor, calibre 14EFAD (based on Buren calibre 12) |
| Case | Stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 43 x 43 mm |
| Period | 1970s |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, tachymeter, date |
| Crystal | Acrylic (plexiglass) |
| Bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
