Since 1875, when 23-year-old immigrant Joseph Bulova opened a small jewelry store in New York City, the name Bulova has symbolized a unique blend of old-world craftsmanship and new-world innovation.
Determined to explore every emerging possibility in the world of timekeeping, Bulova forged an enduring legacy of creativity and excellence, becoming an industry leader by combining fine design and constant experimentation with new products, untried technologies and imaginative marketing techniques.
In 1911, the company started manufacturing boudoir and desk clocks, along with fine pocket watches that sold in unprecedented numbers. Wristwatches had been viewed as luxury items, available only to the elite. As the greater convenience of this unusual product became apparent, Bulova began producing the finest quality wristwatches, selling them at a reasonable price to the largest number of people through qualified retailers. By the mid-1920s, Bulova had transformed the industry by introducing the first full lines of men’s and ladies’ wristwatches, in the process solidifying an international reputation for accuracy and innovation.
Combining the century’s newest technologies with its established clockmaking expertise, Bulova also developed some of the earliest electric clocks and, in 1928, produced what is believed to be the world’s first clock radio.
Among the company’s most devoted fans – Charles A. Lindbergh, who was awarded a Bulova wristwatch after his historic 1927 trans-Atlantic solo flight and appeared in Bulova advertising during the late 1920s.
Bulova has even been to the Moon – courtesy of its revolutionary Accutron, the world’s first fully electronic timekeeper. The first breakthrough in precision timekeeping since the introduction of the watch, Accutron became an integral part of U.S. space technology, used on missions from the late-’50s through the first moon walk in 1969 and the 1973 launch of Skylab. An Accutron timer placed in the moon’s Sea of Tranquility controlled vital data transmissions for years.
Forging new paths in media history as well, Bulova heralded a marketing revolution with America’s first national radio spot commercials – reminding listeners from 1926 on, that: “At the tone it’s 8 PM, B-U-L-O-V-A, Bulova watch time” – a feat topped just fifteen years later with the world’s first television commercial, proclaiming “America runs on Bulova time” at the start of a Brooklyn Dodgers-Philadelphia Phillies game on July 1, 1941.
Today, after more than 130 years, Joseph Bulova’s legacy continues in a comprehensive Portfolio of Brands dedicated to addressing the changing needs of a broad range of consumers throughout the globe – Bulova, Bulova Accutron, Caravelle by Bulova, Bulova Clocks and the Swiss luxury Wittnauer.
One of the world’s most recognized brands, with an international reputation for design, style and technology, Bulova remains committed to upholding an extraordinary legacy of excellence for generations to come.
With solutions to every timekeeping need, Bulova’s comprehensive Portfolio of Brands offers the design and technology demanded by today’s knowledgeable consumers. Blending over 130 years of timekeeping expertise with continuing attention to changing trends and emerging innovations, Bulova presents a range of alternatives to meet the challenges of different lifestyles, tastes and budgets throughout the globe. As special reward or reliable necessity, from first job to first home, Bulova is dedicated to providing the right styling and features for every moment.
For every wearing occasion from sport to casual, professional to dress, Bulova’s signature brand delivers exceptional design and style, enhanced by technology. Paced by its exquisitely crafted diamond watches, meticulously engineered self-winding mechanicals, and the innovative architectural lines within the high-performance Marine Star collection, Bulova’s diverse selection encompasses classic and contemporary styling and technology, priced at moderate levels to reach a broad range of consumers.
Swiss made, with refined cosmopolitan design and sophisticated styling, the luxury Bulova Accutron brand represents the “best of Bulova,” combining Bulova’s history of timekeeping excellence with the innovative legacy of Accutron. Offering superior craftsmanship, intricate detailing, the finest materials and the most advanced Swiss technology, Bulova Accutron provides an exceptional mix of artistry and accuracy for the demanding and knowledgeable luxury audience.
Stylish and contemporary, Bulova’s diffusion brand meets the all-day demands of the entry-level consumer with a blend of affordable design and reliable Bulova technology. Combining fashion and versatility, Caravelle by Bulova introduces consumers to the Bulova portfolio of brands with an extensive range of sport, dress, casual and career alternatives, including diamond, crystal and high-performance styles, at popular prices.
Designed for every home or office need, Bulova’s award-winning clock collection encompasses a wide variety of styles, including mantel, table, executive and wall clocks, focusing on both the latest trends and the most enduring traditions. With renowned technology and a dedication to the decorative arts, Bulova Clocks bring the finest timekeeping craftsmanship to a broad spectrum of consumers, from first-home buyers to established connoisseurs.
Combining Bulova's reputation for technological excellence with the proven charm of cherished trademarked designs gives the Licensed Products Collection truly unique market appeal. Instantly recognizable, the Frank Lloyd Wright®, and Harley-Davidson® make particularly memorable gifts, while attracting both budding connoisseurs and established collectors.
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) is recognized as one of the greatest architects of the twentieth century. Using innovations in design and engineering made possible by newly developed technology and materials, his work heralded a new thinking in architecture, stressing "organic" structures in harmony with their natural surroundings.
Bulova's award-winning Frank Lloyd Wright® Collection honors this American genius with an exceptional group of clocks including tabletop and wall models, as well as a number of uniquely stylish watches. Each style is part of the Frank Lloyd Wright Decorative Designs Collection®, certified by The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Taliesin West, Scottsdale, Arizona.
These products are part of the Frank Lloyd Wright Decorative Designs Collection®. A portion of the sales of these products supports the design and education programs of The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Taliesin West, Scottsdale, Arizona. ©1999 - 2003 The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, All Rights Reserved.