Bulova: The Underrated American Icon of Watchmaking

When it comes to historic watch brands, names like Rolex or Omega often steal the spotlight. But behind the scenes, Bulova has been shaping the world of timekeeping for over a century — blending precision, innovation, and style in a way few brands can match. If you’ve overlooked Bulova, it might be time to change that.

Bulova was founded in New York City in 1875 by Joseph Bulova, a Czech immigrant with a sharp eye for craftsmanship and innovation. By the early 20th century, Bulova had already become one of the most important American watchmakers — known for its accuracy, affordability, and modern designs. It was also a marketing pioneer, launching the world’s first radio commercial and first television ad. In many ways, Bulova brought watches to the masses.

But Bulova wasn’t just good at branding — it was an innovator. In 1960, it introduced the Bulova Accutron, the world’s first fully electronic watch. Powered by a tuning fork, it was far more accurate than any mechanical watch at the time and became the go-to timepiece for NASA engineers, airline pilots, and even astronauts. A modified Accutron timing mechanism was used in space instruments aboard Apollo missions — yes, really.

Bulova also holds the record for one of the coolest Moon-related stories in watch history. In 1971, astronaut Dave Scott wore a Bulova chronograph on the surface of the moon during the Apollo 15 mission — after his standard-issue Omega broke. That exact watch sold at auction years later for $1.6 million.

Today, vintage Bulova watches are a collector’s dream. From sleek 1960s dress watches to robust military-issue models and futuristic tuning fork-powered pieces, the variety is unmatched. They’re also some of the most affordable vintage Swiss and American-made watches available — meaning you can own a slice of true watch history without spending thousands.

At Vintage Time London, we love Bulova for what it represents: practical elegance, quiet innovation, and a legacy that’s more authentic than hype-driven. We regularly stock a curated selection of vintage Bulova timepieces, each fully serviced and ready to wear. Whether you’re into clean mid-century design or quirky 1970s shapes, there’s a Bulova for you.

So, next time someone talks about legendary watch brands, don’t forget Bulova. It may not always be the loudest name in the room, but it’s certainly one of the most important — and one of the most interesting to collect.