Bulova: the underdog darling of vintage watch collectors

All the juicy details of this hot girl brand.

Bulova has always been that guy at the party. Cool, low-key, wearing something effortlessly stylish while the rest shout about their limited editions. Founded in New York in 1875 – yes, it’s American, but the kind we like. Bulova has spent the last century quietly doing its own thing — innovating, experimenting, and occasionally creating some absolute cult classics.

Before quartz was a glimmer in anyone’s battery-powered eye, Bulova was already pushing boundaries. They were the first to air a radio commercial in 1926, and the first to launch a TV ad in 1941. While Swiss brands were polishing their precious metals, Bulova had their eyes on space. Literally. A Bulova chronograph even hit the moon during the Apollo 15 mission. Today, that lunar legacy is a flex they’re finally owning, with reissues that are actually… great?

Fast forward to now, and Bulova’s back on collectors’ radars, especially in the vintage scene. Once overlooked by snobbier segments of the watch world, vintage Bulova pieces — especially from the early quartz era — are now finding love for their quirky designs, surprising quality, and just-left-of-mainstream appeal. Prices? Still pretty friendly, for now. But those days are probably numbered.

In a market full of brands screaming for attention, Bulova is playing a cooler, longer game. They're not chasing hype; they’re quietly reminding us they’ve been doing this longer than most, and in many ways, better.

So, if you’ve overlooked Bulova in your collecting journey, consider this your nudge. Whether it’s a space-age vintage piece or a modern collab that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Bulova’s got range — and a very real pulse.