Best Bulova Watches in 2026: 14 Models Worth Buying for Men and Women
Quick answer: The best Bulova watches to buy in 2026 depend on your budget and style. The Super Seville 96B440 ($695) is the best Precisionist dress watch, and the Surveyor 98B422 ($475) is the best automatic. If you want to swim with it, choose the Marine Star 96B431 ($695, 200 m). For space history, the Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 ($1,650) is the pick. On a tight budget, the Caravelle Sea Hunter 43B177 ($375) gives you a 200-meter automatic diver. For women, the Super Seville Mini 96L354 ($495) and the Rubaiyat Autumn 97R105 ($1,450) are standouts. Bulova's signature technology is the Precisionist, a quartz movement that vibrates at 262 kHz, eight times faster than a standard quartz watch. Every Bulova watch carries a three-year global warranty, and all the models in this guide are available new and authentic at Lexor Miami.
Bulova is one of the most important names in American watchmaking. Founded in New York City in 1875, it introduced the tuning-fork Accutron, ran the first national radio ad and the first TV commercial in the US, and saw one of its chronographs worn on the Moon. Today Bulova offers one of the widest ranges in the industry: high-frequency quartz watches, open-heart and skeleton automatics, 200-meter divers, celebrity collaborations with Frank Sinatra and Marc Anthony, and jewelry-like women's watches.
That variety is great, but it can also be confusing. In this guide, we explain what makes Bulova special, break down every major collection and recommend the best Bulova watches to buy in 2026 at every budget. Every spec was checked against Bulova's official website, and every model is available at Lexor Miami, an authorized luxury watch retailer in Miami.
The Best Bulova Watches in 2026 at a Glance
| Watch | Best for | Size | Movement | Water resistance | Lexor price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caravelle Sea Hunter 43B177 | Budget automatic diver | 39 mm | 21-jewel automatic | 200 m | $375 |
| Goddess of Time 97L202 | Petite women's dress watch | 18 mm | Quartz | Splash resistant | $350 |
| Surveyor 97B234 | Statement automatic | 39 mm | 8215 automatic | Splash resistant | $431 |
| Surveyor 98B422 | Best everyday automatic | 39 mm | Automatic, 42 h | Splash resistant | $475 |
| Super Seville Mini 96L354 | Women's sapphire dress watch | 25 mm | Quartz | Splash resistant | $495 |
| Super Seville 96B440 | Best Precisionist dress watch | 37.5 mm | Precisionist 262 kHz | Splash resistant | $695 |
| Marine Star 96B431 | Best for swimming | 43 mm | Precisionist 262 kHz | 200 m | $695 |
| Racer Chronograph 98B468 | Sporty chronograph | 42 mm | Quartz chronograph | 100 m | $695 |
| Maquina 98A177 | Bold skeleton automatic | 46 mm | 8N26 automatic skeleton | 100 m | $695 |
| CURV 98A162 | Design and innovation | 44 mm | Curved 262 kHz chronograph | Not for swimming | $735 |
| Marc Anthony Surveyor 96A346 | Celebrity collaboration | 40.5 mm | Automatic, 42 h | 100 m | $875 |
| Series X 98A342 | Modern skeleton sports watch | 41 mm | 8N26 automatic skeleton | 50 m | $1,025 |
| Rubaiyat Autumn 97R105 | Luxury women's watch | 30.5 mm | Quartz | Splash resistant | $1,450 |
| Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335 | Space heritage, limited edition | 41.2 mm | 262 kHz chronograph | 100 m | $1,650 |
Prices are those shown at Lexor Miami at the time of writing and may change.
Is Bulova a Good Watch Brand?
Yes. Bulova is a respected brand with a long history of innovation, and it offers some of the best value in the $300 to $1,500 range. Here is why so many buyers choose it.
A history of firsts
- 1875: Joseph Bulova founded the company in New York City.
- 1926: Bulova aired the first national radio advertisement in the United States, with the famous time signal "At the tone, it's eight o'clock, Bulova Watch Time."
- 1941: Bulova ran what is widely recognized as the first television commercial, broadcast in New York during a Dodgers–Phillies baseball game.
- 1960: Bulova launched the Accutron, which replaced the traditional balance wheel with a 360 Hz tuning fork. It was far more accurate than the mechanical watches of its time.
- 1971: During the Apollo 15 mission, commander David Scott wore a Bulova chronograph on the lunar surface. That watch inspired today's Lunar Pilot collection.
- 2010: Bulova introduced the Precisionist, a high-frequency quartz movement vibrating at 262 kHz.
Since 2008 Bulova has been owned by Citizen Watch Co. of Japan, one of the world's largest watch manufacturers. In 2020 Citizen relaunched Accutron as its own standalone brand. You can explore it in our Accutron watches collection.
Bulova's signature technology: Precisionist
Most quartz watches use a crystal that vibrates at 32,768 times per second. Bulova's Precisionist movement uses a crystal that vibrates at about 262,000 times per second, eight times faster. The higher frequency makes the watch less sensitive to temperature changes and other factors that affect accuracy. Bulova says Precisionist watches are accurate to within seconds per year, compared with seconds per month for standard quartz. It also gives the Precisionist its signature continuous sweeping second hand, which glides like a mechanical watch rather than ticking once per second.
Automatic watches with open hearts and skeleton dials
Bulova's automatic watches use Japanese automatic movements, such as the 21-jewel Caliber 8215 and the 8N26 skeleton movement, with a power reserve of about 42 hours. Many Bulova automatics, like the Surveyor, show the movement through an exhibition caseback. Others, like the Maquina and Series X, show it through an open-worked dial. These designs give you a visible mechanical movement at a price far below most Swiss skeleton watches.
Three-year global warranty
Bulova covers its watches with a three-year global warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. That is longer than the standard two-year warranty offered by many Swiss brands in the same price range.
Bulova Collections Explained
Before choosing a specific watch, it helps to understand Bulova's main collections.
- Precisionist: Watches powered by the 262 kHz high-frequency quartz movement, including many Super Seville and Marine Star models.
- Super Seville: A 1970s-inspired dress line with integrated bracelets, sapphire crystals and vertical-brushed dials. It comes in men's sizes and as the Super Seville Mini for women.
- Surveyor: Automatic watches with sunray dials, cutout minute markers and an exhibition caseback. The Marc Anthony Surveyor adds an octagonal case.
- Marine Star: Bulova's sports and dive line, with up to 200 meters of water resistance on certain models.
- Classic Automatic: Open-heart and skeleton watches, including the bold Maquina.
- Series X: Modern sports watches with skeletonized automatic movements.
- Lunar Pilot: Chronographs inspired by the watch worn on the Moon during Apollo 15.
- CURV: Chronographs built around a curved high-performance quartz movement.
- Racer: Motorsport-inspired chronographs.
- Rubaiyat and Goddess of Time: Jewelry-inspired women's watches.
- Celebrity collaborations: The Frank Sinatra and Marc Anthony collections.
- Caravelle: Bulova's more affordable sister line, which brings automatic movements and 200-meter water resistance to a lower price.
Best Bulova Watches Under $500
1. Caravelle Sea Hunter 43B177: Best Budget Automatic Diver
If you want an automatic dive watch without spending a lot, the Caravelle Sea Hunter is one of the best deals in the Bulova family. It has a high-contrast orange dial, luminous hands and markers, a date display and 200 meters of water resistance. That is the same rating as many dive watches costing several times more. At 39 mm, it also fits small and medium wrists comfortably.
- Case: 39 mm stainless steel
- Movement: 21-jewel automatic, 42-hour power reserve
- Water resistance: 200 m (20 bar)
- Crystal: Mineral, impact and shatter resistant
- Price at Lexor Miami: $375 (list price $395)
2. Goddess of Time 97L202: Best Petite Women's Watch
The Goddess of Time collection is Bulova's most jewelry-like line. This model has an 18 mm gold-tone case with a sunray champagne dial and a curved crystal. It is small, refined and designed to be worn like a bracelet, so it pairs perfectly with other gold jewelry.
- Case: 18 mm gold-tone stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Water resistance: Splash resistant
- Crystal: Curved mineral
- Price at Lexor Miami: $350
View the Goddess of Time 97L202
3. Surveyor 97B234: Best Statement Automatic
Few watches at this price have as much personality as the Surveyor 97B234. Its aubergine (deep purple) sunray dial changes color in the light and is framed by a rose gold-tone case. It has cutout minute markers, a magnified date and an exhibition caseback that shows the Caliber 8215 automatic movement. It is a perfect choice for someone who wants an automatic watch that stands out.
- Case: 39 mm rose gold-tone stainless steel with polished and brushed finishing
- Movement: Caliber 8215 automatic, 21 jewels, 42-hour power reserve
- Water resistance: Splash resistant
- Crystal: Flat anti-reflective sapphire
- Price at Lexor Miami: $431
Want a closer look? Read our full review of the Bulova Surveyor 97B234.
4. Surveyor 98B422: Best Everyday Automatic
The Surveyor 98B422 is our pick for the best Bulova automatic for everyday wear. It has a deep burgundy sunburst dial with rose gold-tone accents, a 39 mm case that suits most wrists and a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Through the caseback, you can watch the 21-jewel automatic movement at work.
- Case: 39 mm stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic, 21 jewels, 42-hour power reserve
- Water resistance: Splash resistant
- Crystal: Flat anti-reflective sapphire; mineral crystal exhibition caseback
- Price at Lexor Miami: $475 (list price $495)
5. Super Seville Mini 96L354: Best Women's Sapphire Watch Under $500
The Super Seville Mini brings the iconic 1970s Super Seville design to a 25 mm women's size. This model has a red mother-of-pearl dial, so every piece has a slightly different natural pattern. It also has a flat anti-reflective sapphire crystal, which is rare in a women's watch at this price.
- Case: 25 mm silver-tone stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz, accurate to about 15 seconds per month
- Water resistance: Splash resistant
- Crystal: Flat anti-reflective sapphire
- Price at Lexor Miami: $495
Best Bulova Watches From $500 to $1,000
6. Super Seville 96B440: Best Precisionist Dress Watch
If we had to pick one Bulova watch to represent the brand today, it would be the Super Seville 96B440. It combines Bulova's archive design with its most important modern technology. The deep vertical-brushed blue dial and integrated stainless steel bracelet recall the 1970s, while the Precisionist movement inside vibrates at 262 kHz for exceptional accuracy and a smooth sweeping second hand. It is the kind of watch that looks great with a suit and just as good with a T-shirt.
- Case: 37.5 mm stainless steel
- Movement: Precisionist quartz, 8 jewels, 262 kHz
- Water resistance: Splash resistant
- Crystal: Flat anti-reflective sapphire
- Dial: Vertical-brushed blue, date at 3 o'clock
- Price at Lexor Miami: $695
Prefer green? The Super Seville 96B439 offers the same design with a vertical-brushed green dial at the same price.
7. Marine Star 96B431: Best Bulova for Swimming
The Marine Star 96B431 is a fun, sporty watch built for life near the water, which makes it perfect for Miami. Its bright yellow wave-pattern dial, luminous markers and red-tipped seconds hand are easy to read in the sun. It combines the 262 kHz Precisionist movement with 200 meters of water resistance, which Bulova rates as suitable for swimming, showering and snorkeling.
- Case: 43 mm stainless steel
- Movement: Precisionist quartz, 8 jewels, 262 kHz
- Water resistance: 200 m (20 bar)
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Price at Lexor Miami: $695
8. Racer Chronograph 98B468: Best Sporty Chronograph
The Racer collection draws on Bulova's motorsport heritage. The 98B468 has a racing-pattern chapter ring, silver subdials for chronograph minutes and running seconds, applied markers and luminous beveled hands. With a sapphire crystal and 100 meters of water resistance, it is a practical sports watch as well as a stylish one.
- Case: 42 mm stainless steel, 22 mm lugs
- Movement: Quartz chronograph with date
- Water resistance: 100 m (10 bar)
- Crystal: Anti-reflective sapphire
- Price at Lexor Miami: $695
9. Maquina 98A177: Best Bold Skeleton Automatic
The Maquina is for buyers who want maximum wrist presence. Its 46 mm rose gold-tone case surrounds a fully skeletonized 8N26 automatic movement, so you can see the gears and balance wheel working from the front and back. It is a big, bold watch, so it suits larger wrists and anyone who wants to be noticed.
- Case: 46 mm rose gold-tone stainless steel, exhibition caseback
- Movement: 8N26 automatic, full skeleton, about 42-hour power reserve
- Water resistance: 100 m (10 bar)
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Price at Lexor Miami: $695
10. CURV 98A162: Best for Design and Innovation
The CURV collection is one of Bulova's most technically interesting. Instead of a flat movement in a curved case, the CURV uses a curved high-performance quartz chronograph movement that follows the shape of your wrist. The 98A162 combines gray stainless steel and titanium, a dark gray exhibition dial with rose gold-tone accents and a double-curved sapphire crystal. It is also one of the best deals in this guide: Lexor Miami's price is well below the $1,050 list price.
- Case: 44 mm gray stainless steel and titanium, exhibition screw-back
- Movement: Curved high-performance quartz chronograph, 262 kHz
- Water resistance: Not designed for swimming
- Crystal: Double-curved sapphire
- Price at Lexor Miami: $735 (list price $1,050)
11. Marc Anthony Surveyor 96A346: Best Celebrity Collaboration
Bulova's collaboration with Latin music star Marc Anthony is especially popular in Miami. The Marc Anthony Surveyor reimagines the Surveyor with an octagonal case and a sunray grey-green dial. Unlike the standard Surveyor, it offers 100 meters of water resistance and a curved sapphire crystal, which makes it a more versatile daily watch.
- Case: 40.5 mm octagonal silver-tone stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic, 21 jewels, 42-hour power reserve
- Water resistance: 100 m (10 bar)
- Crystal: Curved sapphire
- Price at Lexor Miami: $875
Prefer a warmer look? The Marc Anthony Surveyor 97A205 pairs a gold-tone octagonal case with a sunray blue dial.
View the Marc Anthony Surveyor
Best Bulova Watches Over $1,000
12. Series X 98A342: Best Modern Skeleton Sports Watch
The Series X is Bulova's modern take on the skeleton sports watch. Its open-worked blue dial shows the 8N26 automatic movement, with silver accents and luminous hands and markers that keep it legible. The 41 mm case is more wearable than the Maquina, and the curved sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating.
- Case: 41 mm silver-tone stainless steel
- Movement: 8N26 automatic, skeletonized, 42-hour power reserve
- Water resistance: 50 m (5 bar)
- Crystal: Curved anti-reflective sapphire
- Price at Lexor Miami: $1,025
Also available in green as the Series X 98A343.
13. Rubaiyat Autumn 97R105: Best Luxury Women's Bulova
The Rubaiyat "Four Seasons" collection is Bulova at its most jewelry-like. The Autumn model has a synthetic fire opal dial, so each watch has its own unique pattern of warm autumn tones. Cabochon markers and a double-domed sapphire crystal complete the look. It is a true heirloom-style piece and one of the most special women's watches in Bulova's range.
- Case: 30.5 mm halo case
- Movement: Quartz
- Water resistance: Splash resistant
- Crystal: Double-domed sapphire
- Dial: Synthetic fire opal with cabochon markers
- Price at Lexor Miami: $1,450 (list price $1,475)
14. Lunar Pilot Black Hole 98A335: Best for Space Heritage (Limited Edition)
The Lunar Pilot is Bulova's most famous modern watch. It is inspired by the chronograph that Apollo 15 commander David Scott wore on the Moon in 1971. The Black Hole edition takes the design to the extreme. Its dial is coated with Musou paint, which Bulova says absorbs 99.4% of visible light, and it sits in a black ion-plated stainless steel case. Grey Super-LumiNova markers and a gunmetal-tone tachymeter scale provide just enough contrast to read the time. Inside is a 262 kHz high-precision quartz chronograph movement.
- Case: 41.2 mm black ion-plated stainless steel, matte finish
- Movement: High-precision quartz chronograph, 262 kHz
- Water resistance: 100 m (10 bar)
- Crystal: Flat sapphire
- Edition: Limited edition
- Price at Lexor Miami: $1,650
Read our full Bulova Lunar Pilot Black Hole review.
View the Lunar Pilot Black Hole
How to Choose the Right Bulova Watch
1. Choose your movement: Precisionist, quartz or automatic
- Precisionist: Choose it if accuracy matters most and you love the look of a smooth sweeping second hand. Examples: Super Seville 96B440, Marine Star 96B431, Lunar Pilot.
- Standard quartz: Choose it if you want the simplest, lowest-maintenance option, especially for a small women's watch. Examples: Goddess of Time, Super Seville Mini, Rubaiyat.
- Automatic: Choose it if you appreciate mechanical craftsmanship and want to see the movement working. Examples: Surveyor, Maquina, Series X, Caravelle Sea Hunter.
2. Check the water resistance
Many Bulova dress watches, including the Super Seville and Surveyor, are rated only as splash resistant. They are fine for washing your hands or getting caught in the rain, but they should not be worn while swimming. If you want to swim, shower or snorkel with your watch, choose a model rated at 100 meters or more, such as the Marine Star 96B431, Caravelle Sea Hunter, Racer Chronograph, Maquina, Marc Anthony Surveyor or Lunar Pilot.
3. Get the size right
Bulova sizes range from very small to very large. As a general guide:
- 18 to 30 mm: Women's dress and jewelry watches (Goddess of Time, Super Seville Mini, Rubaiyat).
- 37 to 41 mm: The sweet spot for most men's wrists (Super Seville, Surveyor, Caravelle, Series X, Marc Anthony Surveyor, Lunar Pilot).
- 42 to 46 mm: Bold sports watches for larger wrists or people who like a big watch (Racer, Marine Star, CURV, Maquina).
For help choosing a size, our guide to the best luxury watches under $1,000 explains how to measure your wrist and pick the right case size.
4. Look for sapphire
Bulova uses both mineral and sapphire crystals. Sapphire is much more scratch resistant, so if you plan to wear the watch every day, it is worth choosing a sapphire model. Almost every watch in this guide has a sapphire crystal. The exceptions are the Caravelle Sea Hunter and Goddess of Time, which use mineral crystals to keep the price lower.
5. Match the watch to the occasion
- Office and formal events: Super Seville 96B440, Surveyor 98B422, Goddess of Time
- Beach, pool and boat: Marine Star 96B431, Caravelle Sea Hunter
- Weekend and casual: Racer Chronograph, Series X, Marc Anthony Surveyor
- Statement and evening: Maquina, CURV, Rubaiyat Autumn
- Collectors: Lunar Pilot Black Hole
Bulova vs Other Brands: How Does It Compare?
Bulova vs Seiko: Both brands offer excellent value. Seiko is known for in-house automatic movements and tool watches like the Prospex Alpinist. Bulova is known for its 262 kHz Precisionist quartz movement, its American heritage and its dress and statement designs. To compare Seiko with a Swiss rival, read Seiko vs Tissot.
Bulova vs Tissot: Tissot is Swiss Made and offers the Powermatic 80 automatic movement with up to 80 hours of power reserve. Bulova offers more variety in design, such as skeleton dials, opal dials and curved movements, plus a three-year warranty and the Precisionist. If Swiss Made matters most to you, choose Tissot. If you want a distinctive design or the accuracy of the Precisionist, choose Bulova.
Bulova vs Accutron: Accutron was once a Bulova collection and is now its own brand within the Citizen group. Accutron focuses on higher-end technology, including its electrostatic Spaceview movement, and is positioned above Bulova in price.
How to Care for Your Bulova Watch
- Respect the water rating. Keep splash-resistant models away from pools, showers and the ocean.
- Rinse after salt water. If you swim with a 100 m or 200 m model, rinse it with fresh water afterward and dry it with a soft cloth.
- Wear or wind your automatic. Bulova automatic movements have a power reserve of about 42 hours. If your watch stops, give the crown a few gentle turns before setting the time.
- Replace quartz batteries promptly. A dead battery left in the watch can leak and damage the movement.
- Use a qualified technician. Bulova's warranty states that service requiring the case to be opened should be done by a properly qualified technician, preferably an authorized Bulova dealer. Improper service can void the warranty.
- Clean the bracelet. A soft toothbrush and mild soapy water keep metal bracelets looking new. Avoid getting leather straps wet.
Why Buy Your Bulova Watch at Lexor Miami
Lexor Miami is an authorized luxury watch retailer. Every Bulova watch we sell is new, authentic and delivered in its original packaging. When you buy from us, you get:
- Guaranteed authenticity and full manufacturer warranty.
- Free shipping on orders over $150 within the 48 contiguous US states.
- Standard shipping in 4 to 7 business days, with express options in 1 to 2 or 2 to 3 business days.
- 30-day returns with a prepaid return label.
- Expert advice from a team that has helped customers choose watches for years.
If you are in South Florida, visit our showroom at 2371 NW 20th St, Miami, FL, open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. You can try on Bulova watches in person and compare sizes on your wrist. You can also call or message us on WhatsApp at +1 786 333 1331. Learn more in our guide to where to buy authentic luxury watches in Miami.
Shopping for a gift? See our guides to luxury gifts for him under $500 and luxury gifts for her under $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bulova a luxury watch brand?
Bulova is best described as an accessible luxury brand. Most of its watches cost between about $300 and $1,700, and it offers features usually found in more expensive watches, such as sapphire crystals, skeletonized automatic movements and the high-frequency Precisionist movement. Its history, dating back to 1875 in New York City, adds to its prestige.
Is Bulova a good brand?
Yes. Bulova has a long record of innovation, including the tuning-fork Accutron in 1960 and the 262 kHz Precisionist in 2010. It offers strong value in the $300 to $1,500 range and backs its watches with a three-year global warranty.
Who owns Bulova?
Bulova has been owned by Citizen Watch Co. of Japan since 2008. The brand was founded in New York City in 1875 by Joseph Bulova.
Where are Bulova watches made?
Bulova is an American-founded brand owned by Japan's Citizen group. Its automatic models use Japanese automatic movements, such as the Caliber 8215 and the 8N26 skeleton movement. Check each model's listing for movement details.
What is a Bulova Precisionist?
The Precisionist is Bulova's high-frequency quartz movement. It vibrates at about 262 kHz, eight times faster than a standard 32 kHz quartz watch. Bulova says it is accurate to within seconds per year, and it gives the watch a smooth sweeping second hand.
What is the best Bulova watch for men?
For most men, the Super Seville 96B440 ($695) is the best all-around Bulova, thanks to its Precisionist movement, sapphire crystal and versatile 37.5 mm size. For an automatic, choose the Surveyor 98B422 ($475). For swimming, choose the Marine Star 96B431 ($695, 200 m).
What is the best Bulova watch for women?
The Super Seville Mini 96L354 ($495) offers a sapphire crystal and a red mother-of-pearl dial in a 25 mm case. For a petite gold-tone watch, the Goddess of Time 97L202 ($350) is a great choice. For a luxury piece, the Rubaiyat Autumn 97R105 ($1,450) has a unique synthetic fire opal dial.
Can I swim with a Bulova watch?
Only with models rated at 100 meters or more. Bulova rates its 100 m and 200 m watches as suitable for swimming, showering and snorkeling. Many dress models, like the Super Seville and Surveyor, are only splash resistant and should not be worn in water.
What is the Bulova warranty?
Bulova watches are covered by a three-year global warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty does not cover normal wear, batteries, crystals or straps, or damage from improper service. Buying from an authorized retailer like Lexor Miami ensures you receive a genuine watch with its warranty.
Final Thoughts: The Best Bulova Watch for You
Bulova offers something for nearly every taste and budget. If you want one watch that captures the brand, choose the Super Seville 96B440, which pairs 1970s style with Precisionist accuracy. If you love mechanical watches, the Surveyor 98B422 and the Marc Anthony Surveyor 96A346 are excellent automatics. If you live near the water, the Marine Star 96B431 and the Caravelle Sea Hunter are ready for the pool and the beach. For collectors, the Lunar Pilot Black Hole is a limited-edition piece with a story that reaches all the way to the Moon.
Whichever you choose, buy from an authorized retailer so you get an authentic watch, its original packaging and the full three-year Bulova warranty.
