For over a century, Bulova has been at the forefront of innovation, precision, and timeless style. As we celebrate the brand’s 150th anniversary, we honour its remarkable journey; from its founding in 1875 to its groundbreaking advancements in horology. This milestone is not just a testament to Bulova’s legacy but also a celebration of its enduring commitment to craftsmanship, design and innovation. Join us as we reflect on Bulova’s rich history and showcase the iconic legacy timepieces from this brilliant brand!
Celebrating Bulova’s 150th Anniversary
The History of Bulova
Bulova was founded in 1875 by Joseph Bulova, who opened a small jewellery shop in New York City. His passion for precision and innovation led him to expand into watchmaking, laying the foundation for one of the most influential watch brands in history. In 1912, Bulova established its first dedicated watch manufacturing facility in Bienne, Switzerland, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and mass production—an approach that revolutionized the industry. By the 1920s, Bulova had become a household name. And in 1926, the brand made history with the first-ever radio advertisement: “At the tone, it’s eight o’clock, Bulova Watch Time.”
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Bulova continued to lead in watch technology. The brand also played a significant role in World War II by producing military-grade timepieces and precision instruments for U.S. forces. In 1960, Bulova introduced the Accutron; the world’s first fully electronic watch, which used a tuning fork movement instead of a traditional balance wheel. This groundbreaking innovation made the Accutron the most accurate watch of its time. It was so precise that NASA adopted it for space missions; including the Apollo moon landing in 1971.
As quartz technology took over in the 1970s, Bulova adapted by introducing its own Quartz Crystal movement. In 2008, the brand joined the Citizen Watch Group, blending American innovation with Japanese precision. Bulova has since continued to push timekeeping boundaries with collections like the Precisionist, featuring an ultra-high-frequency quartz movement. This year, as Bulova celebrates its 150th anniversary, it honours a legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and excellence. And this legacy has left a permanent mark on horology.
Bulova’s Legacy Timepieces
Oceanographer Automatic Devil Diver GMT
This Bulova Oceanographer GMT is designed for the adventurous individual. It features a 41mm stainless steel case with a grey ion-plated coating; ensuring both durability and a sleek appearance. The watch also features a screw-down crown which provides water resistance up to 200 meters. Thanks to this, the watch is suitable for diving and other water activities. The unidirectional rotating black-and-white bezel allows for precise time tracking. Under a box-shaped sapphire crystal lies a fully luminescent dial with black baton indices, applied round luminescent hour markers, and a date display at 3 o’clock. Powered by a self-winding GMT movement with 24 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve, the watch also features an independently adjustable hour hand for quick local time setting. Concluding the design is a black silicone strap with a three-piece buckle that offers both comfort and style.
Super Seville Precisionist
The Bulova Super Seville is a sleek and stylish timepiece with a classic design, perfect for both casual and formal occasions. It features a 38mm stainless steel TV-shaped case with a polished finish, paired with a vibrant green dial and silver-tone hands for a sharp, clean look. The watch also features an elegant, grooved coin edge bezel that enhances the case and surrounds the flat sapphire crystal and its date magnifier at 3 o’clock. Bulova’s proprietary high precision quartz Precisionist movement powers this timepiece. Vibrating at a remarkable 262kHz, accurate to seconds per year with increased resistance to temperature changes, and with a smooth sweeping second hand, said movement ensures optimal reliability. An integrated stainless steel bracelet, with a deployment clasp, concludes the design of this model. Merging retro aesthetics with modern-day appeal, it’s no wonder the Super Seville is a Bulova legacy timepiece.
Heritage Lunar Pilot Chronograph
This Bulova timepiece is a modern reinterpretation of the chronograph worn during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971. It features a 43.5mm stainless steel case, blue chronograph pushers and a crown with the Bulova tuning fork logo. The dial showcases a blue and silver panda design with a blue tachymeter ring and retro Bulova branding. Additionally, the dial features slim hands and applied markers with a Super-LumiNova coating for low-light display. The Lunar Pilot is powered by Bulova’s proprietary high precision quartz movement, resonating at a frequency of 262khz for unparalleled accuracy and allowing a sweeping chronograph hand and running seconds hand. A three-link stainless steel bracelet concludes the design of this legacy timepiece. However, the watch also has an interchangeable blue leather strap for optimal versatility.
Jet Star Limited Edition
This limited edition chronograph watch pays tribute to the timepiece worn by astronaut Dave Scott during the Apollo 15 mission. Featuring a 45mm stainless steel case, a sunburst silver dial with luminous red hands, and applied blue and red markers as well as a high-performance quartz movement, this watch is designed for precision and durability. It also includes a tachymeter scale, a date display, a domed sapphire crystal, and water resistance up to 50 meters. A stainless steel bracelet concludes the design of this Bulova, but if that is not to your taste, the watch also comes with a blue leather strap. With historical significance and a sleek design, this legacy timepiece is a must-have for both collectors and space enthusiasts.
How will you be celebrating Bulova’s 150th anniversary? Will you purchase a timepiece from them or will you take the time to educate yourself more on this iconic brand? Let us know in the comments below!
