Bulova watches
by David Barth
written March 29, 2003
Bulova
This medium value watch was first manufactured in the US and is now made in Switzerland by Universal Geneve.
Square Bulova Watch
Bulova Accutron watch.
Below is a history of the Bulova Watch Company, provided by a fellow shipmate on a nuclear sub we served aboard.
Prefacing the history are his comments:
"Some of you know that I am a fan of Accutron wrist watches. They had their heyday in the 60s and 70s until the advent
of the quartz timepiece. Accutrons are electronic watches which run on a tuning fork incorporated into the circuit and
powered by a battery, and were known for being far more accurate than the watches and clocks running with springs and
balance wheels. We carried an Accutron timepiece in a safe aboard the USS Lafayette while I was aboard.
"I play around on EBay buying and selling Accutrons, which were made by Bulova. Recently one of the sellers had the
following history of the Bulova watch company, which I found interesting."
HLM
The Bulova history provided by HLM:
In 1875 Joseph Bulova, a 23-year-old Czech immigrant, opened a small jewelry shop on Maiden Lane in New York City. In 1911
Bulova began manufacturing and selling boudoir and table clocks as well as fine pocket watches. These pieces were sold
in unprecedented numbers. The following year, in 1912, Bulova set up its first plant dedicated to the production of
watch components and their assembly into jeweled movements in Bienne, Switzerland. In 1919, During World War I, the
convenience of wristwatches (as opposed to pocket watches) was discovered by soldiers. In that year Bulova introduced
the first full line of men's jeweled wristwatches.
In 1923 the name "Bulova Watch Company, Inc." was adopted. Bulova perfected a new concept in the watch industry with total
standardization of parts. Every part of a Bulova watch was made with such precision (standardized to the ten thousandth
part of an inch) that it was interchangeable with the same part in any other Bulova watch. This revolutionized the
servicing of watches in the industry.
In 1924 Bulova unveiled the first full line of ladies' watches, including diamond-accented pieces. In 1926 Bulova
produced the nation's first ever radio spot commercial, "At the tone, it's 8 PM, B-U-L-O-V-A Bulova watch time."
In 1927, in honor of Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic solo flight from New York to Paris, Bulova shiped 5,000 Lone Eagle
watches, packaged with pictures of Lindbergh. The supply was sold out within three days. During the next few years.
Bulova sold nearly 50,000 of these commemorative watches. 1927 is also the year Bulova Watch Company went public on the
American Stock Exchange.
In 1928 Bulova introduced the world's first clock radio. The following year, in 1929, Bulova engineered and patented a
new principle in the construction of automobile clocks. Bulova began manufacturing the first electric clocks via mass
production in 1931. The collection includeed wall and mantel clocks, and clocks for use in stores,
windows, office buildings and terminals. That same year, Bulova conducted the watch industry's first ever million dollar
advertising campaign.
Throughout the Depression years, Bulova supported retailers by offering Bulova watches to buyers on time-payment
plans. Joseph Bulova, founder of Bulova Watch Company, died in 1935. Continuing its tradition of advertising firsts,
Bulova aired the first television commercial in 1941 consisting of a simple picture of a clock and a map of the United
States, with a voice-over proclaiming, "America runs on Bulova time." That year also marked the year that the Bulova
Board of Directors adopted a resolution to manufacture products for national defense at actual cost. Throughout World
War II, having perfected the skill of creating precision timepieces, Arde Bulova, Joseph's son, worked with the U.S.
Government to produce military watches, specialized timepieces, aircraft instruments, critical torpedo mechanisms and
fuses.
In 1945 the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking opened its doors to help disabled veterans learn watchmaking skills.
In 1948 Bulova began developing the Phototimer, a unique combination of a photo-finish camera and a precision electronic
timing instrument.
In 1952 Bulova began developing Accutron, the first breakthrough in timekeeping technology in over 300 years. Accutron,
the first fully electronic watch, promised to keep time to within 2 seconds a day. Recognizing a new trend in the watch
industry, the self-winding and shock-proof watch, Bulova added more of this type of watch to its line in 1953. Also added
this year was the Bulova Wrist-Alarm, an entirely new kind of watch.
In 1954 Bulova introduced the "Bulova 23," a self-winding, waterproof , 23-jewel watch with an unbreakable mainspring,
made entirely in the United States. The following year, in 1955, An A.C. Neilson Co. Survey revealed that Americans saw
more national advertising for Bulova products than for any other products, in any other industry, in the
world.
In 1956 Bulova completed negotiations to co-sponsor the Jackie Gleason Show, a one-hour live television show airing
Saturday nights from eight to nine o'clock. This was the first time in history that any watch or jewelry-allied industry
made a sponsorship commitment of such magnitude.
In 1959 Bulova offered an unprecedented 1-year warranty on all of its clock radios. In 1960 NASA asked Bulova to
incorporate Accutron works into its computers for the space program. Bulova timing mechanisms eventually become an
integral part of 46 missions of the U.S. Space Program. Also in 1960, Bulova reintroduced its redeveloped Phototimer
clock, improved with updated photographic and electronic technologies. It featureed an infrared sensing element
patterned after those used on heat-seeking missiles. Mounted on the starter's pistol, the Phototimer sensed the flash
of the gun and started a timer clock at the same instant that the runners left their marks.
In 1961, Accutron, the first watch to keep time through electronics, was introduced. It was the most spectacular
breakthrough in timekeeping since the invention of the wrist watch. This revolutionary timekeeping concept of a watch
without springs or escapement was operated by an electronically activated tuning fork. The Accutron watch went on to
become a presidential gift to world leaders and other dignitaries. President Johnson declared it the White House's
official "Gift of State."
In 1962 The Accutron Tuning-fork watch became the first wristwatch certified for use by railroad personnel. 1962 was
also the year that Bulova introduced its Caravelle line of jeweled watches. Designed to retail at $10.95 to $29.95,
Caravelle competed with non-jeweled watches in the same price range. 1967 Accutron clocks were the only clocks aboard
Air Force One.
In 1968 The Bulova Satellite Clock, the world's first public clock to display time controlled by time signals broadcast
by orbiting satellites, was inaugurated by Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, President of Mexico. The clock was installed atop the
Torre Latino Americana, Mexico's tallest skyscraper. 1968 also marked the year that Caravelle became the largest selling
jeweled-movement watch in the United States.
In 1969 An Accutron watch movement was part of the equipment placed on the moon by Apollo 11 astronauts, the first men on
the moon. A Bulova timer was placed in the moon's "Sea of Tranquility" to control the transmissions of vital data through
the years.
Bulova introduced the Accuquartz, the first quartz-based clock, in 1969. The following year, in 1970, The Bulova
Accuquartz men's calendar wristwatch became the first quartz crystal watch sold at retail in the United States.
Designed in 18 karat gold, it retailed for $1,325.
In 1973 three specially designed Accutron portable alarm clocks were placed on board NASA's Skylab, the world's
first space laboratory, launched from Cape Kennedy. Also that year, Bulova won the world's first design competition
for solid-state digital watches at the Prix de la Ville de Geneve watch-styling competition, the world's most prestigious
international watch styling competition. Bulova also won two of the three honorable mentions awarded at the
competition.
In 1976 Bulova introduced its line of Accutron Quartz movement watches for men. Also this year, the Smithsonian
Institution's National Air and Space Museum opened. Exhibits included a display replicating the NASA Skylab, including
an Accutron "space alarm" clock, identical to ones mounted onboard the actual Skylab.
In 1977 Bulova introduced its line of Accutron Quartz movement watches for women. Two years later, in 1979, Bulova
became a subsidiary of Loews Corporation. In 1983 The Bulova Dimension was unveiled. It is the worlds thinnest wall
clock, measuring in at just 5/8 of an inch.
In 1986 Bulova introduced its first miniature clock. Creating a new category in clocks, Bulova went on to produce an entire
collection of miniature clocks, including limited edition pieces and themed groupings.
In 1998 Bulova introduced the Millennia Collection, a group of watches featuring either innovative technology or
materials. The collection included a solar group, watches powered by light; motion quartz, watches powered by the
motion of the wearer's arm; and vibra-alarm, watches featuring two alarm mode options sound or vibration.
The following year, in 1999, Bulova added World Timer and Perpetual Calendar watches to the Millennia
Collection.
============================================================================================
The following history was entered into this web page by Dave Barth in 2004.
During the 1950s, watch companies began research to develop more accurate watch movements. In 1957 Hamilton introduced
the world’s first electric watch which was basically a conventional movement using a small, battery powered electric
motor to keep it wound. In the early 1960s Bulova developed the Accutron, a breakthrough in watch accuracy using a
tuning fork movement to make the watch more accurate.
Because accurate time is required to determine longitude on the earth, nuclear ballistic missile submarines need to know
the precise time so that the missiles
will hit their target. In the 1960s, these submarines had a very accurate oscillator clock that was as large as a washing
machine. The backup for this clock was a
Bulova Accutron watch, kept in the ship’s safe, to be used if the oscillator clock failed. The oscillator clocks were
extremely reliable, and it is not known if any
submarine navigator needed to use the Accutron. Accutron watches from this era are now very collectable.
Bulova highlights:
Early 1960s - Bulova produced the Accutron which used a tuning fork movement that is much more accurate than mechanical
watches.
1960s - US nuclear missile submarines carried an Accutron as a backup clock.
1965 - Bulova was purchased by the Swiss company, Universal Geneve.
1976 - C.P. Wong of Hong Kong took control of Bulova.
1978 - C.P. Wong sold Bulova to Lowe’s.
1984 - Accutron tuning fork movement production ceased in 1984 due to relative high production costs and competition
from inexpensive quartz watches.
Bulova Chronology
1875
Joseph Bulova, a 23-year-old Czech immigrant, opened a small jewelry shop on Maiden Lane in New York
City.
1911
Bulova began manufacturing and selling boudoir and table clocks as well as fine pocket watches. These pieces were sold in
unprecedented numbers.
1912
Bulova set up its first plant dedicated to the production of watch components and their assembly into jeweled movements
in Bienne, Switzerland.
1919
During World War I, the convenience of wristwatches (as opposed to pocket watches) was discovered. In 1919 Bulova
introduced the first full line of men's jeweled wristwatches.
1923
The name Bulova Watch Company, Inc. was adopted. Bulova perfected a new concept in the watch industry with total
standardization of parts. Every part of a Bulova
watch is made with such precision (standardized to the ten thousandth part of an inch) that it was interchangeable with
the same part in any other Bulova watch. This
revolutionized the servicing of watches in the industry.
1924
Bulova unveiled the first full line of ladies' watches, including diamond accented pieces.
1926
Bulova produced the nation's first ever radio spot commercial, "At the tone, it's 8 PM, B-U-L-O-V-A Bulova watch
time."
1927
In honor of Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic solo flight from New York to Paris, Bulova shiped 5,000 Lone Eagle
watches, packaged with pictures of Lindbergh. The
supply was sold out within three days. During the next few years Bulova sold nearly 50,000 of these commemorative
watches. 1927 is also the year Bulova Watch
Company went public on the American Stock Exchange.
1928
Bulova introduced the world's first clock radio.
1929
Bulova engineered and patented a new principle in the construction of automobile clocks.
1931
Bulova began manufacturing the first electric clocks via mass production. The collection included wall and mantel
clocks, and clocks for use in stores, windows, office buildings and terminals.
Bulova conducted the watch industry's first ever million dollar advertising campaign. Throughout the Depression years,
Bulova supported retailers by offering Bulova watches to buyers on time-payment plans.
1935
Joseph Bulova, founder of Bulova Watch Company, died.
1941
Continuing its tradition of advertising firsts, Bulova aired the first television commercial: a simple picture of a clock
and a map of the United States, with a voice-over
proclaiming, "America runs on Bulova time." 1941 also marked the year that the Bulova Board of Directors adopted a
resolution to manufacture products for national
defense at actual cost. Throughout World War II, having perfected the skill of creating precision timepieces, Arde Bulova,
Joseph's son, worked with the U.S.
government to produce military watches, specialized timepieces, aircraft instruments, critical torpedo mechanisms and
fuses.
1945
The Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking opened its doors to help disabled veterans learn watchmaking skills.
1948
Bulova began developing the Phototimer, a unique combination of photo-finish camera and precision electronic timing
instrument.
1952
Bulova began developing Accutron, the first breakthrough in timekeeping technology in over 300 years. Accutron, the
first fully electronic watch, promises to keep time to within 2 seconds a day.
1953
Recognizing a new trend in the watch industry, the self-winding and shock-proof watch, Bulova added more of this type of
watch to its line. Also added this year is the Bulova Wrist-Alarm, an entirely new kind of watch.
1954
Bulova introduced the "Bulova 23," a self-winding, waterproof , 23-jewel watch with an unbreakable mainspring, made
entirely in the United States.
1955
An A.C. Neilson Co. Survey revealed that Americans see more national advertising for Bulova products than for any other
products, in any other industry, in the world.
1956
Bulova completed negotiations to co-sponsor the Jackie Gleason Show, a one-hour live television show airing Saturday
nights from eight to nine o'clock. This is the
first time in history that any watch or jewelry allied industry has made a sponsorship commitment of such
magnitude.
1959
Bulova offered an unprecedented 1-year warranty on all of its clock radios.
1960
NASA asked Bulova to incorporate Accutron into its computers for the space program. Bulova timing mechanisms eventually
became an integral part of 46 missions
of the U.S. Space Program. Also in 1960, Bulova reintroduced its redeveloped Phototimer clock, improved with updated
photographic and electronic technologies. It
featured an infrared sensing element patterned after those used on heat-seeking missiles. Mounted on the starter's
pistol, the Phototimer sensed the flash of the gun
and started a timer clock at the same instant that the runners left their marks.
1961
Accutron, the first watch to keep time through electronics, was introduced. It was the most spectacular breakthrough in
timekeeping since the invention of the wrist
watch. This revolutionary timekeeping concept of a watch without springs or escapement is operated by an electronically
activated tuning fork. The Accutron watch
went on to become a presidential gift to world leaders and other dignitaries. President Johnson declared it the White
House's official "Gift of State."
1962
The Accutron Tuning-fork watch became the first wristwatch certified for use by railroad personnel. 1962 is also the
year that Bulova introduced its Caravelle line of
jeweled watches. Designed to retail at $10.95 to $29.95, Caravelle competed with non-jeweled watches in the same price
range.
1967
Accutron clocks were the only clocks aboard Air Force One.
1968
The Bulova Satellite Clock, the world's first public clock to display time controlled by time signals broadcast by
orbiting satellites, was inaugurated by Gustavo Diaz
Ordaz, President of Mexico. The clock was installed atop the Torre Latino Americana, Mexico's tallest skyscraper. 1968
also marked the year that Caravelle became
the largest selling jeweled-movement watch in the United States.
1969
An Accutron watch movement was part of the equipment placed on the moon by Apollo 11 astronauts, the first men on the
moon. A Bulova timer was placed in the
moon's "Sea of Tranquility" to control the transmissions of vital data through the years.
Bulova introduced the Accuquartz, the first quartz-based clock.
1970
The Bulova Accuquartz men's calendar wristwatch became the first quartz crystal watch sold at retail in the United
States. Designed in 18 karat gold, it retailed for $1,325.
1973
Three specially designed Accutron portable alarm clocks were placed on board NASA's Skylab, the world's first space
laboratory, launched from Cape Kennedy.
Also this year, Bulova won the world's first design competition for solid-state digital watches at the Prix de la
Ville de Geneve watch-styling competition, the world's
most prestigious international watch styling competition. Bulova also won two of the three honorable mentions awarded
at the competition.
1976
Bulova introduced its line of Accutron Quartz movement watches for men. Also that year, the Smithsonian Institution's
National Air and Space Museum opened.
Exhibits included a display replicating the NASA Skylab, including an Accutron "space alarm" clock, identical to ones
mounted onboard the actual Skylab.
1977
Bulova introduced its line of Accutron Quartz movement watches for women.
1979
Bulova became a subsidiary of Loews Corporation.
1983
The Bulova Dimension was unveiled. It was the worlds thinnest wall clock, measuring in at just 5/8 of an
inch.
1986
Bulova introduced its first miniature clock, creating a new category in clocks. Bulova went on to produce entire
collections of miniature clocks, including limited-edition pieces and themed groupings.
1998
Bulova introduced the Millennia Collection, a group of watches featuring either innovative technology or materials.
The collection included a solar group, watches
powered by light; motion quartz, watches powered by the motion of the wearer's arm; and vibra-alarm, watches featuring
two alarm mode options sound or vibration.
1999
Bulova added World Timer and Perpetual Calendar watches to the Millennia Collection.
1911
Bulova began manufacturing and selling boudoir and table clocks as well as fine pocket watches. These pieces were sold in unprecedented numbers.
1912
Bulova set up its first plant dedicated to the production of watch components and their assembly into jeweled movements in Bienne, Switzerland.
1919
During World War I, the convenience of wristwatches (as opposed to pocket watches) was discovered. In 1919 Bulova introduced the first full line of men's jeweled wristwatches.
1923
The name Bulova Watch Company, Inc. was adopted. Bulova perfected a new concept in the watch industry with total standardization of parts. Every part of a Bulova watch is made with such precision (standardized to the ten thousandth part of an inch) that it was interchangeable with the same part in any other Bulova watch. This revolutionized the servicing of watches in the industry.
1924
Bulova unveiled the first full line of ladies' watches, including diamond accented pieces.
1926
Bulova produced the nation's first ever radio spot commercial, "At the tone, it's 8 PM, B-U-L-O-V-A Bulova watch time."
1927
In honor of Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic solo flight from New York to Paris, Bulova shiped 5,000 Lone Eagle watches, packaged with pictures of Lindbergh. The supply was sold out within three days. During the next few years Bulova sold nearly 50,000 of these commemorative watches. 1927 is also the year Bulova Watch Company went public on the American Stock Exchange.
1928
Bulova introduced the world's first clock radio.
1929
Bulova engineered and patented a new principle in the construction of automobile clocks.
1931
Bulova began manufacturing the first electric clocks via mass production. The collection included wall and mantel clocks, and clocks for use in stores, windows, office buildings and terminals.
Bulova conducted the watch industry's first ever million dollar advertising campaign. Throughout the Depression years, Bulova supported retailers by offering Bulova watches to buyers on time-payment plans.
1935
Joseph Bulova, founder of Bulova Watch Company, died.
1941
Continuing its tradition of advertising firsts, Bulova aired the first television commercial: a simple picture of a clock and a map of the United States, with a voice-over proclaiming, "America runs on Bulova time." 1941 also marked the year that the Bulova Board of Directors adopted a resolution to manufacture products for national defense at actual cost. Throughout World War II, having perfected the skill of creating precision timepieces, Arde Bulova, Joseph's son, worked with the U.S. government to produce military watches, specialized timepieces, aircraft instruments, critical torpedo mechanisms and fuses.
1945
The Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking opened its doors to help disabled veterans learn watchmaking skills.
1948
Bulova began developing the Phototimer, a unique combination of photo-finish camera and precision electronic timing instrument.
1952
Bulova began developing Accutron, the first breakthrough in timekeeping technology in over 300 years. Accutron, the first fully electronic watch, promises to keep time to within 2 seconds a day.
1953
Recognizing a new trend in the watch industry, the self-winding and shock-proof watch, Bulova added more of this type of watch to its line. Also added this year is the Bulova Wrist-Alarm, an entirely new kind of watch.
1954
Bulova introduced the "Bulova 23," a self-winding, waterproof , 23-jewel watch with an unbreakable mainspring, made entirely in the United States.
1955
An A.C. Neilson Co. Survey revealed that Americans see more national advertising for Bulova products than for any other products, in any other industry, in the world.
1956
Bulova completed negotiations to co-sponsor the Jackie Gleason Show, a one-hour live television show airing Saturday nights from eight to nine o'clock. This is the first time in history that any watch or jewelry allied industry has made a sponsorship commitment of such magnitude.
1959
Bulova offered an unprecedented 1-year warranty on all of its clock radios.
1960
NASA asked Bulova to incorporate Accutron into its computers for the space program. Bulova timing mechanisms eventually became an integral part of 46 missions of the U.S. Space Program. Also in 1960, Bulova reintroduced its redeveloped Phototimer clock, improved with updated photographic and electronic technologies. It featured an infrared sensing element patterned after those used on heat-seeking missiles. Mounted on the starter's pistol, the Phototimer sensed the flash of the gun and started a timer clock at the same instant that the runners left their marks.
1961
Accutron, the first watch to keep time through electronics, was introduced. It was the most spectacular breakthrough in timekeeping since the invention of the wrist watch. This revolutionary timekeeping concept of a watch without springs or escapement is operated by an electronically activated tuning fork. The Accutron watch went on to become a presidential gift to world leaders and other dignitaries. President Johnson declared it the White House's official "Gift of State."
1962
The Accutron Tuning-fork watch became the first wristwatch certified for use by railroad personnel. 1962 is also the year that Bulova introduced its Caravelle line of jeweled watches. Designed to retail at $10.95 to $29.95, Caravelle competed with non-jeweled watches in the same price range.
1967
Accutron clocks were the only clocks aboard Air Force One.
1968
The Bulova Satellite Clock, the world's first public clock to display time controlled by time signals broadcast by orbiting satellites, was inaugurated by Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, President of Mexico. The clock was installed atop the Torre Latino Americana, Mexico's tallest skyscraper. 1968 also marked the year that Caravelle became the largest selling jeweled-movement watch in the United States.
1969
An Accutron watch movement was part of the equipment placed on the moon by Apollo 11 astronauts, the first men on the moon. A Bulova timer was placed in the moon's "Sea of Tranquility" to control the transmissions of vital data through the years.
Bulova introduced the Accuquartz, the first quartz-based clock.
1970
The Bulova Accuquartz men's calendar wristwatch became the first quartz crystal watch sold at retail in the United States. Designed in 18 karat gold, it retailed for $1,325.
1973
Three specially designed Accutron portable alarm clocks were placed on board NASA's Skylab, the world's first space laboratory, launched from Cape Kennedy. Also this year, Bulova won the world's first design competition for solid-state digital watches at the Prix de la Ville de Geneve watch-styling competition, the world's most prestigious international watch styling competition. Bulova also won two of the three honorable mentions awarded at the competition.
1976
Bulova introduced its line of Accutron Quartz movement watches for men. Also that year, the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum opened. Exhibits included a display replicating the NASA Skylab, including an Accutron "space alarm" clock, identical to ones mounted onboard the actual Skylab.
1977
Bulova introduced its line of Accutron Quartz movement watches for women.
1979
Bulova became a subsidiary of Loews Corporation.
1983
The Bulova Dimension was unveiled. It was the worlds thinnest wall clock, measuring in at just 5/8 of an inch.
1986
Bulova introduced its first miniature clock, creating a new category in clocks. Bulova went on to produce entire collections of miniature clocks, including limited-edition pieces and themed groupings.
1998
Bulova introduced the Millennia Collection, a group of watches featuring either innovative technology or materials. The collection included a solar group, watches powered by light; motion quartz, watches powered by the motion of the wearer's arm; and vibra-alarm, watches featuring two alarm mode options sound or vibration.
1999
Bulova added World Timer and Perpetual Calendar watches to the Millennia Collection.