Bulova: New York watchmaking since 1875
Bulova's history begins in Manhattan in 1875. Joseph Bulova, an immigrant of Bohemian origin, opened a small jewelry store on Maiden Lane where he sold jewelry, repaired clocks and, from time to time, a pocket watch. In 1912, he created his first factory entirely dedicated to watches in Bienne, Switzerland, and embarked on the mass production of standardized parts.
Bulova also made history in advertising: a radio spot as early as 1926, the Lone Eagle watch launched in 1927 after Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight, and then the first television commercial in 1941, broadcast during a baseball game. Since 2008, the brand has been part of the Japanese group Citizen.
The major turning point came in 1960 with the Accutron, the first fully electronic wristwatch, powered by a tuning fork instead of a balance wheel. Its timing later equipped several NASA missions. In 1971, during the Apollo 15 mission, astronaut David Scott wore a Bulova chronograph on the surface of the Moon, an event that today inspires the Lunar Pilot collection.
Bulova Precisionist: a high-frequency quartz
The Bulova Precisionistis the brand's most renowned in-house technology. Its quartz movement vibrates at 262,144 Hz, compared to 32,768 Hz for a standard quartz, making it eight times faster. Bulova claims an accuracy of approximately plus or minus 10 seconds per year, whereas a standard quartz tends to drift by about fifteen seconds per month. The other signature of the Precisionist is visible on the wrist: the second hand glides continuously instead of jumping from one second to the next.
This movement can be found in the Lunar Pilot chronograph, the Super Seville and Jet Star, as well as in certain versions of the Marine Star.
Bulova collections for men
Among the brand's men's watches, the Bulova Lunar Pilotis the most iconic. This chronograph captures the spirit of the watch worn by David Scott in 1971 and runs with the 262 kHz Precisionist movement, allowing it to feature a continuously sweeping second hand.
The Bulova Marine Staris among the brand's major collections, along with the Precisionist, the Lunar Pilot and the Curv. The Bulova Oceanographer, meanwhile, is a reissue of the brand's "Devil Diver" diver watch.
The Bulova Curvpresents itself as the world's first curved chronograph. Its 262 kHz quartz movement is curved like the case, allowing the watch to better fit the wrist, and the chronograph measures to the thousandth of a second. On the steel version, the case is 44 mm and the bracelet is integrated.
For those who prefer mechanical watches, the Joseph Bulovacollection, relaunched in 2020, uses Swiss Sellita mechanical movements. The Classicrange offers dressier styles, such as the 39 mm automatic Surveyor. If you like this dressy style, also take a look at the Orient Bambinoand the Seiko Presage, which play in the same category.
Bulova watches for women
Bulova also offers women's watches, notably the Rubaiyatcollection. The Rubaiyat 98R265, for example, combines a steel and ceramic case, a white dialin mother-of-pearl, a 35 mm diameter with a 16 mm bracelet, and diamonds hand-set on the lugs and clasp.
Quartz, Precisionist or automatic: which movement to choose?
A classic quartzis suitable for those who want a reliable watch that only requires a battery change from time to time. A Precisionistis chosen for its smooth second hand and superior accuracy. An automaticappeals to mechanical enthusiasts: it has no battery and recharges with wrist movements.
In terms of size, count on approximately 35 mm for a Rubaiyat 98R265, 39 mm for an automatic Surveyor and 44 mm for a steel Curv chronograph. Slim wrists will generally prefer the smaller diameters.
Bulova at PSB Watches
At PSB Watches, you will find authentic Bulova watches, and our team will answer you directly if you are hesitating between two references or if you are looking for a model that does not yet appear in the collection. To compare with other brands, also find our collections Seiko, Orientand Casio.
Frequently asked questions about Bulova watches
Is Bulova an American or Swiss brand?
Bulova is an American brand, founded in New York in 1875. Its first watch factory opened in Bienne, Switzerland, in 1912, and the brand has belonged to the Japanese group Citizen since 2008.
What is the accuracy of a Bulova Precisionist?
Bulova claims approximately plus or minus 10 seconds per year, thanks to a 262 kHz quartz, compared to about fifteen seconds per month for a standard quartz.
What is the Bulova Lunar Pilot?
It is a chronograph inspired by the one that astronaut David Scott wore on the Moon during Apollo 15 in 1971. It runs with the Precisionist quartz movement.
What are the delivery times for a Bulova watch at PSB Watches?
Bulova watches ordered on psbwatches.comare shipped from our warehouses in France within 24 to 48 hours. The exact delivery time then depends on the carrier and your address.
