Bulova Watches

With an impressive history of more than 145 years, Bulova is one of the most recognized watch companies in the world. One of the prominent pioneers of the standardized industrial production of wristwatches, the iconic brand had its origins in New York in 1875. Since its establishment, the brand has been associated with several world firsts. Some prominent inventions during the initial stages of the company include world’s first radio clock and electric clock. In the late 1950s, Bulova introduced the Accutron technology for onboard timers of satellites and in 1960, the Accutron wristwatch with the proprietary tuning-fork based technology.  

The noteworthy modern era inventions of the brand are: the Precisionist watch (2010), the Bulova Accutron Calibrator (2012), CURV (the world’s first curved chronograph calibre) and Accutron Spaceview, the in-house electrostatic movement (2020).

An independent subsidiary of Citizen Group, the long-established company offers a wide range of collections in various categories. Its product range includes mechanical wristwatches, standard quartz watches and clocks, and high-performance quartz watches. Since 2015, Bulova has been operating its corporate headquarters from the iconic Empire State Building in New York. The company’s leading brands are: Bulova, Bulova Accutron, Bulova Accutron II, Caravelle, Wittnauer, and licensed Harley-Davidson® Timepieces by Bulova, Frank Lloyd Wright Collection® watches and Bulova clocks.

In 1875, Bohemian immigrant Joseph Bulova (1852-1935) founded the J. Bulova Company in New York. He began importing Swiss watches in 1877. In the early 1910s, Bulova established a watchmaking workshop in Bienne, Switzerland. During this period, the brand produced watches in Switzerland and sold them in the USA. After a while, the firm transferred the assembling of timepieces and the production of some components to America. The Bulova factory in Bienne continued to function until 1983.

In 1926, Bulova produced the world’s first advertisement broadcast on radio. In 1927, to mark the historic Trans-Atlantic solo flight by Charles A. Lindbergh, the company launched the Lone Eagle watch. In the 1930s, the company introduced Watertite, a waterproof mechanical wristwatch.

In the 1940s, Bulova was selected as the official timepiece for American Airlines and in 1954 for Pan American World Airways. In 1945, Bulova produced the world's first television advertisement. During this era, the company also began manufacturing timers and analogue clocks for sports events. In the late 1950s, Bulova started developing onboard timers for satellites. The Bulova Accutron timers had been used in NASA’s satellites like Explorer, Telstar, Tiros, Syncom, LES and Pegasus.

In 1960, Accutron, the brand’s first electronic watch was unveiled. In 1963, the astronaut of the Mercury-Atlas 9 solo orbital mission wore a Bulova Accutron wristwatch. In 1966, Bulova Accutron Astronaut watch was selected by CIA for Black Hawk missions. In the 1960s, Bulova Snorkel (aka Devil Diver), the diving watch with 666 feet water resistance, was introduced. 

During the Apollo 15 (1971) lunar mission, David Scott, the mission commander, wore a Bulova chronograph. In 1971, Bulova Oceanographer was introduced. In 1976, the brand introduced its first LED/digital watch Computron.

In 2008, Japanese watchmaking conglomerate Citizen acquired Bulova. In 2010, the Bulova Precisionist collection was launched. In 2016, Bulova unveiled CURV - the world’s first curved chronograph movement. In 2019, Bulova introduced the Accutron electrostatic concept movement.

Bulova CURV

Introduced in 2016, CURV offers an exceptional line of sports watches equipped with the world’s first curved chronograph movement. CURV features a bold-sized stainless steel case (44mm or 45mm) with anti-reflective curved sapphire crystal and exhibition case-back. This timepiece is available in silver-toned, gold-toned, grey IP and black IP case variants. Driving this timepiece is a five-hand high-performance quartz chronograph movement (NR 20) with 262 kHz frequency for ensuring extraordinary precision and accuracy. Water-resistant to 30 meters, CURV is available with a stainless steel bracelet, rubber strap or leather strap. 

Bulova Precisionist

Introduced in 2010, Precisionist is an extremely precise timepiece equipped with the high-performance 262 kHz quartz movement developed by Bulova. In 2020, the brand expanded this extraordinary collection with 10th anniversary models. Boasting a continuous-sweep second hand, these timepieces can efficiently deliver an incredible precision of 1/1000th of a second. Each Precisionist is an absolute meeting point of the innovative technology and the architectural design.

Bold and stylish, these stainless steel watches are available in various finishings like silver or gold-toned, black or grey IP coated, or bi-color. Dressed in a solid case with diameters 43mm and above, the watch is adequately secured with screw-down crown and case-back. The Precisionist also features a curved front glass in mineral or sapphire crystal. Its ladies’ watch variants feature a 40mm stainless steel case with diamond set bezel.

The Precisionist timepieces feature complex multi-layer dial designs, with some versions offering a glimpse of the movement beating inside. Depending upon the display function, the watch houses Caliber NN 50 (three-hand calendar movement) or Caliber NM 50, the eight-hand chronograph movement. The beating rate (262 kHz) of these high-performance movements is eight times greater than the standard quartz calibers, thus ensuring extreme precision. The Bulova precisionist watch is available with a rubber strap, leather-lined Cordura® nylon strap, stainless steel bracelet or leather strap. Depending upon the version, the water-resistance of a Precisionist watch can range from 50 to 300 meters.

Bulova Marine Star

This extensive collection is comprised of robust sports wristwatches dedicated to nautical activities. Available in open-heart and chronograph versions, these stainless steel Bulova watches come with a choice of silver-toned, gold-toned, bi-color and IP-coated (black or grey) case finishings. Fitted with a mineral crystal, the Marine Star watches offer water-resistance of 100 or 200 meters.

The automatic open-heart version houses a Miyota 82S5 movement whereas chronograph models are equipped with the Miyota 6S20 quartz calibre. These timepieces are available with silicone strap, bi-material (leather and silicone) strap or stainless steel bracelet. The automatic open-heart watch has a 45mm diameter case with a fixed bezel and a transparent case-back. The Marine Star Chronograph is available with three case sizes: 43mm with inner rotating bezel, 44mm with fixed bezel and 45mm with external rotating bezel.

The Bulova Marine Star line also offers ladies’ timepieces, featuring stainless steel or ceramic case. Equipped with quartz three-hand with date movements, these timepieces come with flat mineral crystals, mother-pearl dials with diamond markers, gem-set or non-set bezels and bracelets with single or dual color tones.

Bulova Sutton

This collection offers automatic skeleton watches boasting sophisticated design with full exhibition dial, mineral crystal glass and screw-in case-back with transparent crystal. Featuring three-hand dial lay-out, these timepieces reveal the intricate workings of the Miyota 8N26 self-winding 21-jewel movement beating inside. Dressed in a 43mm diameter case, Sutton is available in silver-toned, gold-toned and bi-color variants, with the option of stainless steel bracelet or leather strap.

Bulova Archive Series

Archive series offers timepieces that combine the designs of historic Bulova watches with modern elements. Notable models from this comprehensive collection are Chronograph A, Chronograph C, Computron, Devil Diver and Lunar Pilot.

The Lunar Pilot watch for men has been naturally inspired by the historic Bulova chronograph worn by David Scott during the Apollo 15 lunar mission in 1971. The modern interpretation of the legendary Bulova moonwatch houses the exclusive high-performance quartz movement (NP 20) with a frequency of 262 kHz. 

This stainless steel chronograph features a 45mm diameter, polished case in silver-tone finish and black dial with white accents, tachymeter scale, and luminescent markers and hands. Secured with sapphire crystal front glass and stainless steel screw-down case-back, the watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters. The Bulova lunar pilot is available with the choice of the stainless steel bracelet, leather strap or NATO strap.

The Devil Diver collection offers ISO-certified men’s diving watches inspired by the 1970s Bulova Oceanographer watch. These solid stainless steel timepieces are available with a choice of orange, blue, green or black dial, framed by a matching bi-color, unidirectional diving bezel. All the hands are hour-markers are treated with the luminescent coating for enhanced legibility underwater. Equipped with the Miyota 821D movement, this diving watch displays time with three centre hands, with a date window at 3H. Its 41mm or 44mm diameter case incorporates a screw-down crown, a domed sapphire crystal and a stainless steel back-case. Suitable for recreational diving activities, the Oceanographer watch is water-resistant up to 200 meters or 666 ft, just like the iconic Devil Diver.

Bulova Frank Sinatra Collection

This unique collection pays tribute to the legendary musician Frank Sinatra, who was also an ardent lover of Bulova watches. Inspired by the 1950s and the 1960s designs, this line offers sub-collections named after some of his most beloved songs. For example, Best is Yet to Come, Fly Me to the Moon, Young At Heart and My Way. The timepieces are available in a variety of case shapes and designs, featuring manual-wound, automatic or quartz movements.

Bulova Joseph Bulova LE

Paying tribute to the iconic brand’s visionary founder, the Joseph Bulova Limited Edition collection offers classic self-winding watches, designed in New York and manufactured in Switzerland. Notable timepieces from this Swiss Made line are Breton (rectangular case), Banker (barrel case) and Commodore (38mm round case). Each of these stainless steel timepieces is equipped with a SW-200 Swiss made self-winding movement with a custom rotor featuring Joseph Bulova signature. The Commodore is also available in a ladies’ version, with 34mm case and automatic movement.

Bulova Frank Lloyd Wright collection

The Frank Lloyd Wright collection offers various timepiece models inspired by the design works of the legendary American architect, Frank Lloyd. Prominent timepieces from this distinct line are: S.C. Johnson (quartz watch inspired by the S.C. Johnson & Son Administration Building), the Oculus Automatic, December Gifts, April Showers, May Basket, Exhibition and Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation 80th anniversary edition.

Bulova GRAMMY® Edition

Bulova also creates a number of special GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® edition watches as the official partner of the renowned music award events. 

Harley Davidson Watches by Bulova

 Bulova creates Harley Davidson brand timepieces for both men and women. Exclusively devoted the legendary motorcycle brand, this collection offers both automatic and quartz watches highlighting Harley Davidson logos and distinctive emblems. 

Bulova’s timepieces proudly reflect the brand’s visionary founder’s fierce passion for innovation, perfection and efficiency, precision and quality craftsmanship. The brand’s exceptional ability to cater a wide range of customers is well appreciable. The company makes use of quality materials and components to manufacture its timepieces. 

The majority of automatic and quartz calibers are sourced from Citizen Group’s movement manufacturing company Miyota. Most timepieces are made of stainless steel and available with different finishings. The brand additionally uses materials like ceramic, carbon fibre, gold and Damascus steel for manufacturing the exterior parts of the Bulova watch. The product portfolio of Bulova is comprised on entry-level quartz watches to premium timepieces crafted in gold.