Bulova 14K Rose Gold Watch Review

Bulova 14K Rose Gold Watch Review
by: Ben Tseytlin - on Vintage & Luxury Watches

This classic watch from Bulova symbolizes the iconic, elongated style which was popular during the 1940s. It is made from 14K solid rose gold and measures just over twenty one mm across without its crown. Although this particular timepiece was originally designed for males, today it can also be adorned by females.

Origins

Bulova was established in 1875, and originally incorporated as J. Bulova Company. Joseph Bulova, the founder, was an immigrant from Bohemia who wanted to launch a plant which was specifically dedicated to the development of watches, which he achieved in 1912. He developed a process of mass production which was new at the time, and by 1919 his company provided one of the earliest complete watch ranges for both men and women.

However, it was Bulova’s visual style which would allow it to become an international sensation. The watches were very precise and the company wisely invested some of its revenues into research and development. This allowed them to establish a skyscraper based observatory in 1927 near 5th Avenue which enhanced their ability to accurately tell universal time. Perhaps one of the Bulova’s greatest achievements was the creation of the Accutron watch, which revolutionized horology by utilizing resonating tuning as the method for regulating time keeping.

In 1923 Bulova joined Loews Corporation, and by 2007 the brand was purchased by Citizen. In addition to its manufacturing prowess, the company’s success in the U.S. can also be attributed to its marketing and advertising. For instance, it was one of the earliest watchmakers to recognize the importance of the radio and used it in 1926 to market its products to millions of Americans. Charles Lindbergh, the first pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic, was awarded a Bulova. The company has also stated that it was one of the first manufacturers to provide electric clocks starting around 1931,

During the 1940s the company became distinct for its rectangular watch plates, which few other watchmakers used at the time, and Bulova made history by being the very first watchmaker to run a television ad in July of 1941, during a baseball game between Philadelphia Phillies and Brooklyn Dodgers. These efforts enabled the company to stay ahead of the competition while building market share which is today worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Features

The dial of this vintage watch has an exquisite grain copper background with steel hands colored in blue and purple. It has been maintained in pristine vintage condition and the movement is the Bulova Caliber #7AK. This timepiece has also been fully serviced, which includes a brand new mainspring which allows it to keep excellent time. The case has also been cleaned ultrasonically and only slightly refinished. It has been paired with an authentic lizard strap which is colored in brown. The dial used in this watch is the original, and has been patina-ed. It uses 12kt, 1/20 Duchess vintage rose gold which complements the filled stretch style band.