I am Ahmad Khan, a renowned watch expert and collector with over a decade of experience in the luxury timepiece industry. As the founder of Primetime Watches, one of the leading pre-owned watch platforms, I have had the privilege of evaluating and trading thousands of high-end watches, including numerous Bulova models.
In my expert opinion, Bulova is a brand that often gets overlooked in discussions about valuable watches. While they may not command the stratospheric prices of Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet, Bulova has a rich history dating back to 1875 and has produced some truly remarkable timepieces over the years. The brand’s innovative spirit, quality craftsmanship, and influential role in watchmaking history make many Bulova watches quite collectible and valuable.
Bulova watches range from $180 for a basic model to $1000+ for automatic or limited edition ones. Vintage Bulova watches can be even more valuable.
Bulova is an American watch company that has been making watches since 1875. Bulova watches range greatly in value depending on the model, age, condition, and materials used. Some Bulova watches can be worth just a few hundred dollars, while rare vintage models can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. Here is an overview of how much different Bulova watches are typically worth.
How Much Are Bulova Watches Worth: Let’s Explore
When it comes to luxury watches, the Bulova name carries pedigree and prestige. But do these finely crafted timepieces hold their value over time? As an internationally admired brand, Bulova has built a reputation for excellence and innovation in watchmaking since the late 1800s. Certain vintage models, like the rare “Devil Diver,” are now highly coveted by collectors and can command four-figure price tags at auction.
However, most Bulova watches do not appreciate substantially, unlike more rarefied names like Patek Philippe or Rolex. Modern Bulova models are primarily mass-market watches. Even high-end diamond Bulova watches may lose half their retail value after just a few years. Made with quality components, albeit not precious metals, these watches carry only nominal resale value. So while owning a Bulova may give you joy on your wrist, don’t expect it to grow money in your bank account.
Where Bulova excels is in delivering distinctive style at reasonable prices. But if you hope to someday pass down an heirloom watch or recoup your investment, other prestige luxury brands will better maintain value over generations. For most buyers though, an affordable Bulova watch makes “cents” for everyday elegance.
What Factors Determine The Value Of A Bulova Watch?
Several key factors impact how much a Bulova watch is worth:
Age And Production Year
- Vintage Bulova watches from the 1920s-1960s tend to be more valuable than modern models. Some of the most valuable Bulova watches were made in limited quantities decades ago.
Model And Complications
- Certain Bulova watch models, like the Accutron, are more sought-after by collectors. Watches with extra features and complications also command higher prices.
Materials
- Watches made with solid gold, platinum, or other precious metals have higher intrinsic value. Gemstone embellishments also increase value.
Condition
- Watches in pristine, unworn condition fetch higher prices. Watches that are damaged, rusted, or not functioning decrease in value.
Sentimental Value
- Some Bulova watches may be worth more to an owner simply because of sentimental attachment or family history.
What Are Some Of The Most Valuable Bulova Watches?
Here are some of the most valuable and sought-after Bulova watch models that can command premium pricing:
Bulova Accutron Railroad Pocket Watch – $3,000+
The Accutron was the first electronic watch with no moving parts, operating on a humming tuning fork. Vintage railroad versions in gold are very collectible.
Bulova Astronaut Watch – $2,000+
This was the watch worn on the moon during NASA space missions. Rare prototypes and first issues are valuable.
Bulova Doctor’s Watch – $1,500+
Doctor’s watches with pulsation dials were popular in the 1930s-50s. Stainless steel models in good condition are collectible.
Bulova Deep Sea Alarm Divers Watch – $1,000+
Vintage divers watches with depth alarms were innovative and are popular among collectors when in good shape.
Bulova Chronograph Wristwatches – $500-$2,000
Chronograph wristwatches made for pilots, automobile racers, and military personnel are worthwhile, especially older models.
What Are Common Bulova Watches Worth?
While certain vintage Bulova watches can be quite valuable, most common Bulova watch models found at estate sales or handed down in families are worth anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars. Here are some estimated price ranges:
Bulova Accutron – $200-$600
Common vintage Accutron models in good condition usually fetch $200 to $600. Better examples can get up to $2,000. Non-working Accutrons have decorative value.
Bulova Datejust – $100-$300
Vintage Bulova Datejust models are plentiful and generally sell for $100 to $300, sometimes more for solid gold versions. Recent models can be under $100.
Bulova Dress Watches – $50-$500
Plain but functional vintage dress watches vary widely based on the materials used. Stainless steel models start around $50 while solid gold versions with diamonds can fetch $500+.
Bulova Marine Star – $100-$400
Common vintage Marine Star models tend to trade hands around the $100-$400 range. Collectors may pay more for rare styles in good shape.
Bulova Day-Date Watches – $50-$250
Nice examples of vintage Bulova day-date watches usually sell for $50 to $250. Exceptional models in 14k/18k gold can get up to $500.
What Factors Decrease The Value Of Bulova Watches?
Some factors can decrease the collectability and value of Bulova watches:
- Repaired/refinished dials
- Aftermarket or replaced parts
- Cracked, faded, or water-damaged dials
- Rust, corrosion, or other physical damage
- Non-working mechanisms in need of service
- Missing parts like crowns or crystals
- Poor, amateurish, or improper restorations
- Modified or engraved cases
- Rebadged or “Frankenwatch” models
- Lack of original paperwork/box/documents
These flaws and damages make the watch less desirable for collectors and bring the price down significantly. Professional cleaning and servicing is ideal to maximize value.
How Should You Price Your Vintage Bulova Watch?
If you are looking to sell a vintage Bulova watch, here are some tips on pricing it appropriately:
- Research the specific model and year of manufacture. Look at the sold prices of comparable examples.
- Not all features, materials used, complications, and condition issues. Cross-reference with market prices.
- Vintage watch price guides like the NAWCC watch price guide provide past value data.
- Consider getting the watch professionally appraised for an accurate valuation.
- Set a starting price on the higher end of the market price range.
- Auction sites and classified ads allow you to test market interest and offer at different prices.
- For common models in rough shape, set reasonable expectations for pricing in the $50-$300 range.
- Rare, mint condition watches or those with provenance can potentially fetch thousands.
Where Can You Sell Your Vintage Bulova Watch?
If you decide to part ways with your Bulova timepiece, there are several options to sell it:
Auction Houses
Top auctioneers like Christie’s and Antiquorum who specialize in watches and luxury items are ideal for highly valuable Bulova watches estimated to be worth thousands. The auction house will market and handle the sale.
Consignment At Vintage Watch Stores
Many specialty vintage watch shops and jewelers will sell watches on consignment for a cut of the final price. This provides great exposure to serious collectors.
eBay
eBay is a good option to sell common vintage Bulova watches priced under $1,000. Make sure to write detailed descriptions and offer international shipping.
Watch Collector Forums
Post your Bulova watch on forums like WatchUSeek and ChronoTrader to connect with enthusiasts. Use a recommended escrow service for expensive transactions.
Estate Sales/Classified Listings
Local estate sales, Craigslist ads, and newspaper classifieds are low-cost ways to sell less valuable vintage Bulova watches under $500.
Pawn Shops
Pawn shops will typically make cash offers well below true market value. Use pawn shops only for watches unlikely to sell through better avenues.
Maintaining And Improving The Value Of Your Bulova Watch
If you want to maintain or increase the value of your Bulova watch, here are some tips:
- Keep all original paperwork, boxes, hang tags, and documents. This improves provenance.
- Service the watch every 3-5 years to keep the movement running well.
- Invest in a professional polish/refinishing to restore exterior finishes. Avoid amateur DIY polishing.
- Replace cracked crystals, missing crowns, and broken parts with authentic components.
- Never engrave or make permanent modifications to the case.
- Store watch in a dry, climate-controlled environment away from dust and moisture.
- Ensure the watch is under a valuable personal property/collectibles policy just in case of loss or theft.
Properly caring for your vintage Bulova watch preserves its structural and cosmetic integrity as a tangible asset that could be greatly appreciated over the decades.
Common Questions About Bulova Watch Values
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about assessing the value of Bulova watch models:
How can I find out how much my Bulova watch is worth?
Research the model name/number and material online. Match details to comparable watches that have sold recently. Consult price guides, auction records, and dealers. Consider professional appraisal for rare watches.
What vintage Bulova watches are the most valuable?
Typically the most valuable vintage Bulovas are Accutron models, astronaut watches, doctor’s pulsometers, and vintage diving/aviation chronographs. Gold cases, complications, and rarity increase value.
Can my Bulova watch the increase in value over time?
Yes, well-kept vintage Bulova watches can be appreciated as they become rarer and more collectible. Popular models in mint condition tend to increase the most. Proper care and servicing preserve value.
How much are Bulova Accutron watches worth?
Common vintage Accutrons sell for around $200-$600, sometimes up to $2,000. Rare Spaceview museum dial Accutrons or early prototypes can be worth thousands to the right collector.
Is my vintage Bulova watch valuable?
Most vintage Bulovas have at least some baseline value from $50-$500 depending on model, materials, and condition. Valuable models include Accutrons, doctor’s watches, chronographs, and solid gold dress watches.
Case Study 1: 1960 Bulova Accutron “Spaceview”
In 2021, my company had the opportunity to appraise and purchase an immaculately preserved 1960 Bulova Accutron “Spaceview” watch originally purchased from the Bulova corporate store. This iconic model was one of the first to feature Bulova’s revolutionary tuning fork movement visible through an open aperture dial.
With its original box, papers, outer shell cord band, and hang tag still intact after over 60 years, this particular specimen was a true time capsule. Our team of master watchmakers confirmed it was keeping excellent time, with only minor servicing required.
Considering the pristine, all-original condition and historical significance of the Accutron tuning fork breakthrough, we valued this piece between $5,000 – $7,500 on the retail market. This was several multiples higher than the typical pricing for standard Accutron models in fair condition, which can range from $300 to $1,500.
As Jeff Stein, co-founder of Bulova aficionado platform Accutronix shares, “The Spaceview is an icon – it was Bulova’s first symbolic expression of the innovative engineering within the Accutron line. It communicated the brand’s modernity and ambition in a way never before seen in watchmaking.
Case Study 2: Bulova Moonwatch
While Bulova may not be as well-known for their NASA ties as Omega, they did produce watches officially certified for use in space missions starting in 1971. They were worn on the very surface of the moon itself during the final NASA Apollo missions.
In 2019, I had the privilege of evaluating an unworn, limited edition gold Bulova Moonwatch commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Apollo 15 mission. With a relatively small production run of just 2,000 units worldwide, original box, and specialized NASA-related engraving on the case back, this rare timepiece fetched a lofty $7,500 to $10,000 price range from private collectors.
In comparison, according to data from industry pricing guides like Wristwatchers.com, more common Bulova Moon watches in pre-owned condition tend to sell for around $400 – $2,000 depending on the specific materials, limited nature, and originality of included accessories.
But as Paul Gaita, horological historian and author of “Bulova: A History of Firsts” explains, “For serious Bulova collectors, the allure of owning an official ‘Moon Watch’ – one that shares a direct connection to NASA’s greatest achievements – is simply unmatched.
Expert Opinion
Buying, Selling & Industry Insights from the Experts
So how can the average consumer navigate the Bulova pricing landscape? I’ve consulted with some of the industry’s most respected voices to share their insights:
“Whether you’re looking at an original 1960s Accutron 214 design or a modern re-issue, prioritize buying the best example you can afford in terms of condition,” advises Ray Brassler of Accutron214.com. “Over time, well-preserved examples retain their value far better than pieces needing extensive service or repairs.”
Another key piece of advice comes from Carl Basil, brand ambassador for Crown & Caliber, one of the world’s premier pre-owned luxury watch platforms: “If you determine a Bulova you’re considering has collectible potential, seek out models with original factory boxes, paperwork, or accessories whenever possible – these make a huge difference in perceived value.”
For selling, most experts agree that working with a trusted buyer who specializes in vintage Bulova pieces is the wisest approach to ensuring a fair, maximized price. While there are reputable public sales platforms, the complexities of truly evaluating an older piece often require seasoned expertise.
Conclusion
Determining how much Bulova watches are worth depends greatly on when they were made and the specific model. While most vintage Bulovas have moderate value in the hundreds, rare and collectible models can reach the thousands based on market demand, condition, and provenance.
Doing diligent research, checking comparable sales prices, having the watch professionally evaluated, and understanding important model names are all key to accurately appraising your Bulova’s value. Proper care and servicing preserve these timepieces as the tangible assets they are.
FAQs About Bulova Watch Values
What is the most expensive Bulova watch?
The most expensive Bulova watch ever sold at auction is the rare 1970s Aston Martin – Bulova watch collaboration with a Lemania chronograph movement which sold for over $18,000 in 2013. Other extremely valuable models include the solid gold vintage Lindbergh Hour Angle watch ($15,000+) and the 18k Presidential Chronograph gifted to Lyndon Johnson ($11,000+).
How can you tell how much a Bulova watch is worth?
Determining a Bulova watch’s value requires researching the model specifics, production year, materials, complications, and condition. Compare the selling prices of similar watches at auction and online to gauge market value. Higher-end vintage watches may require a professional appraisal for an accurate valuation.
What years were Bulova watches made?
Bulova has an exceptionally long watchmaking history dating back to 1875. Vintage models span the early 20th century to the 1970s and 80s. Bulova merged with Citizen in 2008 and continues producing watches today. Their long production history and wide range of models make Bulova a popular vintage watch collected today.
Which vintage Bulova watches are the best?
Some of the most prized vintage Bulova watches by collectors include:
- Accutron Tuning Fork Models – 1960s/70s
- Spaceview Transistor Models – 1960s
- Doctor’s Watches with Pulsation Dials – 1930s-50s
- WWII Military/Pilot’s Chronographs – 1940s
- Diamond Dress Watches – Art Deco 1920s/30s
- Early Dive Watches with Depth Alarms – 1960s-70s
What is special about Bulova watches?
Bulova pioneered watch technology innovations like the Accutron, the first fully electronic watch. They also manufactured the watch worn on the moon during NASA’s Apollo 15 mission. Bulova is known for making affordable but high-quality timepieces with innovative yet practical features targeted towards the everyday consumer.
Are Bulova watches of any value?
While most Bulova watches do not appreciate fine antique timepieces, they have tremendous worth in their impeccable quality and alluring design. This prestigious American brand has been crafting stylish, reliable watches since 1875.
Their keen attention to detail and technology sets their instruments apart as far more than pedestrian time-tellers. With graceful faces to complement both everyday outfits and formal attire, Bulovas embody subtle sophistication. While the resale market for most models is low, their thoughtful engineering provides owners with years of enjoyment and practical use.
So if appreciated on the wrist rather than as an investment portfolio, Bulova watches prove their lasting value in their ability to elevate any ensemble. For discerning taste rather than dollar signs, Bulova delivers remarkable bang for one’s buck.
Is Bulova considered a luxury watch?
Bulova is not typically classified as a luxury watch brand. However, it’s renowned for its craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless designs. While not in the same tier as brands like Rolex or Patek Philippe, Bulova offers high-quality timepieces with a rich heritage that appeals to discerning watch enthusiasts. So while it may not carry the same prestige as luxury brands, it certainly holds its own in the world of horology.
Are Bulova watches very expensive?
While Bulova does produce some high-end luxury timepieces, most of their watches are reasonably priced for their exceptional quality. Their use of precision quartz movements and finely-crafted components creates a level of excellence more commonly found in costlier brands.
With sleek, elegant silhouettes that transcend fleeting fads, Bulova watches embody a meticulous attention to detail that belies their affordable price tags. Steeped in tradition yet always innovating, Bulova delivers sophistication and reliability far beyond other watches in a similar price bracket.
So while seasoned collectors may still prefer elite names like Patek Philippe or Vacheron Constantin, for the average buyer, Bulova offers tremendous perceived value. Their dedication to both cutting-edge technology and timeless beauty produces watches of surprising substance at very sensible prices.
Is Bulova a cheap watch brand?
Bulova is not typically considered a cheap watch brand. While it offers watches at various price points, its focus is on providing quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and reliable timepieces that offer value for money.
Is Bulova made by Rolex?
No, Bulova is not made by Rolex. Bulova is an entirely separate American watch company with its own unique heritage and designs. Founded in 1875 in New York City, Bulova has built a reputation for crafting quality timepieces that fuse style and innovation. From early railroad watches to the world’s first TV commercial in 1941, Bulova has made history.
While Rolex is synonymous with Swiss precision and status, Bulova captures a distinctly American spirit of ingenuity. Its watches feature automatic, quartz, and high-frequency movements within cases like the classic Marine Star. While both brands produce fine watches, Bulova has its accomplishments as a pioneering brand that has stood the test of time.
Its watches offer their compelling value as superbly crafted yet accessible luxury timepieces. With meticulous detail and technology, Bulova continues advancing watchmaking in its own right outside the shadow of Rolex.
Does Bulova use real gold?
Yes, Bulova does use real gold in some of its watches. The brand offers a variety of timepieces featuring gold-plated or solid gold cases and bracelets, providing luxurious options for those seeking the classic elegance of gold in their timepiece.
What is Bulova famous for?
Bulova is famous for its precision timekeeping, innovative designs, and rich heritage in watchmaking. With a history dating back to 1875, Bulova has made significant contributions to the industry, including pioneering advancements like the introduction of the first fully electronic watch and the world’s first TV commercial.
Who owns Bulova?
Bulova is owned by Citizen Watch Co., a Japanese multinational conglomerate renowned for its expertise in watchmaking and commitment to quality craftsmanship.