A Legacy of Legendary Firsts
Bulova's American Dream
In New York City in 1875, Joseph Bulova set out to transform how the world experienced time. His bold vision became an enduring legacy of American ingenuity.
A Broadcasting Pioneer
From radio’s first ad to television’s first commercial, bold storytelling has always been part of our legacy. “America runs on Bulova time.”
Empowered by Women
From the creation of the first line of women’s wristwatches, including the Rubaiyat in 1917, to a legacy of empowerment through leadership has always been an integral part of our foundation.
Innovation
Bold engineering drives every breakthrough. Our proprietary Precisionist technology powered the world’s first curved chronograph movement, advancing precision, performance and design.
Explore Our Social Responsibility Initiatives
We Are Family Foundation, founded by legendary musician Nile Rodgers, is a nonprofit dedicated to building a global family—celebrating diversity and empowering young people making positive change. Bulova proudly partners with Rodgers on the Special Edition “We Are Family” timepiece, supporting the foundation’s mission.
A Century and a Half in the Making
For 150 years, Bulova has been a visionary leader of the watchmaking industry, igniting a series of iconic milestones in our nation’s history and transforming the way the world perceives time. Explore in depth some of our boldest moments.
A Century and a Half in the Making
For 150 years, Bulova has been a visionary leader of the watchmaking industry, igniting a series of iconic milestones in our nation’s history and transforming the way the world perceives time. Explore in depth some of our boldest moments.
The Founding Joseph Bulova opens a small jewelry shop on Maiden Lane in New York City. There, in the heart of the city’s jewelry district, he would forever change time.
Rubaiyat Watches for Women
Introduced in 1917, Rubaiyat marked Bulova’s first line of luxury timepieces designed exclusively for women. Named after the famed Persian poetry collection The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, the watches embodied grace, artistry, and innovation. A perfect blend of fine craftsmanship and feminine elegance.
First Radio Commercial Bulova airs the world’s first radio commercial: “At the tone, it’s eight o’clock, Bulova Watch Time.”
Clock Radio
Bulova invents the world’s first clock radio in 1928. This groundbreaking evolution in timekeeping was only natural given Bulova’s first-of-its-kind radio ad: “It’s 8 o’clock. It’s B-U-L-O-V-A Bulova watch time.”
First In Flight Charles Lindbergh makes aviation history, winning the Bulova prize for the first trans-Atlantic flight.
1927 - The Lone Eagle Watch
Bulova celebrates Charles Lindbergh’s historic transatlantic flight with the debut of the Lone Eagle watch. Released on June 17, 1927, it paid tribute to his pioneering spirit and precision in flight.
First Television Commercial Bulova runs the world’s first TV ad during a Brooklyn Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies game. The spot simply read: “America runs on Bulova time.”
The Accutron Revolution Bulova introduces the Accutron: the world’s first fully electronic watch, powered by a tuning fork and accurate to within one minute per month.
1960 - Accutron
Bulova releases the world’s first fully electronic watch, completely reinventing the way the world keeps time. Known for its superior accuracy, the Accutron’s foundational technology later became an integral part of the U.S. Space Program.
Space Age Achievement Accutron technology is used by NASA in spacecraft instruments and timing devices during the Space Race.
Accutron and the CIA Using the highly advanced Bulova Accutron Astronaut, the CIA develops the historic Lockheed A-12 high altitude, high speed reconnaissance aircraft.
For the past 150 years, Bulova has been at the forefront of American innovation. Ours is a rich history rooted in masterful design, and precision craftsmanship.
Carefully Crafted
Bulova timepieces have been engineered to provide years of use with minimal need for service. In the event that service is needed, your timepiece is covered by our 3-year limited warranty.