Bulova Watches Reviews: Should You Buy One?

Quick question – what was the very first TV commercial?

Judging by the title, you might just have figured out the answer! Yes, the first TV commercial was of Bulova watches. That’s how Bulova changed the face of marketing.

When it comes to innovation and engineering, you just can’t ignore a name – Bulova! Not just from the perspective of watchmaking, but in an overall sense, Bulova is a true pioneer.

Don’t believe me?

Then, perhaps the twenty-four patents on watchmaking from the company should change your mind!

Bulova is an industry leader with a glorifying history of over 140 years. So, if someone ever confuses regarding the quality and craftsmanship of Bulova watches, show them these facts.

Still, you should check out the detailed article on the best Bulova watches before jumping onto any conclusion.

A Quick History of Bulova

As I said, Bulova isn’t another millennial brand popping up out nowhere. Their journey started back in 1875 by the hands of a young and ambitious 23-year-old immigrant – Joseph Bulova.

The young Bulova set up a shop in the New York City with a mission to design and develop supreme quality timepieces. He didn’t hesitate to make bold moves too.

For example, Bulova launched its first watchmaking plant in Biel, Switzerland, to deliver superior Swiss watches to the hands of the Americans. Later, he established two operations plants in Woodside and Flushing in New York.

He was curious and determined to innovate. To understand universal time more accurately, he set up an observatory in 1927.

By this time, Bulova became an industry giant with massive popularity. Their 1926 radio commercial and 1941 TV commercial marked the beginning of new era in marketing.

Bulova even became the official timepiece of American Airlines Inc. and Pan American World Airways.  

Bulova even takes the credit for developing phototimer technology in 1951 that revolutionized racing events.

The 1960s were even more glorious for the brand. They came up with a supreme-grade watch collection – Bulova Accutron. The Accutron movement was world’s first electronic watch!

The Accutron movement participated in 46 NASA space missions. CIA used their Accutron watches in the Black hawk Missions during the mid-1960s.

That’s not all!

Right now, Bulova Precisionist movement holds the record of being the most accurate movement. Their Curv collection of 2016 boasts of being the first curved chronograph movement.

Last year, in 2019, Bulova again made the headlines for their updated Accutron movement, which is the world’s first electrostatic movement.

As you can see, Bulova has a glorifying eventful history.

Oh, almost forgot!

The Japanese watchmaking giant, Citizen Watches, bought Bulova Watches in 2007!

Top 10 Best Bulova Watches: Ultimate Bulova Watches Review

Bulova Men’s Moonwatch – 96B251 – Best Bulova Watches

Back in 1975, the mission commander of Apollo 15 made lunar history. He is seventh man walking on the moon and had his personal Bulova Chronograph on his wrist on that mission.

45 years later, Bulova reinvented and reengineered that same watch. Thus, Bulova Men’s Moonwatch – 96B251 came to being.

This time Bulova included its finest weapon in arsenal in the watch – UGF movement with 262 kHz oscillation.

Yes, the Precisionist movement is bit superior but not by too much.

You’re getting surgical grade durability with a six-hand chronograph for timekeeping. Well, what can I say about the durability of a watch that went to the moon?

It’s damn durable and accurate!

Plus, you’re getting all of this at an astoundingly cheap price.

What more can we expect?

Product Specification

• Movement: UHF Quartz (262 kHz)
• Case Diameter: 45mm
• Case Thickness: 13.5mm
• Band Width: 22mm
• Case Material: 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel
• Bezel Material: 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Leather
• Approximate Weight: 141g (4.97 oz.)
• Water-Resistance: 5ATM (165ft.)
• Model Year: 2019

Notable Features

• Top-class proprietary UHF quartz movement with 262 kHz vibration frequency, eight-times greater than a typical quartz movement
• Six hand chronograph movement with three subdials
• Able to sustain lunar and anti-gravity environment
• Date display
• Anti-reflective sapphire glass protection
• Tachymeter bezel

Bulova Mens Marine Star – 98B104 – The Value Champ

Bulova watches have always been eye-candy. They rarely compromise with the design and looks. If you are looking for a watch that stands apart, Bulova Men’s Marine Star – 98B104 might just be the option!

The rose-gold IP stainless steel throughout the body looks elegant and posh. Nothing less than a top-end fashion accessory.

The ornamental guilloche dial only enhances the beauty of the watch!

When I first took a glance at the watch, I automatically presumed it to be luxury watch. But the price-tag fooled me!

 Bulova Mens Marine Star – 98B104 certainly is the value champ today.

However, the rubber band doesn’t sync well with design aesthetics. A leather strap or a stainless-steel link bracelet would’ve been a far better choice.

Product Specification

• Movement: Quartz
• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Case Thickness: 13mm
• Band Width: 22mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Rubber
• Approximate Weight: 125g (4.41 oz.)
• Water-Resistance: 10ATM (330ft.)
• Model Year: 2018

Notable Features

• Chronograph with three subdials
• Rose-gold ion plating on the case, bezel, and clasp
• Roman numerals on the hour markers
• Unique ornamental guilloche dial
• Date display
• Anti-reflective mineral glass protection

Bulova Men’s 96B175 Precisionist Stainless Steel Watch – Best Watch for Diving

Bulova Men’s 96B175 Precisionist Stainless Steel Watch screams out quality and class. This is one of Bulova’s finest creations to date.

First of all, this is a Precisionist Class watch that comes with world’s most accurate quartz movement. This newly developed quartz movement took the watch market by storm and you’re getting that superior technology here.

If that doesn’t satisfy you, then the four chronograph subdials should impress you. Also, the seamless flow of the sweeping second is true piece of art.

But that’s not the biggest feature of this engineering masterpiece. It’s a watch that withstands the immense pressure of water up to 300 meters. It’s certainly is one of the best water-resistant watches of the world.

If you are looking for quality, look no further!

Product Specification

• Movement: Three-Prong Torsional Resonator (Precisionist Class)
• Case Diameter: 46.5mm
• Case Thickness: 17.5mm
• Band Width: 24mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Stainless Steel
• Approximate Weight: 260g (9.14 oz.)
• Water-Resistance: 30ATM (990ft.)
• Model Year: 2018

Notable Features

• Chronograph with four subdials, measures 1/10-seconds, 1/100-seconds and 1/1,000-seconds up to 12 hours
• Three-prong quartz crystal oscillates at 262.144 kHz frequency
• Yellow constantly sweeping second hand
• Multi-layer carbon fiber dial for better water resistance
• Date display
• Curved mineral crystal protection that can withstand 30ATM atmospheric pressure
• Hex screws secure the bezel
• Tachymeter  
• Double-press foldover clasp that comes with safety lock

Bulova Men’s Stainless-Steel Analog-Quartz Watch with Leather-Crocodile Strap, Black, 20 (Model: 96B269) – Best Vintage Option

Okay, let’s talk about a timeless classic now! Bulova Men’s Classic Analog-Quartz Watch (Model: 96B269) would win the best vintage watch award from me.

There are two distinctive feature of this watch –

• Rectangular case
• Curved body

You can’t find such impressive traits too many watches. While the rectangular shape is a thing of the past, the curved body is a thing of the future.

Here, past and future meet hands together in this timepiece!

Product Specification

• Movement: Analog Quartz
• Case Height: 47mm
• Case Width: 31.3mm
• Case Thickness: 8.7mm
• Band Width: 20mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Embossed Crocodile-Grain Leather
• Water-Resistance: 3ATM (99ft.)
• Model Year: 2017

Notable Features

• Polished rectangular SS case
• Curved body
• Roman numerals on the axial hour markers
• Unique ornamental guilloche dial
• Date display on the 6 o’clock marker

Bulova Marine Star – 96B256 – Best Casual Choice

Bulova Marine Star – 96B256 is a perfect combination of sporty, functional, and rugged design principal.

The silver-toned stainless steel finish with the marine blue dial is instantly recognizable as a marine watch. There are many watches in this category, but Bulova Marine Star – 96B256 seems to be in a different class.

Plus, you’re looking at a rare item as Bulova discontinued the production. So, if you are collector, this watch should make you intrigued!

Product Specification

• Movement: Quartz
• Case Diameter: 43mm
• Case Thickness: 12mm
• Band Width: 20mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Stainless Steel
• Approximate Weight: 180g (6.4 oz.)
• Water-Resistance: 10ATM (330ft.)
• Model Year: 2016

Notable Features

• Chronograph with three subdials
• Silver-toned SS body with marine blue dial
• Date display
• Flat anti-reflective mineral glass protection
• Foldover closure with safety bar and extender

Bulova Men’s Grammy Watch Stainless Steel Analog-Quartz Silicone Strap, Black, 24 (Model: 98B294) – Most Fashionable Choice

Bulova somehow lost its former glory of being one of the leading watch manufacturers. Some even says that the brand is dying!

Just when you think that Bulova is becoming irrelevant, it sprang back to life!

A huge credit goes to their Grammy collection. Bulova Men’s Grammy Watch (Model: 98B294) got impressive feedback, especially from the younger consumers.

It’s a perfect combination of style and functionality. While the gold-black combination looks iconic with the official Grammy logo, the Precisionist movement offered functional superiority.

Plus, Bulova has included the toughness of Marine Star collection in it with 300-meter water resistance.

 Product Specification

• Movement: Three-Prong Torsional Resonator (Precisionist Class)
• Case Diameter: 46.5mm
• Case Thickness: 16.03mm
• Band Width: 24mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Silicone
• Water-Resistance: 30ATM (990ft.)
• Model Year: 2017

Notable Features

• Matte black dial with gold accents resembles the vinyl records
• Matte black IP (ion plating) case 
• Screw back case that has the Grammy logo on the back
• Precision class movement with 262 kHz vibration frequency
• Three-window date display
• Anti-reflective curved sapphire protection

Bulova Marine Star Black Dial SS Rubber Chrono Quartz Men’s Watch 98B223 – Best Sports Watch

Do you often break your watches because you can’t be too careful living an adventurous life?

Yes, I get it!

Your heart shatters every time you break a beautiful timepiece!

Well, Bulova Marine Star Black Dial SS Rubber Chrono Quartz Men’s Watch 98B223 should be the perfect solution to your case.

Every single feature of this watch is about toughness. The stainless steel body with rubber strap allows you to go on with your sporty lifestyle without the tension of breaking your watch.

Plus, you’re getting three chronograph subdials to perform extreme stunts!

Product Specification

• Movement: Quartz
• Case Diameter: 44mm
• Case Thickness: 13mm
• Band Width: 24mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Rubber
• Approximate Weight: 72.5g (2.56 oz.)
• Water-Resistance: 10ATM (330ft.)
• Model Year: 2014

Notable Features

• Chronograph with three subdials
• Black IP (ion plating) case 
• Luminous black hands
• Date display
• Scratch-resistant mineral protection

Bulova Men’s Marine Star Automatic Watch – 98A225 – Best Budget Automatic Watch

No matter what the quartz movement will always seem pale in front of the automatic movement. We all know the fame and glory of the automatic watches.

And guess what, Bulova knows it too.

Bulova Men’s Marine Star Automatic Watch – 98A225 might just be the perfect automatic watch if you’re in budget shortage.

All credit goes to their parent company Citizen watches!

Citizen’s Miyota movements are very popular among the entry-level automatic watches.

However, let me warn you – the Miyota automatic movement has a bad reputation in the market!

Plus, the automatic movement seems like the only notable feature of this watch.

More: Check our guide to Best Navy Seals Watches Here

Product Specification

• Movement: Automatic (Miyota 21 Jewel Self-Winding)
• Case Diameter: 45mm
• Case Thickness: 13mm
• Band Width: 24mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Rubber (Resin)
• Water-Resistance: 20ATM (660ft.)
• Model Year: 2019

Notable Features

• Automatic movement from Citizen Miyota
• Partial skeleton (heartbeat skeleton) dial
• Transparent caseback
• Secondary subdial second hand
• Scratch-resistant mineral crystal protection

Bulova Men’s 63C107 Gemini Analog Display Swiss Automatic Brown Watch – Highest Accuracy, Premium Option

Okay, what if you are planning to buy the very best watch from Bulova and money is just not the issue?

I can’t define any exact option matching the criteria but I have a close enough option for you. I’m talking about Bulova Men’s 63C107 Gemini Analog Display Swiss Automatic Brown Watch.

This is a true Swiss made watch with the Swiss automatic movement.

Yes, this combination is the holy grail in the watch industry!

Gemini 63C107 is a polished watch from top to bottom without room to complain!

However, it might be very tough getting your hands on this particular model. Bulova doesn’t make the Accutron watches anymore.

More: Citizen Watch Reviews: Are Citizen Watches Good?

Product Specification

• Movement: Swiss Automatic (Sellita SW500)
• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Case Thickness: 15mm
• Band Width: 20mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Leather
• Water-Resistance: 5ATM (165ft.)
• Model Year: 2011

Notable Features

• Genuine 25 jewel Swiss automatic (Sellita SW500) movement
• 28,800 vibration frequency (4 Hz)
• Automatic ball-bearing winding-mechanism
• Day-date display with corrector
• 60-second chronograph with 30-min and 12-hour counters
• Red and gunmetal hands and hour markers
• Anti-reflective sapphire crystal protection
• Exhibition caseback

Bulova Dress Watch (Model: 96C127) – Best Minimal Watch

Are you a fan of minimalistic watches like myself? Almost all the watches from Bulova is loaded with features. As a result, finding a minimalistic Bulova watch is quite hard.

From that perspective, Bulova Dress Watch (Model: 96C127) is a hidden gem.

The clean design and the silver-on-silver design principle quite fascinating. It has the charm of a minimal watch without sacrificing quality.  

More: The Best Automatic Watches Under $200: Watches with Highest Value

Product Specification

• Movement: Analog Quartz
• Case Diameter: 39mm
• Case Thickness: 10mm
• Band Width: 20mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Stainless Steel
• Approximate Weight: 137.8g (4.86 oz.)
• Water-Resistance: 3ATM (99ft.)
• Model Year: 2017

Notable Features

• Polished silver finish
• Day-date display
• Domed mineral glass protection

Is Bulova a Good Watch Brand?

This is a probably a burning question now. Everyone’s asking – is Bulova a good brand?

Yes.

Bulova watches are very well-received by the customers. The brand might not offer the best of the best watches. But their watches have decent quality.

So, why are people confused?

Simple!

Bulova watches are cheap!

Plus, with the Citizen ownership, people are even more skeptical of the product quality. But a brand with 140 years of history and a bagful of innovations can’t be a bad brand.

Despite being an American brand, their watches are made in Switzerland, Japan, and Hong Kong.

The Switzerland facility is responsible for the production of the high-end watches whereas the cheaper ones come from Japan or Hong Kong.  

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Are Bulova Watches Good? What do We like About This Brand?

There are a lot to love about Bulova watches.

For example, I am a big fan of their Precisionist movement. The three-prong torsional resonator vibrates at 262,144 Hz frequency whereas a typical quartz movement oscillates at 32,768 Hz.

The build quality of the watches is decent that will serve you for years to come. All of their watches come with 3-year limited warranty.

Bulova’s Marine Star collection has some remarkable watches that have 30ATM water-resistance. You can’t find such water-resistance performance in this price range.

Plus, when it comes to affordable or value brands, Bulova stands on top of the line.

Overall, I wouldn’t compare Bulova with the likes of Rolex or Omega. But compared to similar brands like Seiko and Citizen, Bulova is great option.

More: WeWood Watch Review: Worth the Money?

What Don’t We Like About This Brand?

Bulova certainly isn’t a brand without a flaw.

Before you finalize your decision, you need to do extensive research. Watches from different manufacturing plants have different quality level.

For example, if a Bulova watch comes from their Swiss facility, you can trust it wholeheartedly. But the same can’t be said about the Asian plants.

Then, some of the collections like the Harley Davidson collection have very poor build quality.

So, do your research beforehand.

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Conclusion

That’s the end of my Bulova reviews, today! So, which of the watches from Bulova deserves to be on the top three list?

I would place Bulova Men’s Moonwatch – 96B251 on the top of the list for bringing back the timeless classic design with superior Precisionist movement.

Then, Bulova Mens Marine Star – 98B104 holds the second place for offering maximum value. And, lastly, Bulova Men’s 96B175 Precisionist Stainless Steel Watch comes in the third place.