The legacy of Bulova is one of the longest continuous stories in watchmaking, with the brand tracing its roots all the way back to founder Joseph Bulova in 1875. Beyond instilling the brand with his own unwavering commitment to craft, Joseph Bulova helped shape the Swiss watchmaking world as we know it today by bringing the first dedicated watch factory to Biel, Switzerland in 1912. For 2019, Bulova has decided to celebrate Joseph Bulova’s incredible contributions to the art of horology with the limited-edition Joseph Bulova Swiss Automatic Collection. In total, the collection includes 16 unique styles based on three iconic Bulova models produced between 1928 and 1935, including the Banker, the Breton, and both a 34 millimeter and 38mm version of the classic Bulova Commodore. Each model is proudly American-designed in New York City and manufactured in Switzerland.
At the heart of every model in the Joseph Bulova Swiss Automatic Collection lies a richly decorated SW200 3H Date automatic movement, celebrating Bulova’s commitment to excellence in mechanical horology. Visible on all models through a display caseback, this SW200 3H Date movement proudly displays a unique custom-designed rotor.
The overall designs of all 16 models in the Joseph Bulova Swiss Automatic Collection are remarkably faithful reinterpretations of classic Bulova styles of the ‘20s and ‘30s. The simple and flowing Art Deco lines of the Banker’s 33mm stainless steel tonneau case perfectly evoke the streamlined elegance of the original model, while the more rectangular 32mm Breton series case exudes quiet, timeless refinement. The case of the Commodore model, while at first glance a more conventional circular case design, incorporates the original Commodore’s signature rounded wire lugs seamlessly for a style with unmistakable personality.
Like the cases of the Joseph Bulova Collection, each dial variant echoes the classic look of these historic Bulova models. Every detail, from the large ornate Arabic numerals, railroad minutes tracks, classic color combinations, and even the period-correct fonts help to create timeless styles that remain as attractive today as the original models. While the dial designs of the Joseph Bulova Collection stem from iconic Banker, Breton, and Commodore models of the past, the quality of the finish is thoroughly modern with crisp printing, brilliantly polished hands, and a variety of beautifully executed dial surfaces from shining sunbursts to dynamic grained patterns.
In keeping with the classical style of the Joseph Bulova Collection, each model is offered with a selection of complementary straps. Banker variants are paired with either a black crocodile pattern leather strap or a sleek multi-link bracelet, while Breton styles offer a choice between the multi-link bracelet and a lizard pattern leather strap in black or brown. Similar to the Banker, both sizes of the Joseph Bulova Collection Commodore are showcased on a choice of multi-link bracelet or a crocodile pattern strap in black or brown.
In an age of limited edition vintage reissues and reinterpretations, the new Joseph Bulova Swiss Automatic Collection sets itself apart through its impressive variety and commitment to the ethos of quality set down by Joseph Bulova himself. Each of the 16 unique variants in the collection are limited to 350 pieces with prices ranging from $995 to $1495. All models are available for purchase now on the brand’s site.
