As one of America’s most recognized watch brands, Bulova has built a reputation for quality, and classic style since 1875. While not positioned as an ultra-high-end luxury, select vintage and modern Bulova models have achieved impressive prices for specialized complications or collectibility.
In this article, we explore the six most expensive Bulova watches listed for sale on Chrono24, the leading online watch marketplace. Ranging from a rare 1960s chronograph to an ambitious contemporary tourbillon model, these examples demonstrate Bulova’s enduring prestige nearly 150 years after its founding.
6. Bulova Royal Oak
Case Diameter: 35 x 41 mm
Movement: Automatic
Year of Production: 1975
Image source: Chrono24
The Bulova Royal Oak derives inspiration from the renowned Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, sharing an angular octagonal case and integrated bracelet design.
Conceived by famed watch designer Gérald Genta while contracted with Bulova in 1975, legal disputes ensued but Bulova retained production rights. The automatic movement is visible through the exhibition case-back. Highly collectible for its progenitor connection, rarity, and vintage appeal, the Bulova Royal Oak seldom surfaces on the market.
This example from 1975 exhibits sharp edges and flawless condition after gentle wear, presenting a well-preserved alternative to the AP namesake thirty times the price. For collectors and style enthusiasts, it offers iconic styling and reliable timekeeping in an accessible package.
5. Bulova Classic
Case Diameter: 30 mm
Movement: Quartz
Year of Production: Unknown
Image source: Chrono24
Encased in elegant 18K yellow gold, this Bulova Classic model offers a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The round 30mm case provides a midsize, unisex presence. Inside ticks a reliable quartz movement. Blending modernity with classic Roman numerals, the stark white dial strikes a sophisticated tone.
Enhancing versatility, Bulova fitted this Classic with a coordinating yellow gold bracelet for a cohesive metallic shine. Contemporary yet classic, understated yet eye-catching due to the precious metal construction, this Bulova offers affordable luxury in a sleek everyday package.
4. Bulova Accutron
Case Diameter: 35mm
Movement: Automatic
Year of Production: 1980
Image source: Chrono24
This vintage Bulova Accutron dates to circa the 1970s, encased in lustrous 18K yellow gold. It features Bulova’s patented tuning fork movement technology for precision timekeeping sans escapement and hairspring. The Italian day display adds multilingual flair.
With an elegant 35mm case size, this Accutron exhibits the flowing integrated lugs and railroad-style chapter ring characteristic of the era. The clean gold dial provides an ideal backdrop for simple stick hands. Complete with original boxes and papers affirming provenance, this Accutron demonstrates both technological innovation and classical style.
3. Bulova Marine Star
Case Diameter: 43 x 52 mm
Movement: Manual Winding
Year of Production: 1980
Image source: Chrono24
This Bulova Marine Star model features the rugged design elements prized by vintage military aviators and modern enthusiasts alike. The substantial 43 x 52mm steel case protects a manual-wind movement accurate to the second via a central chronograph hand. Wide lugs, oversized pump pushers, and luminous sword hands emphasize robust instrument styling.
Its condition ranks near-new with an unpolished case retaining factory sharped edges. The rich brown leather strap offers vintage appeal. With high brand recognition and a fascinating military backstory, the Marine Star offers storied Bulova innovation in a classic package.
2. Vintage Art Deco Platinum 14k White Gold & Diamond
Case Diameter: 14 mm
Movement: Automatic
Year of Production: Unknown
Image source: Chrono24
This delicate Bulova Art Deco timepiece modernizes a ladies’ vintage cocktail watch with contemporary materials. The petite 14mm platinum case contains an automatic movement, eliminating the need for wind. Diamond accents shine from the bracelet, clasp, and bezel to dazzle the eye.
Mother-of-pearl provides an iridescent dial, contrasting beautifully against the precious metals. Though dating to the 1920s era, the piece exhibits only light signs of wear, retaining its elegant glamour. As a precursor to vintage jewelry watches, this Bulova cocktail watch pioneered women’s timepieces as elegant accessories versus purely utilitarian tools.
1. Bulova 130th Anniversary Ambassador
Case Diameter: 26.20 x 5.20 mm
Movement: Automatic
Year of Production: 2005
Image source: Chrono24
Commemorating Bulova’s 130th anniversary in 2005, the limited edition Ambassador displays the most expensive of the brand’s self-winding watchmaking. At a slender 26 x 5mm, the case height slips conveniently under any shirt cuff while exhibiting a Swiss-made caliber through the sapphire window rear.
The silvered dial sets off blue Breguet hands pointing to applied markers on the minimalist façade. Never worn with all protective tags intact, this Ambassador example remains in mint “new old stock” condition. Accompanied by original presentation boxes and papers, it encapsulates 21st-century precision, storied heritage, and restrained elegance.
