Bulova, the mighty American watchmaker, has a rich history of creating timepieces that have weathered the test of time. From their innovative Accutron technology to their unexpected trip to the moon (yes, you read that right), Bulova has always been at the forefront of the horological game.
The History of Bulova
Joseph Bulova, a visionary immigrant from Bohemia, kickstarted his journey in the world of timekeeping in 1875. He opened a jewelry store called J. Bulova Company on Maiden Lane in New York City. Initially, the company focused on crafting top-quality pocket watches that were made in America because who doesn’t want to keep track of time in style, right? However, as World War I approached, a significant shift was observed from pocket watches to wristwatches. Joseph, being the game-changer he was, recognized this trend and set his sights on the future by embracing wristwatches.
In 1919, Bulova introduced its first comprehensive line of men’s wristwatches, making a substantial leap forward in the industry. To keep up with the demand, Bulova decided to move its manufacturing operations to Biel, Switzerland. This decision allowed them to mass-produce watches, a groundbreaking concept at the time. But Bulova didn’t stop there. They continued to push the envelope of innovation, with notable firsts like the world’s first radio advertisement in 1926, the “Lone Eagle” watch commemorating Charles A. Lindbergh’s historic flight in 1927, and the world’s first television advertisement in 1941. But that’s not all! In 1945, Arde Bulova, Joseph’s son, opened the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking. Initially established to teach disabled veterans of World War II the art of watchmaking, the school quickly expanded into a rehabilitation facility, supporting and advocating for disabled individuals worldwide. Bulova’s history is a testament to their fearless approach.
The Accutron Years of Bulova
So, here’s the deal. Back in the 1950s, Bulova was already making waves with their fantastic watches. They were known for supporting professional sports teams and being bold advertisers. In 1951, they decided to come up with a catchy phrase that represented the times. Voila! The term “Accutron” was born, combining the words “accurate” and “electronic.” Clever, right? The Accutron watches finally hit the market in 1960, three years after Hamilton produced the first electric watch. These watches were equipped with a 360-hertz tuning fork that vibrated 360 times per second. That’s like having a little party happening inside your watch! This new technology made the Accutron watches accurate to within two seconds per day, which was mind-blowing at the time. Compared to their mechanical counterparts, the Accutron watches were light-years ahead in terms of accuracy.
Bulova In Space
Now, let’s talk about one of the most fascinating chapters in Bulova’s history: their unexpected trip to the moon! When we think of watches associated with space exploration, Omega Speedmasters usually come to mind. But guess what? A Bulova watch actually hitched a ride on Apollo 15. Talk about a plot twist! During his second lunar walk, Commander David Scott’s Omega Speedmaster had a little wardrobe malfunction. The crystal popped off! But Scott wasn’t about to let time slip away, so he strapped on his trusty backup watch: a Bulova Model chronograph prototype.
Now, how and why he had a prototype from a company that didn’t even win the bid for the mission remains a mystery. But it’s not every day you get to wear a watch that’s been to the moon. In fact, that very same Bulova watch sold for a whopping $1.625 million! Now, if you’re like most of us and can’t afford that astronomical price tag, don’t worry. Bulova has recently reproduced a similar watch. It may not have been to the moon, but it’s definitely a more affordable way to connect with the historical significance of Bulova’s lunar escapade.
Bulova Hack
If you’re into the rugged beauty of field watches, the Bulova Hack might just be your cup of tea. It’s a simple three-hand automatic wonder that hacks, meaning you can stop the second hand and feel oh-so-powerful while doing it. With a stainless-steel case and a Miyota 82S0 movement, this watch is not only accurate, but it also gives you that much-needed confidence boost. But be warned, it comes with a limited water resistance of 30 meters and a price tag that might make your wallet cry. While it’s a solid choice, there are field watches from Seiko, Citizen, and Orient that will save you a few bucks.
Bulova Chronograph
A Perfect Blend of Style and Function When it comes to the Bulova Chronograph A, one thing is for sure – it definitely stands out from the crowd. With its unique design and racing-inspired look, this watch is perfect for those who want to make a statement. The oval encompassing the two subdials gives it a distinct “surfboard” appearance, reminiscent of the original watches from the 1970s.
But it’s not just looks that set the Chronograph A apart. This timepiece boasts some impressive features and specifications. With a case that measures just 40.5 millimeters, it’s relatively rare for a chronograph watch, especially from Bulova. The stainless-steel case and sapphire crystal ensure durability and scratch resistance. And with 200 meters of water resistance, you won’t have to worry about taking it for a dip. But let’s talk straps. The Chronograph A comes with a rubber tropic-style strap, giving it a sporty and versatile vibe. Whether you’re hitting the waves or just want to add a touch of flair to your outfit, this watch has got you covered. Now, there are a few other field watches out there that might catch your eye, especially if you’re worried about the price tag. But hey, who needs a budget-friendly option when you can get your hands on a Bulova, right?
Pros and Cons
On the positive side, we have Bulova’s impressive history of innovation. They’ve never shied away from taking risks and pushing the boundaries of timekeeping. On the flip side, their watches tend to be on the larger side, which may be a dealbreaker if you’re not blessed with Hulk-sized wrists.
On the bright side, Bulova Watches actually listens to its customers. They take feedback seriously and are always looking for ways to improve their timepieces. Whether it’s enhancing the accuracy of their watches or incorporating new features, Bulova takes into account what their customers want and need. It’s refreshing to see a brand that values the opinions of its consumers and strives to deliver a better experience.
In a Nutshell
In a whirlwind tour through the world of Bulova watches, one cannot help but be captivated by their profound impact on the watch industry. Bulova’s rich history and their willingness to push the boundaries of what timekeeping can be.
At the heart of Bulova’s legacy is the revolutionary Accutron technology, which forever altered the landscape of timekeeping accuracy. This groundbreaking advancement set a new standard for precision, and its impact is still felt today in the world of horology.
But Bulova’s influence extended far beyond Earth’s surface. In a truly unexpected twist, a Bulova timepiece found its way to the moon during NASA’s Apollo 15 mission. This historic moment marked not only a giant leap for humanity but also a giant leap for the Bulova brand, solidifying its place in watchmaking history.
