When looking for a quality timepiece, many buyers ask the same question: is Bulova a good watch brand? There are hundreds of watch brands on the market today and it can be hard to know which ones are worth your money, last and look good.
For more than a century Bulova has been a name that draws the attention of both casual watch wearers and collectors in the watch industry. The brand has built a solid reputation in the global market with its elegant designs, reliable movements and affordable luxury appeal.
In this guide we will look at the history, craftsmanship, quality, pricing, pros and cons of Bulova and whether it is the right watch brand for you.
Bulova History
Bulova was founded in 1875 in New York City by Joseph Bulova. Over the decades, the company gained notoriety for innovation in the watchmaking industry.
Among Bulova’s many important advances were:
- The first all-electronic timepiece
- High-precision Tuning Fork Technology
- First television advertising campaigns
- High accuracy quartz movement
The brand was also famous for providing watches to the military and timing technology projects in space.
Today, Bulova is owned by Citizen Watch Co., which has taken its manufacturing standards and global reach even further.
Are Bulova Watches Good Quality?
One major reason why people choose Bulova is the balance of affordability and quality. The brand offers affordable watches that don’t skimp on the luxury feel.
Construction Material
Bulova watches commonly include:
- Case: Steel
- Genuine Leather Straps
- Mineral Crystal Glass or Sapphire
- Tough bracelets
- Water resistant design
More expensive collections usually have a sapphire crystal and a more refined finish, which improves scratch resistance and durability.
Movement Dependability
Bulova watches feature automatic and quartz movements.
Quartz Wrist Watches
The Bulova quartz watches are very accurate and require low maintenance. Excellent for everyday wear and business professionals who need reliable timekeeping.
Car Clocks
For watch lovers who admire mechanical craftsmanship, automatic models are attractive. Many Bulova automatic watches have a smooth sweeping motion and attractive open-heart designs.
“Precisionist Technology”
Most famously, Bulova is known for its Precisionist collection, offering a higher level of accuracy than regular quartz watches. The second hand sweeps instead of ticking every second, which makes it feel more premium.
Design and Style Decisions
Bulova offers a variety of watch styles, so it’s a great option for many different buyers.
Watches Clothes”
Bulova dress watches are sleek, sophisticated and professional. These models are best for:
- Company Meetings
- Business Events
- Work Wear
- Sports Watches
- Weddings
The brand also offers sporty and chronograph models with bold designs and functional features such as tachymeters and water resistance.
Vintage Style Collections
Bulova has re-launched a number of its heritage models that have been popular with collectors and fans of retro style.
Popular collections include:
- Marine Star
- Lunar Pilot
- Precisionist
- CURV Collection
- Classic Collection
Lunar Pilot is a popular series among watch lovers, which is inspired by space history.
Is Bulova Better Than Other Cheaper Watch Brands?
Buyers often compare Bulova to brands such as:
- Citizen
- Seiko
- Tissot
- Casio
Both have their own merits, but Bulova gets points for design elegance and American heritage.
Seiko or Bulova?
Seiko is chosen for its mechanical wizardry and collector’s interest while Bulova is more about elegant styling and modern sensibility.
Citizen v. Bulova
Citizen tends to be the better solar-powered technology while Bulova tends to be more fashion-forward.
Bulova or Tissot?
Tissot has the Swiss-made cachet, but Bulova is usually a better deal for the budget-conscious.
Price Range and Price Value
One big reason people look for Bulova as a good watch brand is because they want affordable quality.
Bulova Watches Average Range is:
- Basic models are $100-$300
- High-end Collections: $300-700
- Limited editions and specialty models: $700 and up
Bulova’s pricing makes it accessible to both new and experienced watch buyers.
Bulova offers you a huge amount of style and performance for the money when compared to those luxury brands that cost thousands.
Long-Term Performance and Durability
In general, Bulova watches are durable enough for everyday use. Many models will last for years if well maintained.
The most important determinants of durability are:
- Making strong cases
- Accurate Quartz Movement
- Premium models have scratch-proof glass
- Good metal bands
But how long it lasts also depends on how you wear and care for the watch.
Maintenance Tips
How to Increase the Life of a Bulova Watch:
- Keep away from extreme moisture
- Automatic interval service models
- Store watch in a safe place
- Clean the Bracelet Regularly
- Battery change as needed
Is Bulova a Luxury Watch Brand?
Bulova is usually considered a mid-range or premium watch brand that is affordable and not a true luxury brand.
It’s not a direct competitor for brands such as:
- TAG Heuer
- Omega
- Rolex
And yet Bulova provides:
- Premium design
- Good craftsmanship
- Patented technology
- History credibility
Bulova can be a great choice if you’re a buyer looking for a luxury-inspired style without the luxury prices.
Advantages of Buying Bulova Watch
Some of the major advantages of going for Bulova are:
- Trendy designs
- Bulova watches have a way of looking more expensive than they are
- Value for Money
- You get good prices, nice finish and quality materials
- Strong Brand Heritage
- The company has a watchmaking history of more than 100 years
- Wide Selection
- These models are good for casual, sport, business and formal
- Reliable Accuracy
- Quartz movements are reliable performers
Cons of Buying a Bulova Watch
Of course, Bulova has its limitations, as no brand is perfect.
Luxury Recognition Ltd
Some collectors may want Swiss luxury brands for prestige.
Trade-in worth
Bulova watches generally don’t hold their value as high end luxury watches do.
Entry Models Mineral Crystal
Sapphire crystal models of watches don’t scratch, but cheaper watches can.
Are Bulova Watches Good for Newbies?
Bulova can also be a good buy for first-time watch buyers.
The brand has:
- Comfortable styles
- Dependable performance
- Value for money
- Artisan
- Reputation you can trust
Many people buy Bulova as their first serious watch and move on to the higher end collections later.
Best Bulova Watches To Watch Out For
If you are a fan of the brand, these collections are especially popular:
Bulova Lunar Pilot Moon Watch
Legendary chronograph with space mission theme.
Bulova Marine Star
Sporty collection with a diving-inspired look.
Bulova Precisionist
Famous for its ultra accurate quartz movement and its smooth sweeping second hand.
Bulova CURV
The world’s first chronograph with a curved movement.
Bulova Watch, Is It Worth It?
If you’re looking for style, reliability and affordability, then Bulova is definitely worth a look.
Who is the brand for?
- Industry professionals
- Daily wearers
- First Time Buyers
- Givers of gifts
- Users of style
If you’re looking for an investment watch or ultra luxury, you’ll want to look at swiss luxury brands. But if you want a watch to wear every day, Bulova has tons of value to offer.
Final Thoughts
So is Bulova a good watch brand? The vast majority of buyers would answer yes.
Bulova is a perfect combination of heritage, good looks, good performance and good price. This won’t be competing with the high end luxury brands, but if you’re looking for a good looking reliable watch that won’t break the bank, this is a great option.
Whether you’re buying your first watch or adding to your collection, Bulova continues to be one of the most respected mid-range watch brands in the market today.