Movado and Bulova are two of the most popular American watch brands nowadays. These two have been releasing varied and beautiful watches since their inception.
Movado watches are known for their unique design of a single dot at 12 o’clock while for Bulova watches, their proud symbol is the tuning fork. Such symbolizes the revolutionary tuning fork movement of the world’s first fully electronic watch, the Accutron.
Both watch brands have almost everything you’re looking for in a watch, from utility watches to bejeweled dress watches that look elegant for any formal event. But which watch brands have more worth, is it Movado or Bulova?
An exciting rivalry, right? That’s why in today’s post, we’re going to find out which of the two watch brands is better not just in terms of aesthetic, but by their heritage, function, actual quality, and price.
So, keep reading our in-depth brand comparison to know which of the two watch brands is better and for you to have a more informed decision before buying a watch.
In-Depth Brand Comparison: Movado vs. Bulova Watches
History
Movado
Movado was founded in 1881 by then 19-year-old entrepreneur Achilles Ditesheim. He hired six watchmakers and opened a workshop in Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. In 1905, Ditesheim renamed the company Movado, a word that means “always in motion” in the Esperanto language.
It was during this period that the company became an innovator in the watch industry. It was even recognized for creating the Calendomatic watch that displayed the date, day, and month.
Then, in 1947, Movado introduced its iconic Movado museum watch. It was the brainchild of industrial designer Nathan George Horwitt. The Museum watch featured a minimalist dial with a single circle placed at 12 o’clock. This original design became the first watch dial to be accepted by New York’s Museum of Modern Art as part of its permanent design collection.
In 1965, Gedalio Grinberg led the company and brought it to what is today considered the Movado Group. As a major player in the watch industry, Movado Group includes ten widely respected watch brands, including Scuderia Ferrari Watches, Lacoste Watches, HUGO BOSS Watches, Tommy Hilfiger Watches, MVMT, Concord, Olivia Burton, Coach Watches, and EBEL.
Even up to today, most Movado watches still have that single dot dial design as part of their centerpiece and this is the design that separated the brand from its rivals.
[You may also like: Best Movado Watches for Men]
Bulova
Bulova, on the other hand, was founded and incorporated in 1875 as the J. Bulova Company. It was named after founder Joseph Bulova. In 1923, the company was reincorporated as the Bulova Watch Company and eventually became part of the Loews Corporation in 1979.
If the Movado brand has its Museum watch, Bulova has its “Accutron” tuning fork watch. It was the first timepiece sold by Bulova and one that uses a 360-hertz tuning fork to drive its mechanical gear train.
Max Hetzel, the inventor of the Accutron was born in Switzerland and became a part of the Bulova Watch Company. The man behind the first electronic watch was also an outstanding engineer and since it was released by Bulova, over 4 million pieces of such models were sold until production stopped in 1977.
It was in 1924 when Bulova unveiled its first full line of women’s watches, which included diamond-accented pieces. In 1954, it introduced a self-winding, waterproof watch called the Bulova 23.
Anyways, highlighting the year 1977, Bulova introduced its new line of Accutron Quartz movement timepieces for women. The brand grew in popularity that in 1987, it became the official supplier to the US Olympic team by providing athletes with watches both for the summer games and winter games.
[You may also like: Bulova Marine Star Chronograph Review]
Design
As we mentioned earlier, Bulova and Movado have distinct designs and both are famed for their innovative watch movements and fine craftsmanship. Both watch brands likewise produce men’s and women’s watches and as a buyer, you’ll find a wide range of options to choose from.
Movado, in particular, is known for its minimalist and stylish appearance. Most Movado watches, especially the Museum watches are simple yet elegant. Some may say most of their watches are generic-looking, but if you consider their features and the materials used in their watches, you can tell that their build-in quality is superb.
Movado produces high-end luxury watches and they have a range of chronograph, mechanical, and automatic timepieces.
Bulova watches won’t disappoint you either. Their watches are even highly versatile, known for their flawless combination of attractive styles and durability.
Bulova offers a selection of automatic watches. And it usually takes just one look to notice that most Bulova watches are meant to complement a formal attire, although some can match a casual outfit.
Compared to Movado, the Bulova dials are a little bulkier due to their sturdy casing, although they are still comfortable. Their design is also inclined more on the sophisticated side.
Quality and Efficiency
Both brands produce watches of high quality and are trustworthy. In terms of quality, you can assure the quality of Bulova watches is that the company uses pure stainless-steel casings in most of its designs.
They also use a non-reflective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to protect the dials of their watches. In terms of movement, many Bulova watches are powered by quartz movements, which are recognized for their dependable performance.
But make no mistake, Movado watches are nothing short when it comes to quality and efficiency too. Most of their timepieces are even Swiss-made and are sold at low prices compared to other luxury brands.
Movado watches are also made of K1 mineral crystal glass, a heat-treated mineral glass that is more scratch-resistant than normal mineral glass. It is also more shatter-resistant than sapphire crystal.
Pricing
Movado timepieces are sold at relatively high prices. They are not luxury watches or high-class, but are mid-range timepieces. These watches are beautiful wearables and target any age group. Pricing varies from $300 to $2,000.
Bulova watches are more affordable than most Movado timepieces. Most of their watches retail between $100 and $200, including their vintage watches.
TL;DR
Here’s a summary:
Top 3 Best Movado Watches
1. Movado Museum – Classic Dial, Gold Slim Leather Watch
Introducing Movado’s flagship model, the Movado Museum. A simple rundown on what you can expect from this timepiece: minimalist, a signature single dot dial design, and a perfectly round case.
Since Movado aims to produce watches with a completely clutter-free appearance, this watch is an attractive option for those who prefer simplicity and elegance. Inside this watch is the reliable Swiss quartz movement.
This analog watch is contained within a 40mm case with a 5mm case thickness. Overall, for being comfortable, stylish, efficient, and sleek, this is one of the best-selling models from the Movado brand and you can surely wear one for special occasions!
- A Museum classic watch
- Minimalist
- Elegant
- A great everyday watch or dress watch
- Giftable
- The strap may be a bit longer so you may have to resize it
Interested? Click here to buy it!
2. Movado Men’s Swiss Quartz Watch – Yellow Gold Ion-Plated
Worth mentioning in this Bulova vs Movado brand comparison is the Movado Men’s Swiss Quartz Watch. This Movado timepiece features a 42mm yellow gold ion-plated stainless-steel case with a matching bracelet.
It also uses a K1 mineral crystal, making it more scratch-resistant than the regular mineral crystal. And since durability is no longer an issue with all these features, the next feature we’ll highlight is its thickness.
To be precise, this 42mm watch has a 6.7 millimeters case thickness. So, this is pretty much the standard case thickness in the watch industry. But once worn, it is lightweight and makes a bold statement because of its design.
The watch has a sleek and slim design with a thin bezel and small lugs. The dial is large, which catches the most attention but it is designed in a minimalistic way.
- Beautifully crafted
- Durable
- Slim and sleek design
- Monochromatic look
- Equipped with rectangular gold hands
- Features K1 mineral crystal
- Swiss quartz movement
- The same color of dial and hands so there is no contrast to the background, but others still find it attractive
Interested? Click here to buy it!
3. Movado Museum Blue – Toned Dial, Stainless Steel Mesh Bracelet
And because people seem to enjoy the Museum collection from this brand, the Movado Museum Blue-Toned Dial Watch with a Stainless-Steel Mesh Bracelet is also one of the best offerings from Movado.
What’s unique about this watch is that it has a blue-toned dial and uses a Sapphire Crystal Glass compared to other timepieces that have K1 mineral crystal. It is water-resistant down to 30 meters, meaning it can withstand different weather conditions.
This watch would be a great choice if you’re looking for a timepiece that is stylish but simple at the same time. Owing to its clean design, you can wear it every day or on formal occasions.
What makes it more elegant and versatile is its stainless-steel mesh bracelet. This beautiful minimalist watch is likewise powered by a Swiss quartz movement, offering it durability and reliability.
- Water-resistant
- Beautiful contrast
- Elegant-looking watch
- Sapphire crystal
- Simple yet stylish
- Suitable for both formal and casual occasions
- Swiss quartz movement
- None
Interested? Click here to buy it!
Top 3 Best Bulova Watches
1. Bulova Marine Star Men’s Watch
One of the best-selling watches from the Bulova brand is the Marine Star Men’s Watch and we’re not surprised why. Just look at its stunning design and features and you’ll understand why.
This 98B301 watch is powered by quartz movement, features an analog display type, and a mineral dial window material. The Marine Star likewise has a large 45 millimeters case, making it easy to read time, regardless of the lighting condition.
That’s because it is equipped with a full lume. Moreover, the watch’s blue, bronze, and silver tones complete the elegant look of this watch. It also has a 200meter water resistance. Overall, this watch will keep you punctual in high style, just like Tag Heuer watches that are known for their technical precision.
- With six-hand chronograph movement
- Water-resistant
- An elegant timepiece
- Fold-over buckle closure
- With built-in stopwatch
- Quality craftsmanship
- Easy to read
- Accurate
- Few users find it a bit heavy and large
Interested? Click here to buy it!
2. Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph Men’s Watch
Next on our list is the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph Men’s Watch. We find it absolutely stunning and is arguably a great competitor to the Omega Speedmaster at a much lower price.
This watch sports a classic, high-functioning chronograph style with a 100m water resistance, a sapphire crystal, and a high-frequency, 262 kHz quartz movement.
You may even pair this watch with a leather strap, if you want, for an evening-appropriate fashion.
It is striking – for its large face, although there are other larger timepieces out there. However, it is top-heavy, so you may want to pull out a few links although it “feels” comfortable once you get used to it. But also because of such features, it is sturdy and well-built.
This watch pairs well with a button-down shirt, a nice polo, pair of jeans, or even in a formal setting.
- A moon watch
- A beautiful layered black and white dial that makes it easy to read time
- Special edition
- Great stopwatch feature
- A value prop Omega Speedmaster Pro
- Uses an anti-reflective sapphire
- The watch can be top-heavy to some
Interested? Click here to buy it!
3. Bulova Men’s Classic Aerojet Watch
This Aerojet Open Heart’s watch from Bulova is designed from a popular 1966 model. It has a stainless-steel case with an eye-catching rose gold-tone crown positioned at two o’clock.
We also love its open aperture gray dial with rose gold markers and hands. If you love to see the inner workings of a watch, this would be an ideal choice because it has an exhibition case back.
Other features of this Bulova watch are the 40-hour power reserve and an automatic heart-beat self-winding movement.
- Fantastic looking watch
- Curved glass
- Keeps time very well
- Great everyday watch
- Good quality movement
- Well-constructed case
- When adjusting the time, the second hand may not stop so it’s not easy to sync it up because you’ll have a few seconds off
- The strap is not ultra-luxury as the watch itself, although replaceable
Interested? Click here to buy it!
Movado vs. Bulova: Who’s The Winner?
Movado and Bulova are both leading brands in the watch world. They may not be as popular nowadays as Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet, but they still have not lost their edge in watchmaking.
Both are well-respected in the watch aficionado circles. They are high-quality watches and are reliable too! That is why picking a winner between the two will, in the end, be based on personal preference and appearance.
If we just go by design for those who want something simple or minimalist… something that they can wear every day even on formal occasions, a Movado watch would be a good choice. If you prefer one with a signature aesthetic and is more formal, a Bulova watch may be ideal for you.
Now, in case you’re wondering why you would choose Movado watches if they’re expensive, our answer would be because they don’t cut corners with their design, manufacturing, and quality. Their watches are really produced by their own Swiss design team.
Nevertheless, both Movado and Bulova watches are head-turners. Whatever brand you choose, they are worthy of esteem and the quality of these watches is sufficient to warrant its price.
If you like this review, you might want to read our other reviews at EvesWatch.com.
My name is Eve Acosta and I’m the person behind this site. Watches are what get me ticking ;).
No, but seriously, I just love watches, I have over 30 myself. It’s an obsession of mine, which is why my husband recommended me to put my hobby into some good use and build this site – so I did.
My passion for timepieces came from the fact that my parents own a small chain of shops selling timepieces. I’ve worked at the shop since I was 11 and fell in love with the merchandise.
