Watches

Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime

WatchesApr 11, 2025

Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime

“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.

America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova
Bulova’s historical documentary, which the brand debuted last fall in celebration of its 150th anniversary, launched exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on Apr. 10.
New York—A documentary chronicling the history of American watchmaker Bulova is now available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. 

The hour-long film, “America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova,” explores the brand’s storied history, from the aviation instruments it produced during World War II to the timepieces involved in the Apollo moon landings. 

It features interviews, including commentary from music legends Nile Rodgers and Marc Anthony, as well as archival footage and stories the brand said have never been told before. 

 

The documentary looks back at the life of founder Joseph Bulova, who emigrated from present-day Czech Republic to New York City at the age of 19. He later launched his first storefront in 1875 on Maiden Lane in Lower Manhattan.  

The film dives into the brand’s achievements that followed, including the introduction of America's first standardized mass watch production system, which earned Bulova the nickname the "Henry Ford of watchmaking.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 
 
It also touches on several of the brand’s firsts.

Bulova created the first collection of women’s wristwatches in 1917 and, in 1928, debuted the first clock radio, according to the company. 

The company also credits itself with the world's first fully electronic watch, the Accutron, which came out in 1960, and with the world's first curved chronograph movement, Curv, which debuted in 2016.

The documentary explores the watchmaker’s advertising history as well. It had the first national radio ad in 1926 and the first TV commercial, which aired in 1941, Bulova said.

Along with the film’s release, Bulova, which turns 150 this year, will continue celebrating its milestone anniversary with ongoing tributes and other special offerings.

"As we celebrate this monumental year for Bulova, we are excited to bring our journey through time to the homes of Amazon Prime Video viewers," said Jeffrey Cohen, president of Citizen Watch America. (The Citizen Watch Co. acquired Bulova in 2008.)

"From launching the first-ever Veterans School of Watchmaking after World War II, to bold marketing campaigns like ‘Equal Pay, Equal Time’ in the 1970s, Bulova has always stood for innovation with purpose. This film is a celebration of how far we've come, and a look at the future we're shaping."

“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” premiered in New York City on Sept. 19, 2024.

Amazon Prime Video subscribers can stream the film for free now here


Lauren McLemoreis the associate editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments.
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