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Bulova introduced
its first line of
wristwatches in
1919. The company
grew and prospered,
and soon early
radio and
television ads were
declaring, "America
runs on Bulova
time." In the
1950s, continuing
its legacy of
innovation, Bulova
introduced
Accutron, the first
electronic watch,
and the first
breakthrough in
timekeeping
technology in over
300 years. The
Accutron timing
mechanism was later
adapted for use by
NASA computers and
a Bulova timer was
even placed on the
moon to control
transmissions of
data. Bulova
timepieces have
kept official time
aboard Air Force
One and have also
served as official
timepieces for U.S.
Olympic
teams.
Today, Bulova
maintains its
tradition of
excellence in
technology and
design, offering a
diverse collection
of beautiful
precision
timepieces for
every occasion.
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All about Bulova:
History: During the early 20th
century, Bulova produced desk and
boudoir clocks and pocket watches.
The company continued making clocks
but switched to men's wristwatches
during World War I, when the
convenience of men's watches worn
on the wrist was more widely
realized. During the Great
Depression, Bulova watches were
offered on a payment plan. After
World War II, the company
established a watchmaker school for
returning disabled veterans.
Early size and workmanship: Like
most watchmakers before the
mid-1950s, Bulova produced a line
of men's watches that were
typically square or rectangular,
with a subsidiary second hand and
Arabic numerals. Case backs were
often goldplated, gold-filled or
stainless steel. Bulova watches of
the 1930s and 1940s generally had
small dials, often measuring just
22 to 26 millimeters wide.
Movements usually featured 17 or 21
jewels. Women's Bulova watches came
on the scene in 1924, with a line
of diamond-accented luxury
wristwatches.
Features: American-made men's
and women's watches of the
pre-1950s shared similar movement
characteristics. Bulova excelled in
design, and its art deco-styled
watches from the 1920s to the 1950s
quickly became its signature style,
with clean flowing lines, stepped
ridges, black dials, art deco-style
numerals and its Right Angle line,
which tilted the watch on the wrist
to the wearer's line of sight.
Contemporary models: Most modern
women's and men's Bulova watches
are quartz, although a few are
offered with automatic or
mechanical movements. The BVA
series features a 21-jewel
automatic mechanical movement, a
clear case-back to display the
movement, stainless steel case and
a mineral glass crystal. Bulova's
Caravelle collection features
entry-level, inexpensive
pieces.
Accutron function: Bulova helped
usher in the quartz age by
producing the Accutron in 1960. The
Accutron watch uses a transistor,
battery and tuning fork to replace
the spring and balance wheel of
traditional watches. These advanced
watch parts produce a more accurate
watch.
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