Brand history

BULOVA is one of the most influential brands in the history of watchmaking, founded in 1875 in New York by Joseph Bulova . From its inception, the company combined American entrepreneurship with a pursuit of maximum precision, becoming a pioneer of technological innovation. It was Bulova who created the groundbreaking Accutron tuning fork movement, which set new standards of accuracy for decades and even found use in NASA's space programs.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the brand gained recognition for its sleek, elegant watches with distinctly geometric forms, inspired by the aesthetics of Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern. Rectangular, barrel, and tonneau models became Bulova's signature, combining jewelry sophistication with utilitarian functionality. The Rectangular 13220 is a prime example of this era—a watch that retains its timeless appeal to this day.

Model description

The Bulova Rectangular Ref. 13220 is a classic mid-20th-century vintage watch, designed with elegance and proportion in mind. The slim, rectangular case with gently rounded sides sits naturally on the wrist, maintaining a light and understated feel. It's a form that doesn't overwhelm, yet clearly stands out from contemporary designs.

The silver or champagne dial is designed in the spirit of the era—vintage Arabic numeral indices and slim dauphine hands create a cohesive, harmonious arrangement. A brown or black leather strap completes the look, emphasizing the watch's classic character and its distinct 1950s aesthetic.

Characteristics

The watch is equipped with a hand-wound Bulova movement , most often caliber 10BPAC or 11AF , used in many models of the era. This movement is valued for its robust construction, ease of maintenance, and reliability, forming the foundation of Bulova watches from the mid-20th century. The manual winding underscores the classic character of the model and the wearer's direct connection to traditional watchmaking.

The approximately 22 x 36 mm case is crafted from 18-karat gold , maintaining slim proportions and an elegant silhouette. The silver- or champagne- toned dial is complemented by vintage Arabic numeral indexes and dauphine hands . The entire piece is paired with a brown calfskin strap , harmoniously complementing the watch's 1950s-inspired aesthetic.

What you get with ReTime

• Elegant ReTime branded box
• Certificate of Authenticity
• 12-month ReTime warranty on the mechanism
• Premium gift packaging

ReTime Insight

Bulova at its vintage best.

The slim case, rectangular shape and atmosphere of old times make this model the perfect watch for lovers of classics with soul .
For those who like discreet elegance - a subtle glint of gold and a timeless design in American style.