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Bulova
Est. 1875
United States

Bulova

Founded in New York City, Bulova is a historic American watchmaker recognized for its significant contributions to horological precision and its long-standing partnership with the U.S. space program. The brand is distinguished by a heritage of innovation in quartz and electronic timekeeping, maintaining a reputation for reliable craftsmanship and diverse design styles.

Popular Models

Bulova Accutron 218 Date
1970

Bulova Accutron 218 Date

The Bulova Accutron 218 Date represents a pivotal moment in the transition from traditional mechanical horology to the electronic age. Unlike the more avant-garde 'Spaceview' models that showcased the internal tuning fork mechanism, this specific iteration offers a more refined, dress-oriented aesthetic that appeals to the understated collector. The watch is defined by its vertically brushed champagne dial, applied baton indices with thin black inserts, and a date window positioned at 3 o'clock. This model exists as a testament to Bulova’s mid-century dominance in precision timekeeping, utilizing a high-frequency vibration system that predated the quartz revolution. Collectors value the 218 series for its distinctive 'hum'—a result of the tuning fork vibrating at 360Hz—and the incredibly smooth, continuous sweep of the second hand, which remains more fluid than most modern high-beat mechanical movements. It is an artifact of American industrial ingenuity and Swiss manufacturing collaboration, offering a tactile and auditory experience that no other movement type can replicate. As vintage electronics become increasingly difficult to service, well-preserved examples like this one become highly sought after for their historical significance and unique mechanical soul.

Est. Value$383 - $518
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Bulova Accutron Spaceview 'TV Screen' Cushion Case
1970

Bulova Accutron Spaceview 'TV Screen' Cushion Case

The Bulova Accutron Spaceview remains one of the most significant horological milestones of the 20th century, representing a bridge between traditional mechanical watchmaking and the quartz revolution. This specific 'TV Screen' cushion case variant is a quintessential example of 1970s futurism. Unlike standard watches of its era, the Spaceview lacks a traditional dial, instead exposing the intricate copper coils, green circuit board, and vibrating tuning fork that define its movement. This design was originally intended as a salesman’s demonstrator tool to showcase the revolutionary electronic technology, but it became so popular with the public that Bulova transitioned it into a production model. Collectors prize the Spaceview not just for its aesthetic transparency, but for its unique 'humming' sound—a byproduct of the 360Hz vibration of the tuning fork—and the mesmerizingly smooth sweeping seconds hand that rivals modern high-end mechanical movements. In a world of ticking quartz and oscillating balances, the Accutron stands alone as a testament to American engineering prowess and a mid-century vision of the future. The cushion-shaped case provides a substantial wrist presence that feels contemporary yet distinctly vintage, making it a cornerstone for any serious collection focusing on electronic horology or iconic industrial design.

Est. Value$1,063 - $1,438
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Bulova Ambassador Automatic Micro-Rotor
1968

Bulova Ambassador Automatic Micro-Rotor

The Bulova Ambassador represents a sophisticated era of mid-century horology where the brand competed directly with the highest tiers of Swiss manufacturing. This specific iteration, characterized by its elegant cushion-shaped case and refined champagne dial, is a masterclass in 1960s executive style. While Bulova is often associated with the electronic Accutron movement, the Ambassador line was the vessel for their most prestigious mechanical achievements. It exists as a testament to a time when Bulova utilized high-grade Swiss calibers to offer a luxury experience that rivaled brands like Universal Genève. Collectors prize this model not just for its aesthetic 'Mad Men' era charm, but for the horological sophistication hidden beneath the dial. The Ambassador was positioned as the flagship of Bulova’s mechanical dress watch collection, aimed at the discerning professional who demanded slimness, reliability, and prestige. Its presence on the wrist is understated yet commanding, featuring a design language that has aged exceptionally well, making it a staple for vintage enthusiasts seeking high horology value without the entry price of more marketed Swiss giants.

Est. Value$553 - $748
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Bulova Benetton 'United Colors' World Time Day-Date
1988

Bulova Benetton 'United Colors' World Time Day-Date

The late 1980s Bulova Benetton 'United Colors' collaboration represents a fascinating intersection of high-fashion marketing and traditional Swiss-made horology. During an era where Benetton was dominating the global cultural zeitgeist with its provocative advertising and vibrant color palettes, Bulova was commissioned to produce a series of timepieces that captured this energy while maintaining professional manufacturing standards. This specific model is a standout within the collection, featuring a sophisticated day-date complication and a distinctive 'World Time' aesthetic. Unlike the more common plastic 'pop' watches of the era, this Bulova-engineered piece utilized a Swiss quartz movement and a more substantial case construction. It exists as a time capsule of 1980s postmodern design, characterized by the use of primary color blocks—red, green, and blue—set against a stark black dial. For collectors, this watch is prized not just for its brand name, but as a definitive artifact of 1980s design language. It appeals to those who value the 'neo-vintage' movement and the unique history of cross-industry collaborations that defined the pre-luxury-conglomerate era of the watch industry.

Est. Value$383 - $518
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Bulova Cocktail Watch with Bark-Finish Integrated Bracelet
1968

Bulova Cocktail Watch with Bark-Finish Integrated Bracelet

This vintage Bulova cocktail watch represents a pinnacle of mid-century feminine design, bridging the gap between functional horology and high-fashion jewelry. During the late 1960s, Bulova dominated the American market by offering sophisticated aesthetics that mirrored the avant-garde trends of European houses like Piaget and Chopard, but at a more accessible luxury price point. This specific model features a striking square case integrated seamlessly into a 'bark-finish' mesh bracelet, a texture that was highly coveted during this era for its organic, light-catching properties. For the modern collector, this piece serves as a testament to Bulova's historical versatility. It embodies the 'cocktail' era where watches were intended to be worn as evening accessories, discreet yet opulent. Its existence reflects a time when mechanical miniaturization was at its peak, allowing for incredibly small movements to fit within slender, elegant silhouettes. Collectors value these pieces not just for their mechanical merit, but for their ability to evoke the glamour of the 1960s jet-set lifestyle. While many such watches were lost to gold-scrapping cycles over the decades, well-preserved examples with original integrated bracelets remain highly sought after by vintage enthusiasts who appreciate the 'jewelry-first' philosophy of mid-century watchmaking.

Est. Value$298 - $403
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Bulova Computron LED (N6 Driver Edition)
1976

Bulova Computron LED (N6 Driver Edition)

The Bulova Computron LED is a definitive icon of the 1970s digital revolution, representing a radical departure from traditional horological aesthetics. Often referred to as the 'Driver’s Watch' due to its unique trapezoidal side-view display, the Computron was engineered to allow motorists to check the time without taking their hands off the steering wheel or rotating their wrist. This specific gold-plated variant showcases the peak of 'Space Age' design, featuring a stepped, ribbed case that blends retro-futurism with industrial architecture. Collectors prize the Computron not just for its functionality, but as a cultural artifact of an era when the Swiss mechanical industry was being challenged by the precision and novelty of American and Japanese electronics. Unlike many of its contemporaries that utilized standard top-down displays, the Computron’s wedge shape remains one of the most recognizable silhouettes in watch history. It exists as a testament to Bulova’s willingness to experiment with form factors, moving away from the circular constraints of mechanical movements to embrace the possibilities of solid-state technology. For the modern enthusiast, owning an original 1970s Computron is an entry point into high-concept vintage digital collecting, offering a tactile and visual experience that modern smartwatches cannot replicate. Its survival in good condition is relatively rare, as the gold plating on these base-metal cases was prone to wear, and the original LED modules were sensitive to battery leakage over decades of storage.

Est. Value$553 - $748
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Bulova Longchamp Dress Watch
1975

Bulova Longchamp Dress Watch

The Bulova Longchamp represents a specific era of mid-century elegance where the brand sought to bridge the gap between American industrial efficiency and European design sensibilities. This particular model, characterized by its distinctive pinstripe or 'tapestry' dial and elongated Roman numerals, serves as a quintessential example of the dress watch trends that dominated the 1970s. During this period, Bulova utilized the Longchamp name to denote a more refined, slim-profile aesthetic, often drawing inspiration from high-end Parisian style. Collectors are drawn to these pieces not for their technical complexity, but for their evocative period design and the nostalgic charm of the hand-wound mechanical movements that powered them. While Bulova is often celebrated for its revolutionary Accutron technology, the Longchamp series remains a vital part of the brand's heritage, offering a more traditional horological experience. It exists as an accessible entry point for vintage enthusiasts who appreciate the 'tank-adjacent' or oval-cased geometry that was popular before the quartz crisis fully reshaped the industry. Its presence in a collection signals an appreciation for the subtle textures and slim silhouettes that defined the pre-maximalist era of watchmaking.

Est. Value$213 - $288
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Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph (96B251)
2016

Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph (96B251)

The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph is a modern horological tribute to one of the most significant moments in space exploration history. While the Omega Speedmaster is famously the 'Moonwatch,' Bulova holds the distinction of being the only other brand to have a privately owned timepiece worn on the lunar surface. During the Apollo 15 mission in 1971, Mission Commander David Scott utilized his personal Bulova chronograph after the crystal on his standard-issue Omega popped off. This modern reissue captures the utilitarian soul of that historic piece, updated with Bulova’s proprietary high-frequency technology. It exists as a compelling alternative for collectors who value genuine space heritage combined with extreme precision. The watch is defined by its unique elongated chronograph pushers and a sandblasted finish that emphasizes its tool-watch DNA. It appeals to enthusiasts who find the classic Speedmaster aesthetically pleasing but desire a more accessible price point and the 'set-it-and-forget-it' reliability of a high-end quartz movement. Its presence on the wrist is substantial, reflecting the oversized dimensions required for legibility during extravehicular activities on the Moon.

Est. Value$383 - $518
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Bulova Military Heritage Hack Watch (96A245)
2020

Bulova Military Heritage Hack Watch (96A245)

The Bulova Military Heritage Hack Watch, specifically the reference 96A245, is a masterful contemporary tribute to the timepieces Bulova supplied to the United States military during World War II. It represents a critical segment of Bulova’s Archive Series, which focuses on reviving the brand's most historically significant designs for a modern audience. This model is defined by its high-legibility field dial, featuring both 12-hour and 24-hour scales, and the essential 'hacking' feature—a mechanism that stops the seconds hand when the crown is pulled, allowing soldiers to synchronize their watches to the second. Collectors and enthusiasts are drawn to this model because it offers a tangible connection to military history without the fragility or maintenance concerns of a true vintage piece. It balances rugged utility with a refined aesthetic, making it a versatile staple in any collection focused on tool watches or Americana. The inclusion of an internal rotating elapsed time ring, controlled by the secondary crown at 2 o'clock, adds a layer of functional complexity that distinguishes it from standard field watches. It exists as a testament to Bulova's enduring legacy as a primary contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense, bridging the gap between mid-century tactical requirements and 21st-century horological reliability.

Est. Value$298 - $403
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Bulova Titanium Sport 'Pop Art' Edition
1995

Bulova Titanium Sport 'Pop Art' Edition

The Bulova Titanium Sport 'Pop Art' edition is a compelling artifact from a transformative era in horological design. Emerging in the mid-1990s, this model represents Bulova’s experimentation with avant-garde aesthetics and lightweight materials, departing from the brand's traditional dress watch heritage. It features a distinctive asymmetrical dial layout characterized by bold geometric lines and a vibrant primary color palette of blue and red, reminiscent of the Memphis Group design movement. This specific reference is a testament to the period when titanium was transitioning from a specialized aerospace material to a mainstream luxury watchmaking staple. Collectors value this piece not for high-complication mechanical prowess, but for its unique visual identity and its role as a 'neo-vintage' design statement. It serves as a reminder of Bulova's willingness to pivot toward a younger, more design-conscious demographic during the late 20th century. The inclusion of the original guarantee card and the color-matched integrated strap significantly enhances its appeal to those seeking complete sets from this specific design epoch. It remains a conversation piece that captures the intersection of industrial minimalism and 90s graphic maximalism.

Est. Value$213 - $288
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