Bulova was originally founded in 1875 and is one of the longest running watch brands in the world. The brand was taken over by Citizen in 2007 and has been recognised all over the world for being a brand that suits everyone’s budget, regardless of what they are looking for.
So, are Bulova watches any good? A lot of watch collectors seem to think so! The Bulova brand may not be exactly high end, but it offers some good quality watches within their ranges. Their price range tends to be somewhere around $100 to $600, so there is something for those with a budget and those who are treating themselves.
Quality
In terms of the quality of Bulova watches, a lot of watch enthusiasts put the brand above brands such as Timex and Fossil, as well as other low-end Japanese watches. However, other watch collectors disagree with Bulova watches being high quality and see them as average at best, however it depends on the watch that you are directly comparing it to.
While the community is mixed when it comes to the quality, most will agree that the watches are priced correctly.
Movement
Most watch collectors that own a Bulova watch themselves tend to agree that the brand have made some very good watches over the years. Namely, the Accutron line which have many Gemini models that use the ETA 2892-A2 movement.
Many owners of Bulova like the brand for their interesting technology such as the Precisionist movement, which is a very high accuracy quartz movement which is known for its sweeping hand movement similar to automatics.
However, there are watch enthusiasts who think that the movements need some improvement. The ETA 2824 movements are very common for the lower end Swiss watches. Some even think that the move to have a new series that feature a Japanese Miyota automatic movement only jeopardises the brand, rather than strengthens.
Conclusion
As you can see, the community is very torn on whether Bulova is of high quality or not, but one thing that cannot be disagreed with is that they are good watches. While the steel that is used by Bulova is very common, the steel is of good quality.
A lot of owners of a Bulova watch love the brand for having hard wearing watches that are likely to last a lifetime with good and proper care.
I am highly dissapointed in my bulova watch. I bought it almost 3 years ago. The gold circles and numbers fell off the face of the watch. I did wear it everyday and received a lot of compliments on it..
Hey Amber, that’s the first I hear of that happening to any Bulova watch, so far mine have all been holding up really well. May I ask which model you had?
Matt, what model is in the photo for this article? thanks!
Hey Johnny, thanks for stopping by the WRB. That’s the famous Bulova Moonwatch Aka Lunar Pilot. We did a review on this watch with the black case you can view by clicking here.
I bought a Bulova watch for my husband is December 2021. The watch stopped working in February. I took it back to Daniel’s and was told I had to go through Bulova for the Warranty. Bulova had the watch for about 2 weeks when we finally heard back from them by email that the repairs would cost us around $600 and the watch cost just under $1000 new! They wouldn’t fix anything for free. I would give this watch a very bad review for quality and customer service.
Reading these comments haven’t seen one good review….. Matt how will you convenes me into buying a watch from you guys
We don’t sell watches Sean, just reviewing. Bulova is is great for the price point though! Cheers
Yes sir, I completely understand Matt. Thank you for the fast reply! I’m going to go ahead and purchase one and when it arrives I’ll make sure to shoot you a review of it. Thank you sir
I have a perpetual Motion bulova it retails for 475. It’s an awesome watch you probably got a fake. I just ordered another for 795 an octava. I have absolutely no concerns at all. I can afford higher end watches but I choose bulova over Rolex because I like bulova a lot better and they are better looking in my opinion.
I own two Bulova watches, a Marine Star and an Accutron and I love them both, great time pieces for under $500. That news about the face basically falling apart on Ambers watch makes me think it isn’t a genuine Bulova…?
Very possible Ambers is a fake, as I mentioned before Iv’e never had any issues with my Bulovas or even heard of any issues as severe as that.
I purchased a diamond and mother of pearl ladies bulova last christmas. I am happy with the design and performance, but unfortunately, I discovered , outside US they’re a little overpriced. What should’ve been only around $180, i paid around $290 for.
Hi Evelyn,
Are you talking about Bulova 96P191? If that’s the one I think what you paid for it is actually quite good! We did a review on it you may want to check out: https://www.watchreviewblog.com/bulova-96p191-classic-watch-review/
I just purchased a large heavy Bulova Pocket Watch 96B249 as a graduation gift for my grandson. When it arrived I found a sticker indicating that the movement is Japanese. There was also a Bulova tag that had a price of $699, but I paid $157 on Amazon. Clearly this is not a $700 watch…but my concern is whether it going to hold up and be the everyday keepsake I am hoping for? Should I return it for a different pocket watch?
Hey Gloria, that’s a great price and you shouldn’t be disappointed about your purchase. The 96B249 is a quality watch at an affordable price point. You can expect a reliable and accurate movement from it similar to Seiko. Don’t expect anything outstanding like what you would receive from a luxury watch such as Grand Seiko or Rolex of course.
I purchased a Bulova Automatic watch 96A170 a couple days ago and it is actually my first automatic mechanical watch and I want to use it as a daily watch but I have a big issue with its self-winding mechanism which has made me very frustrated. I don’t know how I can keep it running from the evening that I take it off until the next morning that I get ready to go to work. So far no matter how much I wind it, it’s not working when I wake up. Even though I read somewhere that it should preserve power for 40 hrs, I think I wound wound it 40 times around noon and it stopped working the next morning around 6 AM (18 hrs) so I really need to know how I can keep it working without purchasing a watch winder as I plan to wear it every day. I’ve been wearing my previous watch for 7 years. It was a Casio with battery and I hope this Bulova can be a good replacement as I really like the look and design.
Hey Hamid, the 96A170 should have a power reserve that lasts for at least 2 days. You may want to contact the shop you bought it from and ask about their warranty policy, perhaps they can replace the watch for you.
Does this “power reserve” also apply to the 96A187? I am having the exact same issue. Very disappointing for such a nice looking watch
Most automatics will require a FULL wind in order to have their power reserve working optimally. Assuming your Bulova can be hand wound, you should give it about 40 winds at the crown in the morning, then wear all day as usual. That should be more than enough to have it still running the following morning. After a few days more, it should be sufficiently wound where it can sit at least 24 hours. Obviously you will need a power reserve of 48+ hours for the watch to remain running from Friday night until Monday morning, if you plan to leave it off all weekend.
I’m not sure if you received my comment. I hope you did.
The Bulova Lunar Pilot is a lovely chronograph for the price, particularly with the smooth sweep seconds hand and the high accuracy quartz movement. The dial finishing is something quite special. An absolute bargain.
I also have a Langford dress watch with the outstanding Precisionist movement that gives a smooth sweep second hand with the convenience of a quartz movement.
These are NOT equivalent to Timex or cheap Citizens.
I broke the crystal on my Bulova watch and took it into my watch shop. I was informed that Bulova has to do the repair. Now I am waiting months for my watch.
You would think that since they require the repair to be done with them, they could at least do it in a timely manner.
This will be the last Bulova watch I buy.
Depending on the size & shape of the crystal, waiting months may not be unexpected.
Macy’s in Indianapolis has a watch shop that does wonders.
Don’t be mad at Bulova. They all can be slow, esp Invicta.
I just bought a Bulova watch for my husband through Fingerhut is that real?
Could you please “translate” 🙂 for me the specifications written on my Bulova A II pilot watch ?
TYPE A-II
SPEC NO.94.27834
SERIAL NO.AF 43 II 59 II
PART NO. 10 AKCSH
ORDER NO. W535AC53934
BULOVA WATCH CO
Thank you in advance for your kind help.
I just got the amazing 96A155 accutron ii alpha. I find it very unique, and i love its simplicity and semi skeletonized dial. I also have the curved 98A155 chronometer. Both have very fine quality details and i think they are both excellent watches for the price, both have special features that really draw attention. The price is so low for such a nice and special watch that i could never say they are not a good buy.
I recently bought a Curved two-toned Bulova watch Gold and Silver . I was contemplating returning it . My wife purchased it for me it was $500 and something I believe ? If I return it do you recommend another Bulova or a different brand ? I don’t want to get caught up in status because I know that Brands like Tag, Rolex, Movado , Breitling & Tissot just to name a few or better watches . But I don’t want to spend a Kings ransom on watches. I just want a quality nice looking forward watch to reasonably priced .
Bulova is far better than Movado or Tissot. I have owned all the watch brands, from Rolex, Breitling, to Citizen and Movados. Bulova is very under appreciated. Probably because it’s an American made company. The Swiss learned watch making from Americans.
I have the ladies 96r174 diamond which was brought as a gift for me two year ago. I love this watch but last week the glass fell out of it!! Not what I would expect and very disappointed
Bought two Bulova when I visit the US two weeks ago. A special edition Latin Grammy automatic wristwatch for my dad and another automatic for me. 500 and 600 usd each. Both are nice looking watches, automatic, sapphire glass and mine has 21 jewels. Love them. They look nicer than a Raketa i got from Moscow last year for a grand USD.
I just bought my son a Bulova CURV 96A206 in gunmetal for his 16th Birthday. Beautiful watch. I am an Omega guy personally but not for a 16 year old.
Hi.
Just bought a Bulovo 96B220 for 101 euro.
Good price and what do you think about the model?
Nice watch and good price!
The Bulova watch I bought stopped working after only 8 months. A lot of the UK links for their site don’t work but I finally got access to a returns form.
Bulova were slow to log the repair but eventually they said it was a battery problem and despite being under a 2 year warranty they wanted £23 for a new battery. Something that costs them less than 10p at trade prices and with no guarantee that it’ll last more then the 8 months of the original supplied battery.
When I got the watch back, not only did they not return the original packaging as requested but the inner glass has dust particles in it and the needles of the stopwatch were no longer aligned to zero.
I would’ve been better off with a cheap £10 unbranded watch.
I’ll definitely avoid Bulova and Citizen watches in future.
Another whiner.
Curious why someone having a bad experience with a product would upset other people on an emotional level, is this what a ‘fanboy’ means?
I recently acquired a Boluva Lunar Pilot as a gift. It was returned due to the top pusher being loose and rattling. I recieved the second watch and the hour hand is misaligned, let’s hope the third time is the charm.
What are your thoughts on a Bulova 98P174 watch for women? Got it on sale for $357. Retail price $595.
I bought the Bulova Accutron Surveryor II. The battery was dead within 2.5 years, which isnt so bad considering the high-beat movement. However, when I changed the battery, the local watch repairer said the circuitry in the movement was faulty. Very strange, it was never dropped, never been in water, well looked after. Not only did it depreciate a bit on the Used market, it more or less failed within three years. I have contacted Bulova for a replacement movement, not sure what this will cost now to fix!
I’ve owned quite a few brands, and I’ve never had a movement failure so quick. I don’t think I’ll buy from this brand again tbh.
I recently bought a bulova classic while on vacation and have never owned a dress watch ( up until now I only owned sports watches) and I gotta say this watch is amazing ! Wasn’t too expensive even for a 21 yr old and I’ve had many people compliment me on it !
I have a few watches in my collection…not really interested in spending a small fortune on larger name brands such as Tag, Rolex and the like but here are a few of my favorites. Love Bulova for their variety in styles and Raymond Weil for their sleek traditional look. Here are 2 of my favorites.
Raymond Weil tradition….sleek, light on the wrist and fits well under a fitted cuff shirt.
Bulova 96B156….great watch, one of the more statement pieces (based on size) I have and got a great deal at about $100, slightly used but no scratches or signs of wear.
Bulova offers both high and average quality watches. I bought one for daily usage for $250, and it was okay. And I bought another one for special occasions and I was impressed by its quality. It was the best in the new collection that costs me $1850. It is made of titanium with matt finish and 8 pieces of diamonds. However, the price is always fair for both the high and the average quality.
I am looking to purchase 6x Bulova 98H51’s for my groomsmen @ $130 CND a piece. I was reading a bit about their quality and seems fairly good for the price point. Thoughts?
The 98H51 would be an excellent choice for that use if you’re after a quality budget quartz piece. This model is on Amazon, you can check the price by clicking here.
For about ten years I have used a Bulova Millennium alarm watch. Now the alarm is not setting. The watch still works great. I took it to a repair. He said I would have to send it to Bulova. I called Bulova and was told not to send it because they no longer service them and have no parts. I cannot find anyone to work on it. I am now wearing a Bulova 23j. made in 1959 (great watch). Does anyone know where I can send my watch for repair?
Hi Matt, I’d like to know what do you thank about the bulova 98R274 for ladies. Thank You!
I have a bulova that has only needed new batteries over the years and I will have owned this watch 29 years this Christmas.
I own a Bulova Marine Star which i have had for only about 4 months and already it is heavily scratched which i am very disappointed…?
Should this be happening???
Not if you treat it so poorly.
Matt please can you reply to my message…?
Hi, I own 3 Bulova watches. 2 are Precisionist sweep second hand movements but the latest watch I bought through Amazon global store (98C128) ticks. Can you tell me if Bulova make a watch that ticks or have I been scammed?
I’ve just got a 96a206 for £120 which seems a bargain. I’m assuming this maybe the Miyota type you mentioned earlier? Works flawlessly as youd expect from new and I liked the design.
Hi, I’m seriously thinking about purchasing Marine Star for my husband for Christmas. Can you please give any feedback or review on it?
Hi Monique, it’s a nice watch but not overly unique. If you want something that provides more value with unique and cool designs have a look at some of our recently reviewed microbrands by clicking here.
Hmm, I stumbled upon your article, and I am kinda stumped.
Bulova was the first clock on the moon? Did you know that?
Second I own 4 of them. They are all in 1000 dollars range.
I do own a few Rolexes, but Bulova has a special place in my heart.
The stump part comes from 100 to 600$. Where? I buy all of them.
Good ones are not under a 1000$
I bought Bulova watch 96B220 in June 2019. In July of 2020, a screw that attaches the band to the watch broke off. After 15 months of dealing with customer service, they tell me:
Hi Dario,
We are contacting you to advise that the Screws for the Bezel on model 96B220 have been discontinued and there are no substitutes available.
We sincere apologize for the delayed notification.
Sincerely,
Marlene W.
Customer Care
When I told them I was very unhappy with this outcome, Marlene replied:
Hello Dario,
Thank you for your response and appreciate your feedback.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, we do have the entire case in stock at $48 plus tax and shipping. Did you want to order the entire case instead?
Sincerely,
Marlene W.
Customer Care
Now, you tell me, should I buy another Bulova watch again?
I have had my Bulova watch for several years, I wear it everyday and the only thing I have ever had to replace is the battery. My watch has been round the world with me on my travels. I quite frankly the best watch I have ever had.
I have a Bulova Accutron Quartz, gold on gold on gold. I have the case and box it came in. Never used or worn. I believe it was made around 1993 + or – a year or two. My dad got it as a work anniversary gift that year. It is engrave on the back so something I would not give away or sell. Just curious, what is the value of this watch?
My family has only purchased Bulova watches since the 1960 (grandfather and father ) Bulova has been purchased by Citizen watch of Japan) I recently has to send one of mine into Bulova service and was told that Bulova stops carrying parts for watches after 10 years. My watch s just over 10- years they said unfixable – and now its just a paperweight . I have stopped purchasing Bulova watches – What a loss These are fine watches that cost good money but if they break after 10 years they may not be repairable.
I bought a Bulova watch model no 98 A225 in May last year.
The crown on the watch unscrewed completely while trying to set the time, which I had to do as it was losing approximately 5 minutes a week, which I was ok with.
When I reported this , I was told it was my fault because I was the one who made the watch faulty.
After a bit of back and forth, we agreed to get the watch repaired at a lower price, even as the watch was in warranty.
I paid the repair cost in early April and was told it should be repaired by the end of that month.
Now I’ve had an email to say, there is no date when watch will be repaired.
I’ve now asked if a replacement watch can be sent, as the on going’s with this outfit is very shabby.
Buyers beware.
Bulova Parking Meter Limited Edition,
Great watch no problems so far, Japanese quartz, even if there was a issue it’s easy enough to buy a new movement to keep the watch running for many yrs, reliable and the quality is very good. Open a dozen different watch brands 10 times the price, Bulova do a great job at their price point.
Hi I am considering to buy the bulova 98D151, could you kindly give me your opinion. Thanks