Bulova Unveils Art Deco Pocket Watch For Its 150th Anniversary

Joseph Bulova was born in the Czech Republic and immigrated to New York City in 1870. In 1875, at the age of 23, he established a small shop named J. Bulova Company in Lower Manhattan, now known as the Financial District. He initially operated as a wholesale jeweler and manufacturing small table clocks and high-quality pocket watches.

By 1912, responding to the growing demand for wristwatches, Bulova constructed a factory in Bienne, Switzerland, designed for the mass production of fully jeweled wristwatch movements. These movements were primarily cased and timed in the United States before being shipped to retailers. He became known for mass production of reliable and high-quality wristwatches and was compared to Ford Motor Company for his large-scale production.

While Bulova produced a limited number of pocket watches compared to production of wristwatches, it did manufacture a few basic pocket watch models during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. One notable model, the ultra-thin “Phantom,” was produced in the 1920s and is now considered highly valuable among collectors.

The Art Deco movement, which was prominent during the 1920s and 1930s, is defined by bold geometric shapes and the use of luxurious materials. During this period, Bulova adopted these design principles, resulting in the production of notable timepieces.

To celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2025, Bulova has introduced the limited-edition 150 Art Deco Collection, reflecting its Art Deco heritage. The collection features two models – 150 Art Deco Miss America ladies’ watch, which represents the style of the Art Deco era, and the 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch, inspired by 1920s designs that highlight Bulova’s artistic craftsmanship.

The Bulova 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch is part of the Archive Series and includes a 15.8-inch custom link chain, reminiscent of its vintage designs. It has a sterling silver dial with detailed engravings, bold numerals, and blued hands, complemented by a brushed hour ring. It is powered by a modern Swiss automatic movement, with 62-hour power reserve.

Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch America, summarizes, “For 150 years, Bulova has been a leader in watchmaking, combining heritage and innovation to influence the industry and perceptions of time.” He noted that the Art Deco era was significant for Bulova, characterized by advanced technology, bold design, and innovative marketing. The new limited-edition timepieces aim to honor this legacy while advancing craftsmanship and innovation.

Bulova Pocket watch feature a case back engraved with the 150th Anniversary logo and are individually numbered. Each pocket watch is presented in a custom case that includes a storybook detailing Bulova’s Art Deco legacy. It will be available in early April and is limited to 350 pieces worldwide. For more information, visit Bulova’s website.