If you’re on the hunt for a stylish and reliable watch, you’ve probably asked yourself the same question as many others: Is Bulova a good watch brand? There are so many watch brands available today, from high-end to affordable, it can be hard to know which brands really do offer quality, durability and value for money.
Bulova has a long and rich history in the watch business, over 100 years of experience. It still remains a favorite among buyers worldwide. Stylish designs, innovative technology and affordable pricing have made the brand popular with both casual wearers and collectors.
In this guide we will deep dive into the history of Bulova, craftsmanship, pricing, watch movements, best collections, pros and cons, and if the brand is worth your investment.
Bulova Watch History
Joseph Bulova founded the company in 1875 in New York City. Soon the company earned a reputation for precision watch making and modern manufacturing methods. Bulova has been responsible for many innovations that changed the watch industry.
One of the brand’s greatest achievements was producing very accurate time pieces. Bulova also made watches for the military and space markets. The company became one of the best known names in the world watch market, with a reputation for quality craftsmanship.
Today, Bulova is owned by Citizen Watch Co. and the standards of its technology and manufacturing processes have been raised to new heights.
Bulova is a nice everyday watch.
Yes, for most of the purchasers. Bulova Watches are known for elegant design and functional practicality. The brand has models for office wear, formal, sport and casual everyday wear.
Bulova watches are quite popular for their ability to be affordable but still look high-end. Their watches look like they cost a lot more than they do.
Here are some of the most common reasons consumers purchase Bulova:
- Made from heavy duty stainless steel.
- Quartz and automatic movements with a proven reliability.
- Design style: modern and vintage
- Affordable luxury
- Large selection for Men & Women
Whether you are buying your first watch or building a collection, Bulova has some great options.
Quality & Craftmanship
One thing people want to be sure of when they are searching for a good watch brand is quality. So they’re after Bulova. Bulova does that well.
The company uses materials of good quality such as:
- Cases in stainless steel
- Sapphire crystal or mineral glass
- Leather strap
- Quartz Movements – Precision
- Automatic mechanical movements
Bulova watches just feel solid and well made on the wrist. The quality of the finish is often on the next price bracket up from brands.
Attention to detail is also a trademark of the brand’s designs. The models are often embellished with textured dials, polished bezel settings, luminous hands and elaborate chronograph layouts for a luxurious look.
How Does Bulova Watches Work
Bulova offers a few different types of movements depending on the collection and price point.
Quartz Movement
Quartz Watches Quartz watches operate on a battery. They are extremely accurate. Bulova quartz units are reliable, cheap and easy to service. They are perfect for people who want convenience and accuracy.
activity, automated
Automatic watches run on the motion of your wrist. In Bulova automatic watches, watch lovers like traditional craftsmanship.
The Movement: Precisionism
The Precisionist line was one of the most important innovations in Bulova’s history. Equipped with a high frequency quartz movement for superb accuracy and a sweeping second hand.
The Precisionist line is what differentiated Bulova in a crowded market with near-luxury performance at a mid-range price.
Most Popular Bulova Watch Collections
Bulova has a wide selection of collections to suit all lifestyles and fashion tastes.
Bulova 96B322 Marine Star Watch
Sporty and water resistant, the Marine Star collection. These are watches for the consumers that desire diving inspired designs with chronograph functionality.
Bulova Precisionist
This collection is for precise and hi tech. Precisionist watches are very daring, modern and accurate.
Bulova Classic
The Classic collection is made up of dress watches for business and formal wear. Models are typically classic styled with few dials.
Bulova Moonwatch
The Lunar Pilot collection is a must-have for space and history buffs alike, inspired by the legendary watch that went to the moon on the Apollo 15 mission. It is a modern engineering but it has historical value.
So what is a luxury watch?
Bulova is usually seen as a mid-tier premium or budget luxury watch company, not an ultra luxury brand like Rolex or Omega.
That’s not to say Bulova isn’t a quality watch. Brand aims to provide stylish and reliable watches at affordable prices. That’s appealing to buyers who want the luxury-inspired designs without the thousands of dollars in prices.
Bulova is a nice compromise between cheap watches and Swiss luxury brands.
Value for Money / Price
One of the great things about Bulova is the value. Most Bulova watches cost between $150 and $800, depending on the model and type of movement.
Bulova tends to offer a lot of watch for the money compared to other brands with similar styling.
In general you can expect:
- Beautiful design
- Excellent durability
- Good precision of movement.
- Trusted Brand Story Dressed for Comfort
Bulova is one of the best price to quality ratios in the watch industry for many buyers.
Pros and Cons of Bulova Watches
Advantages:
- Good name watch maker well established.
- Functional and fashionable designs
- Good build quality overall
- Choice of collections
- Budget-friendly option against high-end rivals
- PRECISIONIST TECHNOLOGY STATE-OF-THE-ART
Cons Drawback
- Some models fitted with mineral crystal instead of sapphire.
- Auto-selection of movements Below other competitors
- Not as prestigious as the top swiss luxury brands.
Bulova Watch vs Other Brands
One way of seeing if Bulova is a good watch brand is to compare it to other watch brands in a similar price range.
Seiko vs Bulova Watch
Seiko is world famous for great mechanical movements and for innovation. Bulova on the other hand, is more on the stylish, American inspired design side and modern aesthetics.
Citizen v. Bulova Watch Co.
Citizen owns Bulova so there is some technology cross over between the two brands. Citizen is best known for their Eco-Drive solar powered watches but they are also known for their Bulova line of classic styling and Precisionist technology.
Bulova & Fossil Watches
Fossil Group watches are more on the fashion side. Bulova is generally better made and more credible in terms of watchmaking.
Who is Bulova Watch meant for?
Why Bulova Watches Are Great For Bulova Watches Are Great For:
- First time buying
- Watches to Beautify the Working Man’s Arm
- Affordable luxury
- For fans of historical models
- Fashionable timepiece shoppers, daily
“It’s a good brand for people who care about design, reliability and brand heritage but not at the ultra luxury price bracket.
Are Bulova Watches Any Good?
Yes, most Bulova watches are built to last a lifetime if properly cared for. Long life with sure movements and cases in stainless steel.
How to prolong the life of a Bulova watch:
- Strong magnetic field not applied
- Keep dry & clean .
- Serviced are automatic models, sometimes
- Models on quartz: Rapid battery change
If you take good care of your Bulova watch, it will last for years.
Conclusion
Is Bulova a good watch brand The answer will be YES for most buyers
Bulova does a good job of taking heritage, design, technology and affordability and turning them into a solid all around package. Their watches are sophisticated looking, reliable but affordable to a wide range of people.
Bulova might not be competing with the top luxury brands of Switzerland, but it is the best value and style in the midrange watch market. Whatever your style or price point, Bulova has a watch for you. Whether you are looking for a Dress Watch, Sports Chronograph or a Watch for everyday wear.
If you are looking for a watch brand that you can trust with a solid history and appealing designs, Bulova is definitely worth a look.
