As Bulova celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025, it marks a milestone that honours the legacy of its founder, Joseph Bulova, a man whose vision and pioneering spirit helped shape the global timepiece industry.
Joseph Bulova and the American Dream (1875-1912)
Joseph Bulova was born in 1851 in what is now the Czech Republic. As a young man, he immigrated to the United States, driven by the promise of opportunity in the rapidly growing city of New York. In 1875, just four years after arriving, he established a small jewellery store on Maiden Lane in Lower Manhattan, the heart of New York’s jewellery district. At this time, America was booming with industrial growth, and New York was becoming a hub for fashion, innovation, and commerce.
Joseph Bulova’s original focus was on fine jewellery, but he quickly noticed a rising demand for timepieces that were not only functional but also stylish and reliable. During this period, pocket watches were the norm, and while wristwatches were still a novelty, Bulova saw potential in developing them as a new market for men and women alike. As a skilled craftsman with an eye for quality and precision, he began producing his own line of timepieces. Unlike many others in the industry, Bulova was dedicated to consistency, ensuring that each piece he made met high standards of accuracy and design.
In 1912, Bulova’s passion for quality led him to establish a dedicated manufacturing facility in Bienne, Switzerland, one of the global centres of watchmaking. His decision to produce watches in Switzerland underscored his commitment to using the best materials and methods. This move allowed him to manufacture watches at a larger scale while ensuring precision, quality, and durability. The Bulova brand soon became associated with reliable and stylish timepieces that appealed to a growing American middle class.
Anticipating the growing popularity of wristwatches—especially as they gained traction with soldiers during World War I—Bulova launched a line of men’s wristwatches after the war. This was a bold move, as wristwatches were still considered somewhat unconventional, especially for men. However, with Bulova’s foresight, the brand capitalized on the trend, and demand for Bulova wristwatches soared.
Pioneering in Advertising and Mass Production
In addition to being a skilled watchmaker, Joseph Bulova was a forward-thinking businessman who recognized the power of advertising. In 1926, Bulova made history by broadcasting the world’s first radio commercial. With the slogan “America runs on Bulova time,” the brand positioned itself as a watch not only for the elite but also for everyday Americans, making timekeeping part of the national conversation. This innovative advertising approach helped solidify Bulova as a household name across the United States.
Joseph Bulova was also instrumental in advancing mass production techniques. In 1927, he introduced a method of standardizing watch parts, which allowed Bulova to achieve mass production without sacrificing quality—a revolutionary concept in an era when watches were typically handcrafted and bespoke. This made Bulova’s watches more affordable while retaining their accuracy and style, further broadening their appeal.
Though Joseph Bulova passed away in 1936, his legacy continued as the company built upon his foundational values of precision, innovation, and accessibility. Under the leadership of his son, Arde Bulova, the company continued to thrive, adapting its production during World War II to create precision timekeeping equipment for the American military. Bulova’s commitment to accuracy and durability helped solidify its reputation as one of America’s leading watchmakers.
Celebrating 150 Years: Honouring Joseph Bulova’s Vision
As Bulova celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025, the company is paying tribute to Joseph Bulova’s legacy with special collections that blend classic designs with modern technology. These anniversary models celebrate his impact on the watch industry, which includes firsts like the Accutron (the first electronic watch) and the Precisionist (one of the most accurate quartz watches ever made). By combining the traditional elegance of its heritage models with contemporary advancements, Bulova continues to honour Joseph Bulova’s commitment to craftsmanship, precision, and style.
Joseph Bulova’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and foresight. From a small jewellery shop in Lower Manhattan to a global watchmaking powerhouse, his vision has endured through changing trends and technological revolutions, influencing generations of watch enthusiasts around the world.
