Bulova Watches

November 20, 2007 1:36 PM

Are Bulova Watches any good? I've been looking at a few online, but haven't heard much buzz about them lately? Do they compare in quality to Seiko or Citizen?
posted by JakeMoreThan to Shopping (10 answers total)

I've worn one every day for the last two years and it keeps good time and looks great IMO. The crystal hasn't scratched and I've dunked it a couple of times with no ill effects.
posted by tamitang at 1:46 PM on November 20, 2007

I have a 15 year old Bulova that still works perfectly. Definitely comparable to Citizen or Seiko, if not better.
posted by goo at 2:02 PM on November 20, 2007

My dad was in the Navy just before the Korean War started.... I still have the Bulova watch he bought at the time, and it still works.
posted by Doohickie at 2:16 PM on November 20, 2007

I just got mine 6 months ago, but I love it. It keeps fine time and hasn't gotten scratched or anything like that. And it's super perty.
posted by iguanapolitico at 2:19 PM on November 20, 2007

According to this, Citizen recently acquired Bulova to help them move upmarket. That said, Bulova has traditionally used Swiss movements, whereas both Citizen and Seiko manufacture their own in the Far East. I'd say the quality of the movement is comparable, so it's a matter of the style of the watch and ultimately what you like.
posted by SteveInMaine at 3:12 PM on November 20, 2007

The development of the modern quartz movement means most watches these days are pretty good. Pretty much any watch in this price range is going to use a reliable off-the-shelf movement and keep perfectly good time. While Seiko and Citizen do make their own movements, it really shouldn't make a practical difference.

The real difference between mid-priced watches like this is in the build and finish of the case, band, etc. Really your taste is the best guide here. Go watch shopping and check 'em out in person to find one that you like and looks good on you (it's hard to tell how big a watch is on the Internet.) You can always order it on-line later if the local dealer isn't willing to give you a good price.
posted by Opposite George at 3:17 PM on November 20, 2007

Or, what SteveInMaine said.
posted by Opposite George at 3:18 PM on November 20, 2007

Bulova's nice, I had one for several years, but they don't make a great number of styles and there are a lot of copies in the marketplace. If you are willing to spend a little more, get a cool Swatch or Swiss Army. Swatch are mostly limited editions and they have a high resale value too.
posted by parmanparman at 4:47 PM on November 20, 2007

Dittoing everyone else, it seems. I love my Bulova Marine Star. It wears very well. No complaints at all.
posted by whatisish at 5:51 PM on November 20, 2007

Ditto, ditto, ditto. Future Mr. Damnjezebel has an 18 yr old Bulova Marine Star that still works perfectly, even though it's scratched up behind hell. I'm even working on getting him a new one - same watch, just updated to our standards now - for our anniversary in February.
posted by damnjezebel at 11:54 PM on November 20, 2007