New York Beginnings
Bulova was founded in New York and grew into one of the best-known names in accessible watchmaking.
Marcus Tempus
Product Story
Bold steel, serious sparkle.
The Bulova Octava 96C134 takes a substantial 42mm stainless steel case and pushes it firmly into statement-watch territory with an extraordinary crystal-set finish. Bulova describes the model as embellished with 300 crystals across the case, bracelet and silver-white dial, giving the watch a jewellery-like presence from every angle.
The multi-function dial is framed by an angular bezel with exposed screw detailing, while three subdials add depth and complexity to the design. Despite the amount of sparkle, the silver-tone palette keeps the watch cohesive, with the stainless steel case and bracelet providing a strong, architectural base beneath the crystal setting.
Powered by a reliable quartz movement, finished with a deployment clasp and protected by a flat mineral crystal, the Octava 96C134 is made for someone who wants their watch to be noticed. It is unapologetically bold, highly decorative and completely different from a conventional steel dress watch.
Features
- Model: Bulova Octava 96C134
- Collection: Octava / Crystal
- Movement: Quartz
- Case: Silver-tone stainless steel
- Case size: 42mm
- Dial: Silver-white crystal-set multi-function dial
- Crystal setting: Approximately 300 crystals across case, bracelet and dial
- Crystal: Mineral crystal
- Bracelet: Silver-tone stainless steel
- Clasp: Deployment clasp
- Water resistance: Splash resistant / 30 metres as stated by Bulova
Marcus Tempus Brand Passport
MT-BP-003
American Watchmaking Heritage
Bulova
Brand Passport • Since 1875 • New YorkFounded1875
OriginNew York
Known ForHeritage & Innovation
Signature FamiliesClassic • Marine Star • Lunar Pilot • Precisionist
Movement TypesQuartz & Automatic
Style DirectionDress • Sport • Chronograph
The Bulova Character
Designed to Be Worn
Bulova watches are often chosen for their balance of design, wearability and value. Cases, dials and bracelets tend to be clean, recognisable and versatile, making the brand particularly appealing for customers who want a watch that feels established without feeling inaccessible.
Whether you prefer a classic timepiece, a sporty everyday model or a technical chronograph, Bulova has long offered variety without losing its own identity.
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A Heritage of Innovation
More Than a Classic Name
Precision Focus
The brand has long emphasised precision, reliability and technical development across different eras of watchmaking.
Broad Appeal
Bulova collections span classic dress pieces, modern everyday watches and more technical sport-driven designs.
An Important Chapter
The Lunar Pilot Story
One of the most recognised modern Bulova lines is the Lunar Pilot, inspired by the brand’s connection with space history and a chronograph worn during the Apollo era.
It has become one of Bulova’s standout designs, combining strong case presence, chronograph functionality and a story that resonates with collectors and first-time buyers alike.
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Technical Identity
Precisionist
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Precisionist is one of Bulova’s best-known modern watch families, recognised for its high-frequency quartz movement technology and smoothly sweeping seconds hand.
It gives Bulova a stronger technical point of difference than many fashion-led competitors and reinforces the brand’s emphasis on precision and innovation.
HPQ
High-performance quartz innovation
Different Sides of Bulova
Classic, Sport & Modern Design
Bulova does not sit in one narrow style lane. The range includes refined dress watches, practical everyday bracelets, bold chronographs and more contemporary sport-led designs.
That breadth makes the brand a useful addition to the Marcus Tempus watch offering, especially for customers who want something established, wearable and thoughtfully priced.
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Choosing Your Watch
Specifications Vary by Model
Bulova collections include different case sizes, movement types, dial layouts, strap materials, crystals and water-resistance ratings.
Some watches are simple three-hand quartz models, while others are automatic watches, open-heart designs or chronographs. For that reason, we list the exact details for each Marcus Tempus product individually.
Care & Water Resistance
Keeping Your Bulova in Good Condition
Water resistance is model-specific and should always be checked on the individual watch. Crowns and pushers should be handled carefully, and watches exposed to water should have gaskets and seals inspected periodically. Quartz watches will also require battery replacement over time, while automatic models benefit from regular servicing.
Bulova Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bulova a good watch brand?
Bulova is a long-established watch brand known for heritage, design variety and strong value across dress, sport and chronograph watches.
What is Bulova Precisionist?
Precisionist is a Bulova watch family known for high-performance quartz technology and a smoother sweeping seconds hand than standard quartz watches.
Does Bulova make automatic watches?
Yes. Bulova offers both quartz and automatic watches, depending on the collection and model.
What is the Bulova Lunar Pilot?
The Lunar Pilot is one of Bulova’s best-known chronograph families, inspired by the brand’s connection with the Apollo era.
Are all Bulova watches water resistant?
Water resistance varies by model, so the exact specification should always be checked on the individual watch page.
Can Marcus Tempus service Bulova watches?
Yes. Our workshop can advise on servicing, battery replacement, testing and general watch care, subject to the model and work required.
Explore Bulova
Discover the Collection
Browse our current Bulova watches online, or visit Marcus Tempus in Barnet to see selected models in person.