Brand History
The Bulova brand was born in 1875 when a 23-year-old immigrant from Bohemia (Joseph Bulova) opened a watch shop in New York City. His goal was to revolutionize the watch industry by creating highly-accurate designs that can fit both men’s and women’s attire.
In 1912, Joseph Bulova opened one of the first factories focused on producing watches, and managed to standardize the mass production of timepieces. As such, by 1931 he already had launched a line of watches for men, one for women, the first electronic clock, and had installed an observatory to make sure his watches deliver time with accuracy.
In 1960, Bulova changed the way the world used to keep time, by creating the world’s first fully electronic watch (the Accutron). Furthermore, the Accutron was an integral component of the technology used for 46 NASA missions, including the first lunar landing.
Today, the brand is well-known all over the world and is owned by the Japanese conglomerate Citizen Watch Co.
Best Bulova Watches
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1. Bulova – 96C132 Men’s Classic Automatic Watch
If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that will compliment all your outfits, Bulova 96C132 comes with sophisticated detailing and refined features that impress at first sight. The stainless steel case and bracelet are enhanced by the black analog dial with silver markers and hands protected by flat mineral glass.
In terms of functionality, the watch features a date and day calendar, a 40-hour power reserve, and is water-resistant for up to 30m. Since it comes equipped with automatic self-wind movement, it doesn’t need a battery or mechanical winding to keep going.
Lastly, the watch is perfect as a gift as well, due to the gorgeous box in which it is delivered.
Specifications
Pros
- Elegant and attractive design
- Stainless steel build
- Easy to read dial
- Beautiful packaging
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a link removal tool (for the bracelet)
- Some accuracy issues
2. Bulova – Curv Men's Watch
This Bulova men’s dress watch features a unique design that inspires power and style. The producer plays with tones of black and gray for the rubber band and case to showcase the ruggedness of this timepiece. However, the look is sweetened by the rose-gold hands and hour markers.
The exhibition dial and back case let you see the mechanism hard at work, while the large face grabs your attention with the three subdials. The watch introduces the first curved chronograph movement and features a gorgeous curved sapphire glass.
Lastly, the Curv is an analog watch powered by high-performance quartz technology with 262 kHz vibrational frequency for precise accuracy. It’s also incredibly resistant due to the combination of stainless steel and titanium used for the case.
Specifications
Pros
- Extreme durability
- A gorgeous design that attracts the eye
- High-quality materials
- Quartz movement with a high vibrational frequency
- The first curved chronograph
Cons
- Not for people with small wrists
- It’s a bit difficult to read
3. Bulova – Men’s Analog-Quartz Watch
Featuring a beautiful combination of black and gold tones, this interesting timepiece is part of the Bulova Modern collection. The entire collection is designed to attract the spotlight using bold geometric silhouettes and high-contrasting colors and materials.
Now, besides the wonderful color combination, this model has two main features that will get everyone’s eye on you. First, we have the all-black dial with day/date/24-hour complications and golden hands and hour markers. The positioning of the complications and the high contrast with the dark dial is extremely interesting and attractive.
Second, we have the domed mineral glass and the stainless steel case. Together with the stainless steel bracelet, these elements make a durable and reliable timepiece that can work with a series of outfits, from casual to elegant.
Specifications
Pros
- Interesting & unique design
- Black analog dial and stainless steel case
- Good water resistance
- Reliable Quartz movement
- Impressive exhibition box
Cons
- No illuminator on the hands
- It’s not scratch-resistant
4. Bulova – Men’s Brown BVA Series Watch
If you’re looking for an elegant timepiece that looks and feels luxurious without digging too deep in your pockets, you should have a look at this impressive model!
The face is incredibly attractive, with its brown patterned dial, rose-gold complications, hands, and markers, and luminous fill. The dial is well-organized so it’s rather easy to read it, while the small exhibition window and back case let you peek at the mechanism.
This is a three-hand design with date function, where the second-hand is placed in one of the complications and the other one indicates the date. Furthermore, the hours are marked with Roman numerals, adding to the overall design of the watch.
The style is beautifully complemented by the patterned brown leather strap, stainless steel case, and slightly domed mineral crystal lens.
In terms of performance, this is a self-winding timepiece with a 21-jewel movement that doesn’t require a battery. However, the time and date can be set using the crown.
Specifications
Pros
- Looks luxurious but it’s still affordable
- Solid build with high-end materials
- Automatic movement
- Exhibition dial and back case
- The dial is easy to see and understand
Cons
- The band needs a bit of getting used to
- It is not scratch-resistant
5. Bulova – Men’s Lunar Pilot Watch
All Bulova watch models are equipped with high-precision movement that’s reliable and durable, and the Lunar Pilot timepiece is no exception. It comes with their proprietary high-performance UHF quartz movement that powers up a six hand calendar chronograph. Furthermore, the bezel functions as a tachymeter.
But the watch is more than just a perfectly-tuned time machine! It’s also a gorgeous piece that will get you a lot of compliments. The large face is easy to read and blends nicely with the dark dial and silver-toned hands and hour markers (which are also luminous).
Lastly, the Lunar Pilot is a modern version of the original Lunar watch, that was at the wrist of the commander of the Apollo 15 mission. This makes a limited edition design, that’s worthy of your attention for years to come.
Specifications
Pros
- Stylish and classical design
- High accuracy and reliability
- Large face that’s easy to read
- Calendar, chronograph, and tachymeter functions
- A beautiful and collectible timepiece
Cons
- Looks too big on small wrists
- The case is quite thick but it’s not annoying
6. Bulova – Men’s Precisionist Watch
The clean-cut design, the elegant combination of silver and gray tones and the use of high-quality materials speak of a splendid timepiece that would make any man the center of attention.
Moreover, the Precisionist comes with a proprietary Japanese Quartz movement that’s among the most precise in the world. The movement uses a three-prong quartz crystal that runs at the highest possible vibration frequency (262.144 kHz) and is custom-engineered to provide unparalleled accuracy.
The movement comes with the signature floating second hand that makes original Bulova watches easy to recognize. Furthermore, the multiple-layer swirl-pattern charcoal gray dial is the perfect background for the three hands system that keeps this clock’s heart beating.
To improve visibility, the watch is fitted with a mineral crystal lens and the hands and hour markers are painted with luminous paint. There’s also a date complication in the 3 o’clock position that fits well with the general design.
Lastly, the watch is solidly built and comfortable to wear due to the stainless steel case and bezel and the black leather strap.
Specifications
Pros
- Rugged design with elegant touches
- Solid build & high-end materials
- A proprietary three-hand movement that’s highly accurate
- Luminous hands and markers
- Comfortable & easy to wear
Cons
- A bit large for small wrists
- The strap could be better
7. Bulova – Men’s Quartz Watch
The Marine Star is a beautiful Bulova wrist watch! While it is rather massive, it also comes equipped with a series of features that put it at the top of anyone’s list.
As you can see, the watch has two crowns, each with its own functions. The 10 o’clock crown lets you operate the rotating inner bezel ring, while the 3 o’clock one needs to be unscrewed and its job is to set the time and the date.
The Marine Star also features three other complications on its deep-blue analog dial, which makes it a six hand calendar chronograph. In addition, the timepiece is equipped with a stopwatch timing to 1/1,000-second and their proprietary Precisionist-class torsional resonator movement (one of the most accurate in the world). The subdials let users time their activities, while the dual-duty floating second-hand adds to the authenticity of the watch.
Lastly, the rugged design combines nicely with the flat mineral glass (for increased visibility and protection), screw-back stainless steel case, stainless steel bracelet, and overall silver-tone finish.
Specifications
Pros
- Extremely accurate movement
- Gorgeous analog dial
- Plenty of functions and easy to read subdials
- Rugged design that attracts compliments
- Good water resistance
Cons
- Quite heavy and big for small wrists
- The band is not the best
8. Bulova - Women's Bangle watch
- Rectangular case
- Stainless steel case and band
- Sword-shaped hour and minute hands
- Analog style with Japanese quartz movement
A unique looking watch with a black watch face and silver stainless steel case and band. The rectangular case is only 0.72 of an inch in diameter.
The band itself is designed like a thin bangle and has adjustable links. The black watch face has only 4 hour markers and hour and second hands, with the hands being a unique sword shape.
It has the basic water resistance to 100 feet, meaning it can handle small splashes of water. Ideal size for women who want a small, minimalist but stylish timepiece. Bulova has a long history of making quality watches.
Specifications
Pros
- Very unique look
- Thin bangle stainless steel bracelet and stainless steel watch face is offset by a black watch face
- Band has adjustable links and jewelry clasp closure
- Water resistant to 100 feet (30 meters)
Cons
- Basic functionality with only hour and minute hands
- Water resistance can only handle minor splashes
Bulova Watch Buying Guide
Technology
One of the reasons Bulova watches are held in such high regard is their accuracy. These watches are usually fitted with Precisionist-class quartz torsional resonator (Bulova’s proprietary design), automatic, and quartz movements.
The Bulova Precisionist movement was dubbed the world’s most accurate Quartz movement that features a continuously sweeping second hand. The move was developed by Citizen, after they took over the brand, and features an oscillator that vibrates at 262,144 times per second – eight times as faster than a standard quartz crystal.
Moreover, the oscillator has three prongs that allow it to function as a torsional resonator. This means that the movement is more of a twist than a back and forth vibration. Furthermore, a Bulova watch battery is most likely a LithiumIon model that can be replaced without needing to reset the time.
To take things one step further, Bulova took their proprietary UHF Quartz Precisionist chronograph movement and bent it. The result is a new type of movement, with a frequency of 262 kilohertz. This is now known as the CURV collection, where you can find all sorts of designs with prices quite affordable for their features.
Overall, Bulova is the type of watch brand that keeps on looking for new ways to improve their products (both the mechanism and the design).
Who Makes Bulova Watches?
While the brand started in the United States of America, New York City (where the headquarter is today), the watches are being produced in Japan, Switzerland, and Hong Kong. The brand supports several design lines, and each of them is being produced in one of these locations.
As such, if on the back of your timepiece it says Bulova Swiss made, then you better believe it really came from Switzerland. This is the case for their Accu Swiss high-end line, which is entirely made in Switzerland.
Lastly, they also make their own movements, in the same factories they make the cases and assemble the watches. Usually, high-end movements come from Switzerland and Japan, while low-cost ones come from Hong Kong.
What Makes them Stand Out?
The Bulova watch quality is recognized globally as they produce high-end movements that are accurate and reliable in time. But the number one reason they stand out is the attention to detail and craftsmanship.
All their watches look and feel more expensive than they really are, and they can be accessorized with elegant and casual outfits. Furthermore, Bulova watches are always the center of attention, which is why people who wear them receive a ton of compliments.
Warranty, Return and Exchange Policy
Every Bulova watch is covered by a 3-Year Global warranty that starts from the moment of purchase. Still, in order to qualify for the warranty, you will have to provide proof of purchase from an authorized retailer.
If you are not happy with the purchased product, you have the right to return it to the authorized Bulova retailer from which you made the purchase. As such, you should read their return conditions, as they may differ from one retailer to another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bulova is one of the longest-running American watch brands in history and the number one reason standing behind their longevity is the high-quality of their products. Furthermore, their stellar designs and incredible attention to detail are well-known all over the world.
While these products are known to be affordable, the prices for a Bulova timepiece vary from $100+ and up to $800+. The cost depends on the quality of the materials used to build them, the movement, and the overall craftsmanship. Regardless of price, though, these watches are reliable and accurate.
For this, you need to remove the back case in order to get access to the inner mechanism, where the battery is mounted. Once the back is removed (easily done with a flat screwdriver), remove the old battery and add a new one (check the specifications of your watch, to make sure you have the right model).
Bulova produces a wide range of watches, all designed with care for details and accuracy. However, their products are not considered high-end since the price range is usually affordable. Some of their design lines (such as the Accu Swiss) are a bit more pricey due to the movements and better materials, but all their watches are durable and impressive.
Depending on the band, the adjustment technique is different. For instance, stainless steel bracelets may need to have a link removed, while leather bands can be adjusted using the clasp. Usually, users receive clear instructions on how to adjust and customize every aspect of their watch.
All Bulova watches are delivered with instructions that specify how to set the time or (for the models that have one) the chronograph. In most cases, these settings are done using the crown or the additional buttons placed near the crown.