Bulova's incredible history
If you have not seen TGV's recent YouTube video about the Bulova Museum in the Empire State Building, it is definitely worth watching. I must admit I didn't know too much about Bulova's history other than the Accutron and Elvis, but I learned a lot about their amazing contributions to horology. Most of their current offerings do not resonate with me, but I gained an appreciation of their back catalogue as well the watches in their Archive Series. The interviews in the video of the museum curators are really captivating and as always TGV does an incredible job telling the story. Here is a link if you want to check it out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3Qz8uzFZxU
What do you think of Bulova? I might have to add this Chronograph A Surfboard to my collection! 😮
I got into collecting to explore American watch brands. I was first attracted to the mid-century design aesthetic of Hamilton. It was the first watch that I ever bought myself, something from about 1960. I then went down the list and acquired Gruen, Elgin, Waltham, Helbros, Benrus, and Bulova. Timex you acquire almost by accident.
I think that the Golden Age of American watchmaking was relatively short, maybe 30 years, from 1940 to the first wave of Hong Kong Imports in the late 1960's. Standing back now after a few years, I think that nothing is as solid as a pre-1958 Gruen or as adventurous as a Hamilton. But, the King of the American Watch is Bulova. My ardor for other American brands has cooled. Bulova combined style, quality, and innovation.
I don't care for what it is today. But, in its prime Bulova was King.
The first vintage watch I wore was my grandfather’s Bulova from the 1920’s when I was still in high school back in the early 80’s. It disappeared right around the time my ex-wife moved out before the divorce. LOL
That may have been the proximate cause of me collecting vintage Hamilton watches when I finally discovered that disposable income was a real thing.
I got into collecting to explore American watch brands. I was first attracted to the mid-century design aesthetic of Hamilton. It was the first watch that I ever bought myself, something from about 1960. I then went down the list and acquired Gruen, Elgin, Waltham, Helbros, Benrus, and Bulova. Timex you acquire almost by accident.
I think that the Golden Age of American watchmaking was relatively short, maybe 30 years, from 1940 to the first wave of Hong Kong Imports in the late 1960's. Standing back now after a few years, I think that nothing is as solid as a pre-1958 Gruen or as adventurous as a Hamilton. But, the King of the American Watch is Bulova. My ardor for other American brands has cooled. Bulova combined style, quality, and innovation.
I don't care for what it is today. But, in its prime Bulova was King.
Bulova's history is absolutely incredible. I really don't understand why they don't leverage it better.
The first vintage watch I wore was my grandfather’s Bulova from the 1920’s when I was still in high school back in the early 80’s. It disappeared right around the time my ex-wife moved out before the divorce. LOL
That may have been the proximate cause of me collecting vintage Hamilton watches when I finally discovered that disposable income was a real thing.
In my humble opinion, I think Bulova, Hamilton and Ball were at the pinnacle of American watchmaking.
In my humble opinion, I think Bulova, Hamilton and Ball were at the pinnacle of American watchmaking.
I have never really considered Ball with the rest. Ball often resold Elgins or Hamiltons with their branding. Ball has a place in the history due to its relationship with railroads, but I don't think that they had the reach of other brands. By the end of the 1950's Elgin had sold more watches than any number of other companies combined. If Elgin was Chevrolet, Ball was Pierce-Arrow. And none of them have been American for a long time.
I have never really considered Ball with the rest. Ball often resold Elgins or Hamiltons with their branding. Ball has a place in the history due to its relationship with railroads, but I don't think that they had the reach of other brands. By the end of the 1950's Elgin had sold more watches than any number of other companies combined. If Elgin was Chevrolet, Ball was Pierce-Arrow. And none of them have been American for a long time.
I didn't realize that Elgin was as prolific as you say, thanks for sharing.
I have never really considered Ball with the rest. Ball often resold Elgins or Hamiltons with their branding. Ball has a place in the history due to its relationship with railroads, but I don't think that they had the reach of other brands. By the end of the 1950's Elgin had sold more watches than any number of other companies combined. If Elgin was Chevrolet, Ball was Pierce-Arrow. And none of them have been American for a long time.
Agreed. Ball was outlier in American watchmaking. It seems like more of a label than a manufacturer.
I didn't realize that Elgin was as prolific as you say, thanks for sharing.
For a while Elgin produced half of all U.S. watches made, over a million a year.
That's why the U.S. vintage market is flooded with them.
Really wish Bulova made the Lunar Pilot a bit smaller 42mm or 40mm that would sell more. I would had one long time same with the Accutron. they should make them slight improvement they would profit and gain more recognition.