Bulova Watches: History, Collections, and New Releases Celebrating 150 Years

When discussing Bulova watches, we refer to one hundred and fifty years of American history, a name that has traversed astronomical observatories, wartime factories, space missions, and skeleton dials that forever changed the way we read time. Founded in New York in 1875 by Bohemian immigrant Joseph Bulova, the brand is now part of the Citizen group and continues to present collections that unite technical heritage with contemporary design.

A History Measured in Achievements

Bulova began in a small Manhattan workshop and within a few decades became synonymous with precision: by 1927, the company had installed an observatory on the roof of a New York skyscraper to determine universal time. The turning point came in 1960 when Max Hetzel and the Bulova team launched the Accutron, the world's first watch with a 360 Hz tuning fork electronic movement: a revolution that reduced time deviation to about one minute per month and introduced the famous skeleton dial Spaceview, still an icon of the brand today.

The connection with NASA is the most fascinating chapter: Bulova collaborated with the American space agency for decades, providing onboard instruments for 46 missions between the 1950s and 1970s. The historic moment came on August 2, 1971, when Commander David Scott of the Apollo 15 mission wore a Bulova chronograph during the last lunar walk after the glass of his Omega Speedmaster had broken. That watch, auctioned in 2015 for over $1.5 million, represents the only privately-owned timepiece to have walked on the Moon.

Bulova Collections Today

In 2008, Bulova joined the Japanese Citizen group, maintaining its identity and facilities, and today offers a range articulated in collections with distinct character. Among the most beloved lines of Bulova watches:

• Lunar Pilot: the reissue of the Apollo 15 mission chronograph, now available with a 43.5 mm case faithful to the original and a high-frequency Precisionist NP20 quartz movement at 262 kHz, ensuring a deviation of only a few seconds per month.
• Oceanographer: the diver with a strong vintage vocation, inspired by the 1972 Devil Driver, featuring vibrant color cases, bezels, and dials with automatic movement.
• Precisionist: the collection that boasts the 262 kHz quartz movement, recognizable by the second hand that sweeps smoothly like a mechanical one.
• Marine Star: sporty watches born from the brand's nautical tradition, with robust cases and high water resistance.
• Aerojet: a more classic line with the characteristic quartered dial, a legacy of the 1950s collaboration with Pan Am.
• Octagon: watches with bold design, recognizable for their geometric bezel and integrated bracelet, strongly trending in 2025.

150th Anniversary New Releases

The year 2025 marked an important milestone: 150 years of Bulova. To celebrate, the maison introduced the Lunar Pilot Timascus, a limited edition that for the first time uses Timascus (a multicolored damascus titanium alloy) as the dial material, created in collaboration with Brazilian artist Thiago Rosinhole. Also in 2025, the MIL-SHIPS «150th Anniversary» was launched, paying homage to one of the most iconic military prototypes in the archives. Other novelties include the Shelby Racer Limited Edition chronograph with Bullhead design and millisecond chronograph, the summer pop Snorkel, and the Mediterranean character Octagon Verde. The price range, generally between 300 and 1,500 euros, makes Bulova an ideal gateway to quality watchmaking.

Who Are Bulova Watches For?

Bulova watches are perfect for those seeking a timepiece with documented history, recognizable design, and reasonable prices. They are an excellent first choice for those wanting to enter the world of technical and historical watchmaking, but also a smart addition to the collection of those who already own more prestigious pieces. At Cicala in Genoa, you will find a complete selection of the Bulova collection with the official warranty of an authorized dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bulova Watches

Is Bulova still an American brand?

Bulova was founded in New York in 1875 and has maintained its American headquarters. Since 2008, it has been part of the Citizen Watch Co. group but retains its identity, design, and historical U.S. archives.

Which Bulova went to the Moon?

The manually wound chronograph worn by Commander David Scott during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971: a prototype made by Bulova specifically for space use, now a museum piece. The Lunar Pilot model in the catalog is its modern reissue.

What is the Precisionist movement?

It is a patented Bulova quartz caliber that oscillates at 262 kHz, eight times the frequency of standard quartz, with a deviation of only a few seconds per month and a continuously sweeping second hand, similar to that of a mechanical watch.

Are Bulova and Accutron the same brand?

Accutron was born as a technology and then as a Bulova collection in 1960. Since 2020, it has been spun off as an independent brand producing watches with modern electrostatic movement, while Bulova continues to develop its historical collections.

Where to buy a Bulova in Genoa?

Gioielleria Cicala is an authorized Bulova dealer in Genoa, with a complete selection of Lunar Pilot, Oceanographer, Marine Star, and Octagon at the boutiques in Pegli and Via San Vincenzo.