Bulova Watches

Bulova’s American Dream – the Story of Success

Bulova corporation has a rich and extremely interesting history. The company was founded in 1875 by a 23-year-old immigrant from Bohemia named Joseph Bulova. Establishing his own jewelry store in Lower Manhattan, he named it J. Bulova, and rapidly gained reputation for quality, innovation, technique and artistry.

In 1911 Bulova started producing and selling clocks and pocket watches in unprecedented numbers. To satisfy the demand throughout America, Bulova established his initial plant in Bienne, Switzerland. The plant was committed to the entire construction of watch components. The jeweled movements were mass produced on assembly line, which allowed a standardization never before seen in the industry. As the convenience of wristwatches is recognized and acknowledged as opposed to pocket watches, Bulova spots this trend and in 1919 introduces the first full line of jeweled wristwatches for men.

Next year, the company moves to 580 Fifth Avenue and constructs the unique Bulova Observatory on top of the skyscraper. This Observatory was under the control of an expert mathematician, who took readings that were recorded on a chronograph situated in the lower floor of the skyscraper. This data was then used by the Setting and Timing unit to set the time on all of Bulova’s timepieces in the most precise manner possible.

The next period in the Company’s history is also a success story. In 1928 Bulova presented the first ever clock radio, and in 1931 Bulova produced the amazing first electric clocks, many of which can still be found in train terminals across the United States. In 1941, Bulova completely changed the field of marketing with the first television commercial in the world.

NASA Partnership and Air Force One

In 1952, the New York-based company begins the development of Accutron, the first fully electronic watch. Years prior Accutron became publicly known, the technology developed by Bulova was requested by NASA. The Accutron technology was initially used in the Vanguard 1 satellite in 1958. During the first landing on the Moon, all time-keeping instruments in the spacecraft were Bulova Accutron watches.

Recognized as an example of craftsmanship of the highest level, Accutron was used aboard Air Force One. Bulova Watch Company then became a part of the Loews Corporation in 1979. The situation changed recently, in 2008, when Citizen acquired the company and thus became the greatest watchmaker in the globe.

In its eventful history, New York-based corporation can also be proud on the events that happened in 2000 when Bulova turned 125 years. New York’s Mayor at the time Rudolph Giuliani certified April 10^th as official “Bulova Day”. In 2010, half a century since the unveiling of the first Accutron watch, Bulova made a limited edition of watches featuring an exhibition case of the renowned Bulova Accutron Spaceview watches. In the same year, Bulova started construction of the Precisionist, the most precise watch with a sweeping hand in the world.

Lindbergh and Branson as Ambassadors

Today, Bulova has several brands and numerous collections. Basic Bulova series are Precisionist, Mechanical, Bangle, Marine Star, Diamond, Adventurer, Dress and Speciality. Apart from the basic styles, Bulova also offers several collections of Accutron (Swiss made), Caravelle and Harley-Davidson brands. Accutron collections are Kirkwood, Gemini, Curacao, Corvara, Stratford Masella, Mirador, Amerigo, Exeter, Eagle Point and Saleya. Affordable Caravelle series by Bulova features Basic, Diamond, Sport, Crystal, Expansion, Bracelet and Strap collections.

During its history Bulova has had many renowned ambassadors such is the first man to fly across Atlantic Ocean, legendary Charles Lindbergh. No wonder that the new face of the Accutron line is adventurous magnate Sir Richard Branson.