Bulova Watches Prices In South Africa? The 100 New Answer

In this post we share our thoughts on Bulova watches. Read on to learn what you need to know about the brand.

The watch community is a little different than other groups of enthusiasts.

It almost seems like believing that good watches have to be expensive, rare, obsolete, difficult to obtain, or sold outside of their original distribution chain.

So when a watchmaker walks through a mall or department store and sees rows of watches in a jewelry box, he simply assumes that nothing behind the glass interests him.

Often these lines contain Bulova watches. They have flashy designs, chunky cases, and names that sound like the bad guys from ’90s B-list movies.

So the question arises: are Bulova watches good? Do watchmakers mistakenly walk past these timepieces? Is a guy new to watches wasting his time and money at the department store counter?

Let’s take a look at the brand’s history, some current options, and some pros and cons that will help determine if Bulova makes a good watch.

History of the Bulova company

If you’re just getting into watchmaking, you might not understand the historical importance that Bulova has played in modern timekeeping. Here’s a brief company history to give you a sense of what kind of company Bulova is.

Bulova: The beginning

The year is 1875. A Bohemian immigrant named Joseph Bulova opened the J. Bulova Company, a jewelry store on Maiden Lane – in what is now the Financial District – in New York City.

With Joseph’s experience as a goldsmith and watchmaker, the company set out to produce quality American-made pocket watches.

At the beginning of World War I, Joseph Bulova noticed that there was a shift from pocket watches to wrist-worn timepieces. Never one who fears innovation or change; Joseph believed wristwatches would be the way of the future.

The Bulova website provides a detailed account of her story.

The company switched gears and began to focus on making quality watches for the wrist. In 1919, Bulova introduced the company’s first full line of men’s wristwatches.

By moving manufacturing to a factory in Biel, Switzerland, Bulova was able to mass-produce watches. At the time, this concept was very new in the watch industry and gave Bulova the opportunity to scale its business and watch lines.

Bulova has a few other “firsts” to mention from the early years. In 1926, the company produced the first radio advertisement.

In 1927, Bulova produced the “Lone Eagle” watch to commemorate Charles A. Lindbergh’s first non-stop flight across the Atlantic.

Bulova produced the world’s first television commercial, which aired in 1941 during a game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies.

In 1945 Arde Bulova, son of Joseph, opened the Joseph Bulova watchmaking school. The school initially focused on teaching watchmaking to disabled veterinarians during World War II, but then expanded into an actual rehabilitation facility.

The school supports and advocates for disabled people worldwide.

Bulova: The Accutron Years

By the 1950s, Bulova was already a household name known for creating fantastic watches, supporting professional sports teams and being a bold advertiser.

In 1951, the term “Accutron” first appeared, combining the terms “accurate” and “electronic” into a catchy, modern expression that represented the time.

The Accutron name was intended to represent the company’s electric clocks, which were finally introduced to the public in 1960 (three years after Hamilton produced the first electric clock).

This new technology used a 360 Hertz tuning fork that vibrated 360 times per second, much like vibrating quartz today.

The result was a watch with an accuracy of up to two seconds per day that far outperformed any mechanical watch and is still impressive by today’s standards.

Bulova in space

One of the most interesting stories in the history of Bulova happened in 1971. It is known that astronauts of that time wore Omega Speedmasters.

These Omegas were owned by NASA and they were the only watches approved for travel. But a Bulova hitchhiked with Apollo 15.

During his second moonwalk, Commander David Scott’s crystal fell off his Speedmaster. Instead of giving up a watch, Scott strapped his spare watch to his wrist: a prototype Bulova chronograph, model #88510/01.

Why Scott had a prototype from a company that had unsuccessfully bid for the mission is a mystery in itself.

This watch recently sold for $1.625 million. You can’t buy a watch that’s been on the moon every day. In honor of that story and historic watch, Bulova recently began reproducing a similar watch.

If you can’t afford the original, reproduction is an attractive option.

Bulova: The Citizen Years

In 2008, Citizen bought Bulova for $250 million, ending its reign as an American watchmaker. Currently, Bulova’s headquarters are still in New York City, but production takes place in Japan, Hong Kong and Switzerland.

In 2010, Bulova returned to his ultra-precision ways, designing and releasing a watch called The Precisionist. This new watch uses an ultra high frequency quartz movement that is accurate to within 10 seconds each year.

Bulova watches: pros and cons

Now that you see how interesting the company’s history is and how many innovations and firsts it has to offer, it’s time to talk about the current watches. Let’s take a look at what makes them great and where they might fall behind.

Pro: price point

For a watchmaker with as much history as Bulova, it’s refreshing to see an affordable price tag. While one could argue that Citizen is at the forefront of increasing manufacturing ability and affordability, Bulova really has never been an overly expensive brand.

A few pieces top the box office at over $1,000, and there are even some as high as $3,000. However, most Bulova watches fall in the $300 to $700 range. You could pay three times as much for a different brand and not get the same level of accuracy and quality.

Disadvantage: styling

To be fair, that’s subjective. But Bulova’s wild, bold designs don’t usually go down well with the watch community.

For the average guy who just wants some presence on the wrist, they’re excellent. The lively dials with swirls and circles might be ideal for them.

Also, there are extremely high-priced watches with similar designs that are enjoying some success with society’s elite, so perspectives on styling may change.

Pros: innovation

Historically, Bulova isn’t afraid to take a risk. From playing dice on pre-WW1 wristwatches to producing the world’s first television commercial, Bulova has gotten off to a flying start.

The company’s advances in accuracy have changed the watch industry for the better.

Disadvantage: size

Unless you’re a big guy, most Bulova watches won’t work for you. While one or two large watches in a lineup isn’t a dealbreaker, the majority of the Bulova lineup is over 44 millimeters in size.

Combine that with a lug-to-lug length that’s consistently over 50 millimeters, and these watches might just be too big.

Pro: You listened

Yes, most of Bulova’s offerings are large. Yes, most Bulovas are flashy. But Bulova also listened to the watch community. It currently offers some reasonably sized watches with very attractive designs.

From simple field watches to nicely sized chronographs, Bulova has options that even watch snobs could turn their heads to.

Are you still wondering, “Are Bulova watches any good?” I will highlight these well-designed, well-proportioned watches to give you something to think about.

The best Bulova watches

The following are some of the best watches in Bulova’s range based on style, size, price, and history.

Over the past few years, Bulova has looked back on its history and reproduced some of its best and most iconic watches.

Bulova hack watch

When it comes to field watches, their description should really be a less-is-more proposition. They should be compact, durable and easy to read.

Anything outside of these descriptors deviates too far from the target. The military-inspired WWII-era Bulova Hack hits the spot.

The Hack is a simple three-hand automatic field watch. It measures 38 millimeters in diameter with a lug of around 47 millimeters. The Hack’s stainless steel case is topped with a double-domed mineral crystal.

It uses a Miyota 82S0 movement which is fairly accurate. As you might have guessed from the name, this field watch hacks and stops the seconds hand when you pull out the crown – a real plus for some collectors.

The only real issues with the hack are the water resistance and the price.

Field watches need at least 100 meters of water resistance to withstand the precarious conditions out in the field — the hack only offers 30. And for more than $350, there are field watches from Seiko, Citizen, and Orient that will do the job for half the price.

Bulova Chronograph A

The Chronograph A might be a little flashy, but not in the typical Bulova way that we all expect. While the company is touting its diving heritage, the Chronograph A has a racing-inspired look that seems just as at home on the track as it is on the waves.

The Chronograph A is a five-hand chronograph with pushers at the two and four o’clock positions. There are a few color variants, but each has an oval that encompasses the two sub-dials.

This oval creates the “surfboard” look and inspired the nickname used to refer to the original watches from the 1970’s.

The case of the Chronograph A measures just 40.5 millimeters in diameter, which is relatively rare for a chronograph – especially from Bulova. It features a stainless steel case and sapphire crystal and offers 200 meters of water resistance.

Between the waterproofness and the tropical-style rubber strap to which it’s attached, you won’t have any trouble taking it for a swim.

But the tachymeter on the outside of the dial also helps gauge your speed should the sleek looks overwhelm your composure behind the wheel.

Bulova A-15 pilot

Aviator watches can get away with being big. Some of the community favorites exceed 44 millimeters. However, Bulova resisted the urge to go too big with the A-15, and the result is a very well-proportioned pilot’s watch with great features at an excellent price.

Let’s get to the stats: the A-15 Pilot measures 42 millimeters across the dial, which is impressive for a company with a size issue. The lugs are short and sharply curved, giving this watch a more wearable profile for smaller wrists.

The A-15 runs on an 82S6 automatic movement, complete with hacking. It also has a sapphire crystal and a stainless steel case, but there is one other really interesting feature.

This watch can track three time zones. The innermost section of the dial is a simple aviator style, but it has a crown at two o’clock to set an outer bezel and a crown at the four o’clock position to rotate an inner bezel.

Getting an automatic, hacking, aviation-inspired watch with a piece of sapphire for under $600 is incredible.

Bulova: Fly me to the moon

Frank Sinatra was a Bulova man. To honor the man and the relationship he had with the company, Bulova recently released the Frank Sinatra Collection.

While there are several models (all named after some of Frankie Blue Eyes’ best songs), the Fly Me To The Moon is by far the most portable.

The Fly Me To The Moon has a textured dial with numerals at the two, four, six, eight, ten and 12 o’clock positions. It runs on a Miyota 8215 movement hidden in the 39 millimeter stainless steel case.

It has a domed sapphire crystal, a date window at three o’clock and is water resistant to 30 meters. It’s available in a few color combinations, including a beautiful gold-plated version with a champagne-colored dial.

It comes with a lizard grain leather strap which might be the only real downside to this piece as it looks a bit cheap.

Bulova moon pilot

In honor of Commander Scott (and the tremendous price his prototype watch fetched at auction), Bulova released the Lunar Pilot. Released in 2019, it is a three sub-dials chronograph with a very familiar aesthetic.

It uses a proprietary ultra high frequency quartz movement that maintains an incredible level of accuracy. It has folding pushers at the two and four o’clock positions.

Here’s the thing about the Lunar Pilot. Although it is based on David Scott’s prototype, it is significantly larger. The original was almost 40 millimeters in size, while the case of this watch is 45 millimeters in diameter.

While that’s big, that measurement isn’t even the issue. It’s the 52 millimeter measurement from lug to lug that makes it difficult to wear. This gorgeous watch is just too big for most guys.

The value is there. The design is incredible. It’s just too big for the average person. But considering this watch has been making waves in the watch collector community for the past few years, it was certainly worth mentioning.

So, are Bulova watches any good?

I feel the answer is a resounding yes. The history of the company alone is so rich and interesting that you could wear any watch offered with pride.

But considering the quality, design, value and accuracy, it’s hard to see the Bulova as anything but good.

There are problems? Yes. Most of the company’s watches are at least 5 millimeters too big. Most of his watches have ridiculously low water resistance. Many of their designs are downright gaudy.

But look past those issues and you’ll find a solid watch with incredible accuracy that won’t break the bank. So the answer is yes, Bulova watches are good.

Designed by Bulova Corporation President Gregory Thumm, the high-tech 24k gold timepiece is based on a proprietary process developed by Bulova in collaboration with its Swiss manufacturing partner. The process allows Bulova to harden 999.9 pure 24k gold while maintaining exacting quality standards for workmanship and fit, and ensuring water resistance to 30 meters. This manufacturing process, which is protected by copyright, is a world first and a patent has been applied for worldwide.

“The 24k gold special edition is a true testament to the legacy of Bulova’s founder, Joseph Bulova, and his unwavering commitment to innovation and craftsmanship,” said Gregory Thumm, President of Bulova Corporation.

Swiss crafted with a strong sporty design, the timepiece is constructed in a unique capsule shape where the bezel, case and case back are anchored to an integral case with lightweight and durable grade 5 titanium components. A separate sub-bezel, designed as part of the case, holds the watch securely with a series of specially designed bumpers to ward off impacts and holds a sapphire crystal with five layers of anti-reflective coating.

Conceived and engineered for strength and security, the registered strap design combines two layers of material: an alligator leather strap and a 316L stainless steel mesh strap with three micron black titanium carbide. The two layers are secured together with a series of grade 5 titanium rivets designed to slide on the mesh to maximize flexibility and comfort.

Each Joseph Bulova Collection First Edition 24-karat gold timepiece contains a 26-jewel automatic movement that is chronometer-certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). In addition, the cases have been certified by the Bureau Central du Contrôle des Métaux Précieux for the fineness and purity of the gold, with each watch bearing the precious metal hallmark of the Saint Bernard.

A watch to be cherished for a lifetime, each Joseph Bulova Collection First Edition, 24k Gold Timepiece is housed in a special handcrafted presentation case completely covered in 24k gold leaf. Visit www.bulova.com for more information.

About Bulova

Founded in 1875, Bulova remains one of the world’s most recognized brands, with Bulova, Bulova Accu Swiss, Bulova Accutron II, Caravelle New York, Wittnauer and licensed Harley-Davidson Timepieces by Bulova Watches, Frank Lloyd, a wide range of Consumers can reach Wright Collection watches and award-winning Bulova watches.

Bulova is an American brand based in New York City with offices in Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. In 2015, when Bulova celebrates the 140th anniversary of its founding, the company will move its headquarters to the iconic Empire State Building in New York. Bulova continues to assert its position at the forefront of the timekeeping industry and is committed to maintaining an exceptional legacy of excellence in design, style and technology while expanding to meet the needs of a diverse global audience.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141121/160327

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141121/160326LOGO

The original version is available on PR Newswire at: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bulova-introduces-worlds-first-watch-made-with-pure-24-karat-gold-300000234.html

SOURCE Bulova Corporation

Do Bulova watches have real diamonds? Even watch lovers ask themselves this question. The brand doesn’t produce the most expensive pieces, so you might get confused when people say it has diamonds. We’ve taken a close look at it below.

Who is Bulova?

One of the oldest names in the US, it was founded in 1875 by Joseph Bulova, an immigrant from Bohemia.

The manufacturer is now owned by the Citizen group. His timepieces are highly regarded in the industry. They look good and offer luxurious features for an affordable budget.

If you’ve heard of Bulova before, you probably know how accurate its parts are. The Accutron line of units feature some of the most accurate timing mechanisms available.

But how accurate are they? Up to 2 seconds per day.

Cooperation with NASA made the brand famous. David Scott wore the Bulova Moon Pilot Chronograph on his mission to the moon. The device was later auctioned for over $1.5 million. The company has also built Accutron technology into several NASA computers.

Considering the legacy behind the giant, it shouldn’t surprise you that diamonds could be placed in its watches. Let’s talk about it.

Does Bulova use diamonds?

Believe it or not, the company uses diamonds. If the watch is from a “diamond” collection, the gems are in place. Unfortunately, no information is available on where the diamonds came from.

Bulova has also not publicly revealed whether they cut the jewels themselves.

How much do Bulova watches cost?

The brand does not make expensive watches. However, some units are more expensive than others. Check out the Accutron Percheron. It was the first watch in the world to be made from solid 24k gold.

As a result, it costs over $40,000.

However, normal watches, even those with diamonds, would cost no more than $500. A good example would be the men’s 97D108. It will burn a $332 hole in your wallet.

It is made of gold-plated stainless steel. The steel on it is surgical grade, so corrosion is never a problem. The metal is high quality so dirt and grime won’t stick either.

It has 8 diamonds between its hour markers. The face is 1.52 inches (40mm), which we think is the perfect size. Its bracelet isn’t heavy – it would be easy to wear for a while.

You’ll appreciate how accurate its movement is. It rocks the Accutron mechanism. Its quartz movement beats at 262 kHz.

If you turn it inside out, you’ll see the Bulova logo on the clasp. This makes it look higher quality.

Check out more watch guides

Where are Bulova watches made?

Considering the use of quality materials at an affordable price, you might be wondering where the brand’s pieces are made. Although Bulova is an American company, watches are made all over the world.

The high-end products are manufactured and designed in Switzerland. The cheaper ones are made in Hong Kong, while the mid-range devices are made in Japan.

How to spot fake Bulova watches?

An easy way to tell the difference between fakes and real ones is that the original Bulova would always be heavier.

But this is not a very accurate technique. Let’s talk about the other possibilities.

logo

The device should have the name “Bulova” on the dial or metal exterior. It could contain the model name, which reads “Bulova Accutron” or “Bulova Caravelle”. Many dupes read “Bulova Movement” instead.

serial number

The company wants to make it easier for you to spot fakes. For this reason, people have started putting serial numbers on the back of the devices.

You can run the code through the website to find out if it’s a real piece or not. You can also contact customer service and ask them to check it out.

A jeweler

The code would only be on newer Bulova pieces. If you bought an older one, customer service may be able to direct you to a jeweler who might be able to help. You could examine your watch.

draft

Something special about the products of the brand are the Art Nouveau elements. You will see swirls inspired by the style on the devices.

Final Thoughts

Let’s summarize things. Yes, Bulova places real diamonds on its watches. The manufacturer has a solid reputation and was celebrated when one of its watches made the journey to the moon.

Seiko vs. Bulova: Brand Comparison

If you want to learn more about two excellent luxury watch brands, Seiko and Bulova, you are just a few steps away from getting all the information you need. Both brands in the duel between Seiko and Bulova are known for their noble and elegant watches. If you’re not sure which brand to buy from, the information in this article will come in handy. Seiko and Bulova have spent almost 140 years making quality timepieces. We start with a historical overview of each company.

Seiko vs Bulova: History

Seiko and Bulova both started in the 19th century. Their historical perspective is proof of their quality products. These brands have created several masterpieces since their inception.

Seiko’s brief historical overview

Seiko began as a jewelry store in 1881, founded by a young Japanese man, Kintaro Hattori. He was the son of a Tokyo-based trader and founded this business at the age of 22 in central Tokyo. After a decade, Seiko decided to make watches. Their first watch was called the Seikosha.

Seiko’s first watch came out in 1924. In 1969, Seiko produced the Astron, the world’s first quartz watch. At the time, its price was equivalent to that of a small car.

Then, in the late ’70s, Seiko came up with the idea of ​​solar watches. In the last decade of the 20th century, they began the spring-dive movement technology revolution. This patent was specially developed for space travel.

In 2012, Seiko reintroduced the Astron GPS solar watch.

Seiko is a Japanese word meaning “success” or “exquisite.”

Brief history of the origin of Bulova

Joseph Bulova founded the J. Bulova Company in 1875. This company began mass-producing timepieces in 1919.

In 1923 they changed the company name to the Bulova Watch Company. The space race in cooperation with the US government in the 60’s and 70’s improved the company’s image. They made space time passes together with NASA.

Buzz Aldrin, an American astronaut, used the Bulova Accutron timer in space.

Its journey to the lunar surface was completed when David R. Scott wore it during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971.

In 2008, Bulova launched the Bulova Precisionist, claiming it was the most accurate quartz watch in the world.

In 2016, Bulova introduced the first CURV chronograph wristwatch. Now Bulova is owned by Citizen Watch Co.

The outstanding features and benefits of Seiko

Water repellent

The most popular feature of Seiko watches is their water resistance, which allows you to dive and swim with a Seiko watch. The depth of water resistance for Seiko watches varies from product to product.

stainless steel fitting

Seiko uses stainless steel in most of its products. This material is light, of excellent quality and incomparably durable.

energy reserve

The valued feature of Seiko watches is the enormous power reserve. Seiko watches can operate 40 hours below the waterline due to their excellent power reserve.

Date and Time

Seiko watches have date and time functions, making them perfect for watch enthusiasts with busy schedules.

Marker and LumiBrite pointer

The marker function offers excellent legibility even in the dark due to the luminous dial. It also has a solution for visibility in bright daylight.

Hardlex Crystal

Hardlex crystal makes the watch more durable and ensures scratch resistance which depends on the quality and quantity of sapphire crystal used in the manufacture of the watch. This feature is also inexpensive.

automatic watches

Seiko watches are automatic, which means they don’t need batteries. The watches can charge the energy with the movement of your arm.

quartz movement

The durable Japanese quartz movement is used in Seiko watch manufacturing. This guarantees you the accuracy of your watch. It also follows the Japanese automatic movement with 21 jewels in production. Because of these characteristics, Seiko products are precise and reliable.

Popular models

The Seiko SKX-011J1 sports automatic diver’s watch is known for its underwater use. It has a depth holding capacity of 200m with 40 hours of backup power.

Seiko’s Astron GPS solar watch is the latest in its technological advancement revolution. It offers automatic time zone adjustment. If you frequently travel across different time zones, you don’t need to adjust your Seiko time as it features location time zone retrieval and synchronization.

Seiko’s Prospex Field Master digital watch is an elegant digital watch. It is solar powered and a full charge will keep the watch active for up to five months. This watch has a power saving module that extends its performance up to 20 months. It can be used underwater to a depth of 200 m.

Some other popular Seiko models are Seiko 5, Seiko LX Line and the Seiko Presage collection.

Bulova’s salient features and benefits

Water repellent

Bulova watches are also water-resistant to a depth of 200 m.

sapphire crystal

Bulova watches use anti-reflective sapphire crystal instead of Hardlex crystal. Sapphire is considered to be more scratch resistant than Hardlex crystal.

high performance quartz

Bulova makes high quality quartz watches like Seiko. They also claim that they have the most accurate clocks in the world.

Lumibrite hands/markers

Bulova watches feature the LumiBrite hands and markers. You can easily read the time in both darkness and daylight.

power backup

Bulova watches also have a good backup power supply of around 50 hours.

Internal calendar

You don’t need to reset the time and date in Bulova watches as their internal calendar keeps everything up to date.

Popular models

Bulova’s Sea King watch includes all the necessary underwater features. It has a luminous dial and a strap extension that is adjustable with diving suits.

Computron’s LED digital clock is also popular. It follows the design of the Computron digital watch from the 1970s. It features an energy-efficient, bright LED display and is available in silver, black, and gold variants. This watch has a dual time zone feature with a two year battery life.

Some other popular models are Chronograph C, Classic, Crystal, CURV, Frank Lloyd Wright, Futuro, GRAMMY, Harley Davidson, Lunar Pilot, Marine Star, Oceanographer, and Precisionist.

Seiko vs. Bulova: Comparative Overview

Seiko is a traditional watch brand. Customer feedback on Seiko watches often mentions their precision and quality. Seiko has also done a lot in mechanical movements, and Seiko is the only watch company in the world with a fusion of mechanical and quartz technologies. On the other hand, Bulova makes eclectic experiments in the design of their watches.

Choosing between these two watch brands can come down to taste. Seiko offers traditional, stylish, functional and innovative timepieces, all stemming from its revolutionary mindset. Bulova has unique and loud designs, and the brand excels in style and accuracy. However, Seiko’s sleek and elegant design deserves more respect than any other in the competitive market. After looking at all the pros and cons, we can say that in the Seiko vs Bulova debate, Seiko is the winner with its outstanding experience and traditional touch.

Bulova

What does the Bulova symbol mean?

A proud symbol of Bulova’s technological leadership, the tuning fork originally represented Accutron’s revolutionary tuning fork movement, the world’s first fully electronic watch. Captured for this week’s Macro Monday theme, Brand and Logos.

Finished

Manufacturer of clocks and wristwatches

Bulova is an American watch company founded in 1875 and owned by Japanese multinational conglomerate Citizen Watch Co. since 2008. The company manufactures watches and accessories and is based in New York City.[2]

history [edit]

founding [edit]

Bulova was founded in 1875 by Bohemian immigrant Joseph Bulova and incorporated as the J. Bulova Company.[3] It was re-established in 1923 under the name Bulova Watch Company and became part of Loews Corporation in 1979[4] and was sold to Citizen in late 2007.[5]

In 1912, Joseph Bulova opened his first factory dedicated exclusively to the manufacture of watches. With the production of watches in their factory in Biel (Switzerland), he began a standardized mass production that was new to watchmaking. In 1919, Bulova offered the first full line of watches for men and women in 1924. The visual style of his first popular advertisements endeared his watches to the American public. But alongside the original style, precision and technological research also became essential for Bulova. In 1927 he set up an observatory on the roof of a skyscraper at 580 5th Avenue to accurately determine universal time.

Bulova established its operations in Woodside, New York, and Flushing, New York, where it innovated watchmaking and developed a line of watchmaking tools.[4] Watchmaking innovations included the Accutron watch, which used a resonating tuning fork to regulate timekeeping.

Advertising Milestones[ edit ]

December 1942 ad for Bulova watches from Canada.

Women working in the sprocket division of Bulova Watch circa 1937.

Bulova became a renowned watch company in 1923. Bulova produced the first radio-broadcast advertisement in 1926, announcing the first beep in history: “By tone, it’s eight o’clock, Bulova Watch Time,” an announcement heard by millions of Americans. In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh became the first solo pilot to cross the Atlantic non-stop. His crossing earned him a Bulova watch and a $1,000 check, and it became an emblem for the brand, creating the Lone Eagle model in his guise. Bulova claims to have been the first manufacturer to offer electric clocks starting in 1931, but the Warren Telechron Company began selling electric clocks in 1912, 19 years before Bulova. In the 1930s and 1940s, the brand was a great success with its rectangular plated watches, whose case was heavily curved to better fit the curve of the wrist.

Bulova produced the world’s first television commercial on July 1, 1941 (the first day commercial advertising was allowed on television) before a baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies over New York City broadcaster WNBT (now WNBC). The announcement, for which the company paid between $4.00 (equivalent to $74 in 2021 dollars) and $9.00 (equivalent to $166 in 2021 dollars), featured a WNBT test card that was modified to look like a clock with the hands showing the time. The Bulova logo with the phrase “Bulova Time” was displayed in the lower right quadrant of the test pattern while the seconds hand swept across the dial for one minute.[6][7]

During the 1940’s, Bulova manufactured several examples of their complex four-sided, five-face-per-side “Sports Timer” analog game box[8] for use in NHL hockey games and for the then nascent NBA basketball league. They have been placed in indoor sports arenas such as the Boston Garden, Chicago Stadium and the Detroit Olympia. The last example was decommissioned in Chicago in 1976 and replaced by music boxes with a digital display.[9]

In 1945, CEO Arde Bulova founded the Joseph Bulova Watchmaking School to train disabled veterans after World War II. The school would later become a full-fledged rehabilitation facility, an advocate for the disabled nationwide, and one of the founders of wheelchair sports in the United States. The school closed in 1993.

In 1967 Bulova bought Manufacture des Montres Universal Perret Frères SA in Geneva and sold it in December 1977. The Biel factory closed in 1983.

Accutron[ edit ]

Bulova’s “Accutron” watches, first sold in October 1960[10] use a 360 Hz tuning fork instead of a balance wheel as the timekeeping element.[11] The inventor, Max Hetzel, was born in Basel, Switzerland and joined the Bulova Watch Company in 1948.[11] The tuning fork was powered by a single-transistor electronic oscillator circuit, making the Accutron the second “electronic watch” after the Hamilton Electric that appeared in 1957. Instead of the ticking of mechanical clocks, the Accutron had a faint, high-pitched hum coming from the vibrating tuning fork. A forerunner of modern quartz watches that also keep time with a vibrating resonator, the Accutron was guaranteed to be accurate to within a minute a month or two seconds a day, vastly better than mechanical watches of the time.[11]

The Apollo 3 p.m. [ edit ]

In the 1960s, the company was embroiled in a rivalry with Omega Watches to be chosen as the “first watch on the moon”. In 1971, a Bulova chronograph was carried by mission commander David Scott aboard Apollo 15, the fourth mission to land humans on the moon. All twelve men who walked the moon wore standard Omega Speedmaster watches officially issued by NASA. These watches are considered state property. Transcripts from the Apollo 15 Lunar Surface Journal document the fact that during Scott’s second excursion on the lunar surface, the crystal on his Omega watch fell off.[12] So he used his backup Bulova watch during his third moonwalk. The Bulova Chronograph model #88510/01 is the only privately owned watch to have been worn on the lunar surface. There are images of Scott wearing the watch saluting the American flag on the moon, with the expanse of Hadley Delta in the background. The watch shows “significant wear from exposure to the moon and from splashdown and recovery”. In 2015, the watch sold at the RR auction in Boston for $1.625 million, making it one of the most expensive astronaut-owned artifacts ever sold at auction and one of the most expensive watches ever made were sold at auction.[13] The watch is also a unique timepiece as it appears to be a prototype that Scott Bulova’s fans only revealed in 2014.[14] Therefore, in early 2016, the company released a homage edition of the moon watch that used a modern high-frequency quartz movement for the watch, which took more than 40 years to make its way onto the production line.[15]

Computers [ edit ]

During the quartz crisis, Bulova followed the lead of other watchmakers creating electronic quartz watches by introducing the Computron watch in 1976. The Computron was Bulova’s first watch with an LED display and first digital watch. It featured a distinctive trapezoidal steel case profile, with the display on the side of the case rather than on the main face. It was marketed as a convenient design for drivers to see the watch without rolling their wrists or letting go of the steering wheel, but this was mitigated by the need to press a button on the side of the case to activate the display. In later versions, repeated presses of the button toggled the display to show the seconds, date, day, and a second time zone. The success of the Computron was a major factor in keeping Bulova financially viable over the next few years.

21st Century [ edit ]

On January 10, 2008, Citizen bought the Bulova Watch Company for $250 million.

Bulova currently designs, manufactures and markets several different brands including: the signature ‘Bulova’, the stylish ‘Caravelle’ (formerly ‘Caravelle New York’), the elegant/formal ‘Wittnauer Swiss’ from Switzerland and the ‘Marine Stern’ In 2014, Bulova stopped selling watches under the “Accutron” and “Accutron by Bulova” brands, eliminating some Accutron models and consolidating others under the “Bulova” brand.

In 2010, Bulova introduced the Precisionist, a new breed of quartz watch with a higher frequency (262144 Hz, eight times the industry standard 32768 Hz) crystal, said to be accurate to ±10 seconds per year (0.32 ppm) and a has smoothly curved second hand like automatic watches and not the typical second hand of quartz watches that jumps every second.[18]

From 2012 to 2015, Bulova produced a line of Swiss-made watches called the Accu•Swiss, replacing the previously discontinued Accutron line. Accu•Swiss itself was discontinued in 2015 at the direction of Citizen.

In 2019, Bulova relaunched the Computron brand, keeping the size and appearance of the originals but updating the internal electronics. The new Computrons were made available in chrome, gold and black, with the first two colors being what had been used for the originals.

In 2020, Bulova relaunched the Accutron brand.[19]

See also[edit]

Vintage & Antique Bulova watch value

Founded in 1875, Bulova is a leading American watch brand currently owned by Japanese multinational conglomerate Citizen Watch Co. With such a rich watchmaking history behind the brand, determining the true value of your vintage or antique Bulova watch could be a challenge. We’ll show you some useful examples to help you get an idea of ​​the price of your watch and determine its age, so be sure to follow us.

In almost 150 years of watchmaking, Bulova has produced millions of watches, with some models being worth more than others. Some of the rarest antique Bulova watches are the Art Deco watches from the 1910-1920s, which are made of platinum and may have real diamonds. These are the real antique Bulova watches as they are over 100 years old.

Diamond Platinum Bulova Ladies Watch ($8,785.00)

Platinum case & 115 diamonds

, as we have some amazing models dating back to the 1950’s. If you are interested in buying a vintage or pre-owned Bulova watch then be sure to check out our collection of Bulova watches as we have some amazing models dating back to the 1950’s.

Serial numbers of Bulova watches

One of the most difficult things to find when looking for the value of your watch is the actual year your watch was manufactured. Each company has used different types of serialization to index their watches, with some using more intuitive systems than others.

How do I identify my Bulova watch?

Bulova watch identification numbers are divided into two main parts, the pre-1950s cases and those from January 1950 onwards. For each of them there is a simple chart that you can follow to determine the year your watch was in produced.

From 1924 to 1949, the year can be determined using the symbol stamped on the movement. To find this character you need to open the back of the clock and use a magnifying glass or magnifying glass to find any of these characters:

Bulova watches with date codes between 1924 – 1949.

Example:

Vintage Bulova Watch (The crescent indicates either 1928 or 1938)

As you have probably noticed, certain characters are attributed more than one year. We have chosen the example above to illustrate this. In such cases, what can help you determine the exact year your watch was manufactured are factors like vintage Bulova indicators and dial models that are specific to certain time periods.

From 1950 the case back of the watch will contain a letter followed by a number. You no longer have to open the back of the watch to look at the movement, which might be a relief for many of you as not everyone has the proper watchmaking tools. The letter gives you the decade and the number gives you the exact year of that particular decade:

Bulova watches with date codes from 1950

Example:

1971 Bulova Chrono Watch (N=1970s, 1=1971)

Some Frequently Asked Questions:

How much is a Bulova watch worth?

Most prices range from $50 to $15,000. The value of vintage and antique Bulova watches depends on age, case material (gold or platinum), additional stones such as diamonds, and whether the particular model is rare or limited edition.

Our guide will help you determine the year of your watch and where to position it compared to our examples. This allows you to better assess the value without having to consult a watchmaker or appraisal service.

What is the average price of old Bulova watches?

Regular vintage Bulova watches average between $100 and $200. Most vintage watches found around the house date from the 1950s to 1970s and are usually gold plated or gold filled.

The price can be lower or higher depending on the functionality of the watch, the age of the watch (the older the more valuable), whether the case is gold plated, gold plated or solid gold and of course the rarity of the watch.

Example:

1978 10k Gold Plated Bulova Watch for Ladies – $150

Gold plated mechanical vintage ladies watch from 1972 Bulova Perfect condition – $250-$300

Buy It Now!

What is the most expensive Bulova watch in history?

In 2015, Bulova released the Joseph Bulova Collection First Edition 24-karat gold watch with a suggested retail price of $42,000. With just 32 pieces ever produced, this remains the most expensive Bulova watch in history.

Joseph Bulova Collection First Edition watch in 24k gold

The most important factors affecting the value of your Bulova watch:

1st year of construction

2. Type of case material

3. Nature and complications of the movement

4. Use of gems

5. Watch limited edition or not

6. Overall aesthetic condition and original parts

7. Does the clock work?

8. Historical Value: Was the watch worn by a famous person?

Here are some of the most important factors to consider when attempting to properly value your watch. There are other things like sentimental value that have no price.

1st year of construction

Regardless of the brand, the date of issue has a significant impact on the value of any watch. Before 1900 you will most likely find pocket watches, in the 1940s to 1950s you will find both pocket watches and wristwatches and after that mostly wristwatches as people started to adapt to the trends as well.

The older the watch, the better! It is rare for a watch to survive more than 100 years of history, multiple owners, wars and no decay! Additionally, fewer models remain in the public domain over the years, further increasing the rarity.

Examples:

1940’s Gold Plated Bulova Pocket Watch ($400-$600 Value)

1990’s Bulova 21 Jewels Automatic Incabloc Swiss Movement Watch ($230 value)

2. Type of case material

The most common metal used in watches is stainless steel, and the most expensive is platinum. Watch manufacturers and watchmakers also use silver and gold, the most commonly used precious metals, but when it comes to unique or limited releases, big brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe use platinum!

Ladies Vintage Bulova Platinum Diamond Watch, circa 1930s ($6000 Value)

3. Nature and complications of the movement

The more complex a watch becomes, the higher the price naturally increases. Chronographs, perpetual calendars and tourbillons are among the complications found in watches that will drastically increase their value.

1970’s Bulova Chronograph ‘D’ (value: $1,200)

4. Use of gems

diamonds! They are the icing on the cake of any type of jewelry and thus ensure an enormous increase in the value of a vintage or antique watch. The number of diamonds, the finesse with which they have been cut and the total number of carats can add up significantly to the price of a regular watch.

115 Diamonds Totaling 3.24 Carats Platinum Case (Price: $8,785)

5. Watch limited edition or not

Exclusivity is by far one of the most commonly used techniques by watchmakers, car dealers, jewelry stores, and artists around the world to increase scarcity, desirability, and price. If you own a unique watch that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, it will be difficult even to put a price on it as there is nothing else like it. If you own a limited edition of 100 pieces, that’s still amazing, but not as cool as 1/1.

Bulova SPACEVIEW 2020 Limited Edition – 300 units (Price: $4,000-$8,000)

6. Overall aesthetic condition and original parts

Having a vintage watch without scratches is a dream come true. Every single sign of age or wear and tear can affect the price. There are some exceptions where the watch patina can actually increase its value (e.g. some Rolex dials have turned pink or blue after 30-50 years exposure to light).

Some of you may have heard of N.O.S. Watches, so new from old stock. These are highly sought after by watch collectors as they have never been used/worn or even taken out of the original packaging.

1970’s NOS Bulova Accutron LCD Watch (Price: $325)

7. Does the clock work?

Whether a vintage watch is functional or not is definitely an important price factor. For this reason, most watchmakers recommend having your watch serviced every 3-5 years to keep it running smoothly. Some of you may know that buyers usually ask when the last service was performed.

An expensive watch loses a lot of value if it is not in perfect condition. But of course there are collectors who value watches for their design and see them as works of art. And watch lovers who pay good money for a rare, non-functioning watch to have it restored and repaired afterwards.

8. Historical Value: Was the watch worn by a famous person?

Owning a watch worn by a famous person enhances the way you present it. Now, there are some instances where celebrities have had a major impact on the price of certain watch models. The most well-known case is Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona, which sold at auction for nearly $18 million.

On this occasion, this particular Rolex model was renamed and is now known as the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona. Prices for all similar models shot up from $20-25,000 to $300-500,000. You could have woken up the next day and found your watch was worth ten times what it was the day before!

That concludes our article on vintage and antique Bulova watches, Bulova serial numbers and price factors. We hope you enjoyed our watch recommendations, variety and unique stories. Let us know what your favorite watch is in the comments!

Choosing a watch with Vintage Radar

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If you decide to try them out, be sure to use our 10% OFF coupon code: WELCOME10 on your first order.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you decide to make a purchase through our links, we will earn a commission at no cost to you. Read our disclaimer for more information.

Bulova is a watch company that has been around for over 150 years. But is Bulova a luxury brand? Is it positioned in the same category as Rolex, Omega or Breitling?

The answer to this question depends on who you ask. For many watch enthusiasts, Bulova watches are not considered luxury items as they are priced cheaper than other brands on the market.

However, some people believe that Bulova definitely deserves to be called luxury because of its history and longstanding reputation for quality craftsmanship and innovation.

Since this question can be quite divisive, we will delve deeper into the topic below. If you are thinking of buying a Bulova watch, read on and let us help you make the right choice!

The story of Bulova

Although you might not believe it, Bulova is actually one of the oldest watch companies in the world. It was founded and incorporated as the J. Bulova Company in 1875 (the same year as Audemard Piquet) by Joseph Bulova, a Bohemian immigrant, in Queens, New York City.

In the 20th century it was sold to the Bulova Watch Company and in 2007 to the Japanese conglomerate Citizen.

Headquartered in New York City, Bulova is an American company and watch brand that is part of many historical records.

In fact, it is the first watch company to launch a watch line just for women, the first company to launch the first electronic watch with a tuning fork in history, and also the very first to get its watches on the radio has advertised.

When the Bulova brand was acquired by Citizen Watch Co., the company created The Precisionist, a three-fork quartz watch that became the most accurate analogue watch, accurate to within 10-15 seconds per year.

Bulova also produced the CURV watch, the first watch in the world to ergonomically fit the wearer’s wrist and enclose it in all the right places.

With such a rich history, you must be thinking: Surely Bulova is a luxury brand, right?

Quality of Bulova watches

When it comes to quality and craftsmanship, as well as affordability, many say Bulova ranks as an entry-level luxury brand. However, it is not on par with Rolex or Breitling when we hear the word “luxury”.

However, if you are new to the world of high-end or luxury watches, Bulova is an excellent brand as their prices are reasonable, fair and excellent value for money.

Also, their watches come with a stainless steel case and bracelet. Overall, they have a surprisingly impressive collection of quality watches and several great designs to choose from, either from their own website or from big retailers like Macy’s.

Since their watches are sold by other retailers, it’s not uncommon to see them with discounts here and there. That’s something higher-tier luxury brands like Rolex would never do, and even if it keeps Bulova from being “true luxury,” it’s definitely good for your wallet.

Below are just a few best sellers for women we love – there are hundreds more available online!

Get that at Macy’s Get that at Macy’s

It is also important to note that Bulova watches come in three different types of quality levels: quartz watches, automatic watches and analog watches.

To break it down further, Bulova sources its watch movements (aka the “heart of the watch”) from three countries: Switzerland and Japan for automatic watches, and Hong Kong for quartz watches.

Quartz watches are powered by a battery or a solar cell, making them the most accurate of all watches but also the cheapest as there is no prestige attached to the manufacture of these watches.

Automatic or mechanical watches are timepieces powered by the movement of their wearer. You don’t need a battery, nor do you have to manually wind the watch: pretty magical! As long as you wear the watch, it keeps the time perfectly.

Bulova’s high end / luxury watches

In the 1960s, Bulova launched the world’s first fully electronic watch. Derived from the words “accurate” and “electronic”, the Accutron watch uses a 360 Hz tuning fork instead of the classic balance wheel.

Because of this, the usual ticking of mechanical watches is gone and Accutron produces a high-pitched hum instead. Its accuracy is up to 2 seconds per day, making it an instant hit and most importantly the most accurate watch on the market during this time.

Get the Accutron Spaceview 2020 on Watches Of Switzerland Get the Precisionist at Bulova

If you are looking for a vintage watch with a rich history then the Accutron series is perfect for you. It’s Bulova’s most iconic watch, and that’s exactly why it launched in 2020 as its own standalone brand, with higher prices than Bulova.

The first watch created by Accutron was called the Spaceview 214 and features an open face showing the mechanics of the watch, similar (but still very different) to the Spaceview 2020 featured above.

Another watch from the early series is the Accutron Astronaut, whose roots go back to when Bulova provided his watch expertise to NASA during the space race against the Soviet Union from Russia in the 1960s.

Thanks to Accutron’s tuning fork technology, Bulova helped with numerous satellites and machines.

The Accutron brand’s current best sellers, including the DNA watch and the Spaceview 2020 watch, cost around $3,500.

If you prefer modern watches, then the Precisionist series from Bulova might suit your taste. Its unique quartz movement uses smooth seconds, which is definitely one of Bulova’s unique selling points thanks to its proprietary 262kHz high-frequency movement.

It is said that before the release of the Bulova Precisionist series, this type of fluid movement was only seen in automatic watches.

Bulova also produced a chronograph version of the Precisionist model, accurate to 1/1000th of a second.

This watch is definitely not for the minimalist as it is quite heavy and large (around 260 grams) and also built like a tank.

You can also personalize your Bulova Precisionist watch strap with stainless steel, leather or rubber. A Bulova Precisionist watch costs around $800. For unmatched accuracy, precision, and history, $800 already sounds like a very good deal for a quality watch.

Bulova price ranges

For an entry-level luxury brand, Bulova watches are quite affordable. Most of their affordable models are in the $250-$500 price range, but can go as high as $1,000 and even higher if you are looking for a premium watch model or just an expensive Bulova watch.

However, most of their notable models are in the $300-$600 range.

How to spot a fake Bulova watch

Just because a Bulova watch isn’t as notable as other brands like Rolex or Omega doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its share of counterfeits. On the danger of buying a fake Bulova watch, be aware of these points to keep in mind:

1. Dial – Most Bulova watches will have the name “Bulova” somewhere on the dial. It can also bear names of different series (e.g. Accutron, Bulova Precisionist).

2. Back – Like the face, you should also check the back as it also contains clues. Depending on the year of manufacture, Bulova watches have different symbols such as asterisks, engraved codes and digits with the year of manufacture.

3. Design – Pay attention to the Art Nouveau style – Bulova watch models are full of it, as is the Art Deco style.

4. Weight – Real watches are definitely heavier than fake ones, of course. The Bulova Precisionist watches weigh a whopping 260 grams, so you understand they use real, authentic materials.

Get that at Kohl’s Get that at Kohl’s

When it comes to warranty, most Bulova watches come with a 3-year limited global warranty that covers watch failures as well as defects. If your watch breaks on its own, Bulova will either give you your money back or replace it with another model in the same price range.

However, this guarantee only applies to the original owner – meaning if your Bulova watch was used or purchased used, the guarantee does not apply to you.

Conclusion – Is Bulova a luxury brand?

Since Bulova is not really in competition with well-known luxury watch brands such as Grand Seiko, Rolex or Omega, Bulova is considered an entry-level luxury brand or a high-end watch brand. Their price range is too affordable to be called a luxury brand, as luxury watches typically sell for $2,000 and up.

With that in mind, Accutron could definitely be called a luxury brand, considering that it has now evolved into a brand in its own right.

With that, Bulova is still much better than well-known brands like Fossil, Timex and even Tissot watches in terms of quality and price. Overall, Bulova is a nice in-between watch brand that you can definitely add to your collection if you start one.

It is a quality watch brand at a reasonable price, perfect for diving into the world of watches. Like its rich, long history, this durable watch will serve you for a long time.

For their reasonable and affordable prices, they really don’t disappoint in terms of aesthetics, high timing accuracy and durability.

Get more luxury fashion ideas

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Article overview

X

Because Bulova watches do not have model numbers, you must use the serial number and date code to determine which model your watch is. Take off your watch and turn it over to take a look at the smooth metal back of the case. Here you should see a date code, which is either a symbol like a triangle or crescent, a two-digit number, or a letter and number. Once you find the date code, look it up on the internet to find out when it was made. Another way to date your watch is to compare the serial number to an online listing. The serial number can be found on the back of the case. If you can’t find a serial number here, you’ll need to carefully remove the back of your watch to look at the mechanism. After finding the serial number, search the internet to find the year of manufacture. Then look for models made in the same year until you find your Bulova. Read on to learn how to find a model list online!

BULOVA Aerojet Regular Price $346.50 Regular Price $346.50 Regular Price $495 Unit Price / per BULOVA Aerojet Regular Price $206.50 Regular Price $206.50 Regular Price $295 Unit Price / per BULOVA Aerojet Regular Price $227.50 Regular Price 227 $.50 Regular Price $325 Unit Price / Unit BULOVA Aerojet Regular Price $321.75 Special Price $321.75 Regular Price $495 Unit Price / Piece Sold Out BULOVA Automatic Regular Price $292.50 Special Price $292.50 Regular Price $450 Unit Price / Piece BULOVA Classic Regular Price $192.50 Special Price $192.50 Regular Price $275 Unit Price / Piece Sold Out BULOVA Classic Regular Price $297.50 Special Price $297.50 Regular Price $425 Unit Price / Piece Sold Out BULOVA Classic Regular Price $297.50 Special Price $297.50 Regular Price $425 Unit price / piece Previous page

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Bulova is a brand that has been around for a while. In the 1970s, one of their watches was carried to the moon by astronaut David Scott. His device sold at auction for a whopping $1,300,000. Stories about the watch unraveled and it attracted a lot of attention. Bulova opted for a new edition, which was well received. In 2017 they released another iteration of the Moon Watch – let’s talk about that in our Bulova Lunar Pilot Review.

The clock – at a glance

Now that you know a little bit about its history, let’s take a look at its specs.

The Clock – A Review

draft

The Lunar Pilot is large – its case is 45 mm (1.77 inches) in diameter. If you have smaller hands it will look awkward on you. However, the strap is not wide so it fits well. We’re big fans of the leather on it. It looks high quality and is super comfortable. We’re not sure if it’s Italian, but we think so.

It rocks a full black body. Normally you won’t see this. This not only looks chic, but is also an eye-catcher. The black of the case is painted onto the stainless steel. Bulova makes quality watches, so we’re glad the steel inside can take a beating.

If you’re looking for a watch with weight, the 98A186 isn’t for you. It’s only 3.98 ounces (112.8 grams). The heavier a watch is, the more premium it will feel.

dial & case

There are no Arabic numerals on it. You will be hit with rectangular marks instead. They are bright white and therefore stand out strongly against the dark dial. Its markings are provided with bright paint. You will also see the pigment on his hands. Well – is it a powerful lumen? Not really, it’s pretty easy.

There is a chronograph function that consists of three sub-dials. You read the elapsed milliseconds, seconds and minutes. Using a chronograph is similar to using a stopwatch.

Sapphire crystal protects its dial. If you’re a watch lover, you know it’s the hardest window you can get. We particularly like the Lunar Pilot’s display – its sapphire lies flat. This makes it more modern.

Just like the original, the 2017 variant has longer pushers on the sides. At a glance you might not realize that they are working on their chronograph. You have a nice click to them.

We love the look of its second hand – it’s almost like a scepter. Bulova also made his crown look literal.

You will notice that the Bulova Luna Pilot Chronograph houses a tachymeter. The function works with chronographs to determine the speed and distance between objects. You can imagine how useful this would be for an astronaut.

Unfortunately there is no calendar. We believe they make timepieces more functional.

water resistance

It cannot take much water. It is only water resistant to a depth of 50 meters. It’s not a dive watch and Bulova doesn’t advertise it as being used in the pool, so we’re not disappointed. Because it is made of high quality stainless steel, its face is very waterproof.

Unfortunately, if you get the belt wet, you have a problem. It’s leather so it’s hard to dry. The material is also known to absorb a lot of water.

Thanks to the luminous dial, you can also read it under water. But don’t forget that its lume isn’t very bright. However, other Bulova watches have great lume.

belt

Its leather strap is comfortable. We’re glad it’s not very thick – the more leather on your wrist, the more you sweat. Some people get skin irritations, so not having a lot of leather was a good choice.

The ribbon on it is NATO. This makes dressing a breeze as you simply snap the strap into place. They’re made for the military, so they’re built to last and won’t fall off your wrist.

If you’re not a fan of its clasp, know you can swap it out. It will take a bit of work, but you could change it to a snap button. Yes, it works exactly as the name suggests.

movement

Bulova is home to the Precisionist line. It has some of the most accurate quartz clocks in the world. The Lunar Pilot houses the Bulova caliber 8136. This gives it a frequency of 262 kHz. It’s as accurate as its Precisionist counterparts.

Although we know its mechanism is accurate, we don’t know much else about it. In particular, we don’t know if it contains jewels – jewels in quartz pieces are rather rare.

Before you get too excited, it’s synthetic gems placed between gears. Quartz watches don’t have gears, so there’s no point in having as many jewels as mechanical or automatic counterparts.

Since the 98A186 is quartz, it’s no surprise that it doesn’t have a skeleton rear – you wouldn’t get a good view.

alternatives

To wrap up our Bulova moon watch review, let’s see how well it stacks up against other iterations.

Unlike its brother, it was released in 2015. It doesn’t have a leather strap. It is a vision in silver as its entire body is made of stainless steel. You’ll find that the steel has a special effect on it – it makes it more pearly.

Its hour markers are rectangular. They are full of lume, as are their hands. However, the glowing pigment on it isn’t the best. Similar to the 98A186, the device measures 1.771 inches (45 mm). It could swallow your wrist. Luckily the strap isn’t that wide.

The watch comes with 3 chronograph sub-dials. You read the elapsed milliseconds, seconds and minutes. To edit them use the pushers on the sides. They offer the same resistance we loved from its siblings.

Unfortunately not very waterproof. It can only handle 165 feet (50 meters) underwater.

One of the differences between this and the 2017 version is that it’s much heavier – it’s 15.87 ounces (449.9 grams).

When you look at the dial, you’re looking through a sapphire crystal window. Its window is flat, just like the 98A186

Next to the chronograph there is a tachymeter – and we are fans of the function.

It’s Japanese quartz. The mechanism it contains has a frequency of 262 kHz.

You will receive a premium leather strap. It feels soft on your hand and we’re sure it’s made in Italy. Unlike the 98A186, it is not a black watch. Its case is regular silver, which doesn’t make it that exciting. Just like the other Lunar Pilot watches, it has high quality stainless steel on its face.

You will see three sub-dials on it. They work his chronograph. You read the elapsed milliseconds, seconds and minutes. Yes, the pushers on his side they work. They are as “clicky” as their siblings just discussed.

Its dial is luminous. However, the Lume is nothing to write home about. The markings it is placed on are identical to those on the 98A186 – they are rectangular and white. Against such a dark background, they pop.

The re-edition of the Bulova Moonwatch is waterproof, but doesn’t take any significant dips. It can only withstand 50 meters (165 feet). Bulova says it can handle short dives, not swimming. This is odd as its counterpart is just as resilient and can handle recreational swimming.

Inside is a Japanese quartz movement. It’s ultra accurate as you get a frequency of 262kHz.

It’s a big clock. Its case spans a diameter of 1.77 inches (45mm). However, its strap is not too wide. If you’re wondering what’s on his crystal, it’s sapphire. The glass is completely flat.

The 96B251 is lightweight at 4.96 ounces (140.6 grams). As you know, the heavier a watch is, the more premium it will feel.

Final Thoughts

We’re glad it has a story. Getting hold of a watch inspired by a predecessor worn to the moon is what everyone wants. Bulova is a good brand too – they produce very high quality watches. Some of their pieces can even be called high-end.

They released iterations of the original device. Of the alternatives, they are all very similar. We think the 98A186 from 2017 looks the best as its gunmetal body is ultra-sleek.

You don’t usually hear people mention Bulova in the same breath as Rolex and Breitling, but maybe you should. Luxury watches are not Bulova’s specialty, but they produce both high-end and budget timepieces. So is Bulova a good watch brand?

Bulova is a great watch brand and produces pieces with either automatic or quartz movements. They are known for selling watches that cater to the luxury market as well as simple but functional budget options. High quality Bulova watches like the Rubaiyat and Precisionist X feature stainless steel, diamonds and sapphire crystal.

Bulova is not a luxury brand in the same sense as Cartier, but they do produce luxury watches. While they don’t increase in value, many Bulova watches are impressive collectibles. Follow us as we find out why Bulova is a good watch brand.

Is Bulova a luxury watch brand?

Bulova is not a luxury watch brand, but they produce a limited number of luxury watches. Models like the Precisionist, Chronograph, and Commodore exceed $1,000 and fall into the luxury category. One of the charms of Bulova is that they make budget watches that only cost $105.

However, high-end Bulova watches go up to $4,875, which is significantly more expensive than one of their casual watches. The cheapest Rolex is priced at $5,800, which is an example of a real luxury brand’s price tag. Bulova makes both casual and high-end watches so everyone can afford them.

Why are Bulova watches expensive?

Many Bulova watches are expensive because they contain materials like sapphire crystal and stainless steel. Bulova offers many affordable watches, but their high-end pieces stand out for their craftsmanship. Let’s take a look at why some Bulova watches are so expensive.

style

Bulova watches come in a variety of styles, from casual to sporty and elegant. The style of a particular watch goes hand in hand with its price. For example, high quality Bulova watches like the MIL SHIPS are sportier and classier than their more casual pieces.

You can choose between 241 men’s watches and 137 women’s watches from Bulova. Each watch has its own style that matches the price. For example, the women’s rubaiyat is covered in diamonds, while their Harley Davidson collaboration costs thousands of dollars less and is slimmed down.

function

Bulova is known for its Precisionist movement, which values ​​accuracy. For example, Bulova watches have a time deviation of 10 seconds per year. For comparison: Rolex watches have a time deviation of -4 to +6 seconds per day.

Bulova automatic line watches don’t even need a battery to work. Bulova has continuously updated its technology since its founding in 1875. Whether you buy a Bulova watch with quartz or mechanical movements, you can count on it and have confidence in its accuracy.

materials

High quality Bulova watches like the Precisionist X have a black alligator leather strap. Many Bulova watches feature a domed sapphire dial that can easily resist glare. The materials Bulova chooses are as stylish as they are functional.

For example, watches with a sapphire crystal dial can withstand falls and scratches. Durability is the hallmark of a great watch, and that may explain why Bulova uses stainless steel. Some limited edition Bulova watches are even plated with 18k gold, showing that they value craftsmanship.

The most expensive Bulova watch

The Rubaiyat and the Precisionist X Limited Edition are the most expensive Bulova watches. Sure, many of their watches are well under $200, but they have many that top $2,000. Let’s take a close look at the most expensive Bulova watches.

Rubaiyat

The most expensive watch Bulova makes is the Rubaiyat, which costs $4,875. You can quickly find out why this watch costs so much by looking at the 386 diamonds. Craftsmanship is the name of the game with the Bulova Rubaiyat, and professionals hand-set each diamond.

The sapphire crystal dome highlights the sparkle and beauty of each diamond in this watch. This women’s watch is more expensive and luxurious than any other Bulova piece designed for women and men alike. Accuracy is the icing on the cake of the Rubaiyat with the impressive quartz movement.

Precisionist X Limited Edition

Bulova has been making Precisionist watches for 10 years, and the Precisionist X Limited Edition is their best yet. Priced at $3,950, the Precisionist X Limited Edition is one of the most luxurious watches Bulova has ever produced.

The Precisionist X features both 18k gold and stainless steel, elevating the piece to luxury status. There are only 100 examples of this watch, making it a luxurious rarity. Bulova spared no expense or detail with the Precisionist X Limited Edition, even down to the unique packaging and plaque that it comes with.

Chronograph A

The Chronograph A costs $2,950 and Bulova only produced 350 of them. Bulova was inspired by similar watches from the 1970s and created a unique collector’s item with the Chronograph A. This piece is as notable for the 27 jewels as it is for the domed sapphire dial.

The Chronograph A by Bulova can be operated without a battery due to the wound spring it contains. The red and blue dial is unique and makes it easy to tell the time at a glance. Each of the five hands is accurate and the finishing touch is the orange tips for the hour and minute hands.

MIL SHIPS

Another limited edition luxury watch, Bulova’s MIL SHIPS is priced at $1,990. There are only 1,000 examples, and this piece will appeal to sporty watch fans. The MIL SHIPS has a robust stainless steel case, which explains why it is water resistant to 200 meters.

This watch comes with a black nylon strap which is comfortable and adds to the lightweight feel of the piece. The luminous dial makes the dial easy to read at all times, especially in view of the anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Each MIL SHIPS is equipped with an automatic movement, which makes this watch as functional as it is visually appealing.

Are Bulova watches a good investment?

Bulova watches are a good investment as they work well for 10 years or more. However, they will not increase in value as there is high supply and low demand in the collectors’ market. Much like its parent company Citizen, Bulova continues to mass-produce watches, limiting their value as collectibles.

However, you can find limited edition Bulova watches that tend to be more appreciated over time. For example, the Bulova Precisionist is limited to 100 watches, making it rarer and potentially more valuable. Limited edition Bulova watches can be a good investment once they sell out, but they make up a small portion of the brand’s inventory.

in summary

Bulova is a great watch brand that makes both affordable and luxury watches. Their most expensive watch is $4,875 and their cheapest watch is $105. High quality Bulova watches are more expensive as they generally contain high quality materials like diamonds and stainless steel.

They produce watches with both automatic and quartz movements that are equally accurate. The main benefit of their line of automatic watches is that they do not require a battery to operate. Unfortunately, most Bulova watches will not hold their value or increase in value over time because there are so many of them.

However, Bulova produces several limited edition watches that have the potential to increase in value at some point. Bulova is a good brand because it appeals to both people who simply need a functional watch and luxury collectors. You can’t go wrong with Bulova watches, just don’t count on them as an investment as they are less likely to appreciate in value than a Breitling or Rolex.

This week, Bulova introduced the world’s first pure 24-karat gold watch: The Joseph Bulova Collection First Edition 24-karat gold watch.

Designed by Gregory Thumm, President of Bulova Corporation, and from the company’s Bulova Accu•Swiss brand, this 24-karat gold watch marks the first edition of the company’s new Joseph Bulova collection, all of which are Bulova’s proprietary process ( patent pending) is crafted from 999.9 pure 24 karat gold to exacting quality standards for workmanship and fit, while ensuring water resistance to 30 meters.

Each Joseph Bulova Collection First Edition 24-karat gold timepiece contains a 26-jewel automatic movement that is chronometer-certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). In addition, the cases have been certified by the Bureau Central du Contrôle des Métaux Précieux for the fineness and purity of the gold, with each watch bearing the precious metal hallmark of the Saint Bernard.

Each watch is constructed in a unique capsule shape, with the bezel, case and caseback anchored to an integral case with lightweight and durable grade 5 titanium components. A separate sub-bezel, designed as part of the case, holds the watch securely with a series of specially designed bumpers to ward off impacts and holds a sapphire crystal with five layers of anti-reflective coating.

The strap design, a combination of an alligator leather strap and a 316L stainless steel mesh strap with three microns of black titanium carbide, is secured with a series of grade 5 titanium rivets designed to slide within the mesh for maximum flexibility and comfort .

Only 32 of these beautiful timepieces are available and – with a suggested retail value of $42,000 – it is the most expensive watch Bulova has ever produced.

Seiko vs. Bulova: Brand Comparison

If you want to learn more about two excellent luxury watch brands, Seiko and Bulova, you are just a few steps away from getting all the information you need. Both brands in the duel between Seiko and Bulova are known for their noble and elegant watches. If you’re not sure which brand to buy from, the information in this article will come in handy. Seiko and Bulova have spent almost 140 years making quality timepieces. We start with a historical overview of each company.

Seiko vs Bulova: History

Seiko and Bulova both started in the 19th century. Their historical perspective is proof of their quality products. These brands have created several masterpieces since their inception.

Seiko’s brief historical overview

Seiko began as a jewelry store in 1881, founded by a young Japanese man, Kintaro Hattori. He was the son of a Tokyo-based trader and founded this business at the age of 22 in central Tokyo. After a decade, Seiko decided to make watches. Their first watch was called the Seikosha.

Seiko’s first watch came out in 1924. In 1969, Seiko produced the Astron, the world’s first quartz watch. At the time, its price was equivalent to that of a small car.

Then, in the late ’70s, Seiko came up with the idea of ​​solar watches. In the last decade of the 20th century, they began the spring-dive movement technology revolution. This patent was specially developed for space travel.

In 2012, Seiko reintroduced the Astron GPS solar watch.

Seiko is a Japanese word meaning “success” or “exquisite.”

Brief history of the origin of Bulova

Joseph Bulova founded the J. Bulova Company in 1875. This company began mass-producing timepieces in 1919.

In 1923 they changed the company name to the Bulova Watch Company. The space race in cooperation with the US government in the 60’s and 70’s improved the company’s image. They made space time passes together with NASA.

Buzz Aldrin, an American astronaut, used the Bulova Accutron timer in space.

Its journey to the lunar surface was completed when David R. Scott wore it during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971.

In 2008, Bulova launched the Bulova Precisionist, claiming it was the most accurate quartz watch in the world.

In 2016, Bulova introduced the first CURV chronograph wristwatch. Now Bulova is owned by Citizen Watch Co.

The outstanding features and benefits of Seiko

Water repellent

The most popular feature of Seiko watches is their water resistance, which allows you to dive and swim with a Seiko watch. The depth of water resistance for Seiko watches varies from product to product.

stainless steel fitting

Seiko uses stainless steel in most of its products. This material is light, of excellent quality and incomparably durable.

energy reserve

The valued feature of Seiko watches is the enormous power reserve. Seiko watches can operate 40 hours below the waterline due to their excellent power reserve.

Date and Time

Seiko watches have date and time functions, making them perfect for watch enthusiasts with busy schedules.

Marker and LumiBrite pointer

The marker function offers excellent legibility even in the dark due to the luminous dial. It also has a solution for visibility in bright daylight.

Hardlex Crystal

Hardlex crystal makes the watch more durable and ensures scratch resistance which depends on the quality and quantity of sapphire crystal used in the manufacture of the watch. This feature is also inexpensive.

automatic watches

Seiko watches are automatic, which means they don’t need batteries. The watches can charge the energy with the movement of your arm.

quartz movement

The durable Japanese quartz movement is used in Seiko watch manufacturing. This guarantees you the accuracy of your watch. It also follows the Japanese automatic movement with 21 jewels in production. Because of these characteristics, Seiko products are precise and reliable.

Popular models

The Seiko SKX-011J1 sports automatic diver’s watch is known for its underwater use. It has a depth holding capacity of 200m with 40 hours of backup power.

Seiko’s Astron GPS solar watch is the latest in its technological advancement revolution. It offers automatic time zone adjustment. If you frequently travel across different time zones, you don’t need to adjust your Seiko time as it features location time zone retrieval and synchronization.

Seiko’s Prospex Field Master digital watch is an elegant digital watch. It is solar powered and a full charge will keep the watch active for up to five months. This watch has a power saving module that extends its performance up to 20 months. It can be used underwater to a depth of 200 m.

Some other popular Seiko models are Seiko 5, Seiko LX Line and the Seiko Presage collection.

Bulova’s salient features and benefits

Water repellent

Bulova watches are also water-resistant to a depth of 200 m.

sapphire crystal

Bulova watches use anti-reflective sapphire crystal instead of Hardlex crystal. Sapphire is considered to be more scratch resistant than Hardlex crystal.

high performance quartz

Bulova makes high quality quartz watches like Seiko. They also claim that they have the most accurate clocks in the world.

Lumibrite hands/markers

Bulova watches feature the LumiBrite hands and markers. You can easily read the time in both darkness and daylight.

power backup

Bulova watches also have a good backup power supply of around 50 hours.

Internal calendar

You don’t need to reset the time and date in Bulova watches as their internal calendar keeps everything up to date.

Popular models

Bulova’s Sea King watch includes all the necessary underwater features. It has a luminous dial and a strap extension that is adjustable with diving suits.

Computron’s LED digital clock is also popular. It follows the design of the Computron digital watch from the 1970s. It features an energy-efficient, bright LED display and is available in silver, black, and gold variants. This watch has a dual time zone feature with a two year battery life.

Some other popular models are Chronograph C, Classic, Crystal, CURV, Frank Lloyd Wright, Futuro, GRAMMY, Harley Davidson, Lunar Pilot, Marine Star, Oceanographer, and Precisionist.

Seiko vs. Bulova: Comparative Overview

Seiko is a traditional watch brand. Customer feedback on Seiko watches often mentions their precision and quality. Seiko has also done a lot in mechanical movements, and Seiko is the only watch company in the world with a fusion of mechanical and quartz technologies. On the other hand, Bulova makes eclectic experiments in the design of their watches.

Choosing between these two watch brands can come down to taste. Seiko offers traditional, stylish, functional and innovative timepieces, all stemming from its revolutionary mindset. Bulova has unique and loud designs, and the brand excels in style and accuracy. However, Seiko’s sleek and elegant design deserves more respect than any other in the competitive market. After looking at all the pros and cons, we can say that in the Seiko vs Bulova debate, Seiko is the winner with its outstanding experience and traditional touch.