American Performance, American Watchmaking

Founded in 1875, Bulova has spent 150 years building watches around genuinely American stories — from powering the first watch worn on the moon to sponsoring motorsport and aviation milestones throughout the 20th century. The Shelby Racer Chronograph continues that tradition, pairing Bulova's anniversary year with one of the most storied names in American racing: Carroll Shelby, the driver-turned-builder behind the Shelby Mustang GT500 and the Shelby Cobra.

Rather than simply licensing a logo, Bulova built the 98B452 around the actual design language of the 1967 GT500 — its proportions, its color story, and its aggressive, performance-first attitude — translated into a wristwatch engineered with genuine chronograph precision.

Design: A Bullhead Case Built for the Racetrack

The 43mm silver-tone stainless steel case uses a bullhead construction, with the crown and pushers positioned at 12 o'clock rather than on the side of the case — a layout borrowed directly from vintage racing chronographs, designed so a driver could operate the chronograph without taking a hand off the wheel. The angular profile, grooved mid-case, and black tachymeter ring all echo the aerodynamic character of a classic racing machine.

The striking blue dial pairs white accents, luminous hands, and multiple chronograph registers with a Shelby Cobra logo and a calendar display — a color story pulled straight from Shelby's signature blue-and-white racing livery.

Movement: 262 kHz Precisionist Technology

At the heart of the 98B452 is Bulova's proprietary HPQ Precisionist movement (Caliber NN10), operating at 262 kHz — eight times the frequency of a standard quartz movement. That high-frequency architecture is what makes the watch's standout feature possible: a genuine 1/1000-second chronograph with a smoothly sweeping seconds hand, rather than the ticking motion typical of ordinary quartz chronographs. It's advanced timing functionality built for a real motorsport-inspired experience, not just a design flourish.

Built to Handle Real Wear

An anti-reflective sapphire crystal provides enhanced impact and shatter resistance over standard mineral glass, while the flexible HNBR rubber strap — finished in the watch's signature blue-and-white racing colors — secures with a folding buckle and push buttons for a comfortable, sporty fit. With 50 meters (166 feet) of water resistance, the Shelby Racer handles swimming and everyday water exposure comfortably, though it isn't intended as a dedicated dive watch.

A Genuine Limited Edition

Bulova capped production of the Shelby Racer Chronograph at 7,500 pieces worldwide. Each watch features an individually numbered case back bearing Carroll Shelby's signature, and arrives in a special limited-edition presentation box that includes a 1:24-scale die-cast model of the GT500 that inspired it — a detail that turns the watch into a genuine collector's package rather than just a timepiece in a box.

Who Is This Watch For?

The Shelby Racer Chronograph is built for motorsport enthusiasts, American watchmaking collectors, and anyone drawn to genuine automotive heritage rather than a generic racing theme. Its bold blue-and-white palette and bullhead case also make it a strong everyday statement piece for buyers who want a chronograph with real presence on the wrist.

Authenticity & Warranty

As an authorized Bulova dealer, Lexor Miami guarantees that every Shelby Racer Chronograph is 100% authentic and backed by a 1-year manufacturer's warranty. Every watch ships with its full limited-edition presentation box, including the 1:24 GT500 die-cast model.

Care & Maintenance

• Rinse the HNBR rubber strap with fresh water after exposure to chlorine or saltwater to preserve its color and flexibility.
• Stay within the 50m water resistance rating; avoid diving or high-pressure water activities.
• Wipe the sapphire crystal with a soft microfiber cloth rather than abrasive materials.
• Have the battery replaced through an authorized Bulova service center once the movement shows signs of slowing.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions