The Bulova Royal Oak was produced by the American brand Bulova during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It drew inspiration from the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, a luxury sports watch designed by famed watchmaker Gérald Genta who in fact worked for Bulova in the 1960's.
The Bulova Royal Oak closely mirrors the design of Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak, particularly with its signature octagonal bezel and visible screws. This bold, angular aesthetic, combined with an integrated bracelet, gives it a modern and streamlined appearance, much like Genta's original creation.
The watch was available in both stainless steel and gold-plated models, as well as quartz and automatic, offering a range of options for those seeking a luxury-inspired timepiece without the high cost.
Unlike the high-end Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Bulova’s version was significantly more affordable, making it accessible to a wider audience. This allowed fans of the Royal Oak design to enjoy a similar aesthetic without the steep price tag.
These have gained massive popularity over the years and are highly sought after by cult collectors. Nice examples are hard to come by!
Speaking of nice examples, this is a good one. It's presented in unpolished condition with razor sharp chamfers to the bezel, case and a super tight bracelet. To top things off, it comes with is original wooden presentation box.
Getting down to the nitty gritty. The white dial shows no signs of aging or patina. The glass has a few light marks, but only visable in certain angles. The bezel and bracelet have a few hairline scratches but nothing too deep that it stands out.
The movement is running well and keeping good time. Trust me, ive been struggling to take this off my wrist for a while!
Bulova "Royal Oak" Ref 4420101
1979