Bulova Moves Forward With Global Expansion, Announces Bulova Accutron Partnership With Sir Richard Branson

BASEL, Switzerland, March 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Today at BaselWorld 2011, the Watch and Jewellery Show, Bulova Corporation announced that global innovator and entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson has been named brand ambassador for Bulova Accutron. The appointment of Branson is part of a company growth strategy which has led Bulova to open four international subsidiaries in the last year. The new divisions, in China, Italy, Japan and The United Kingdom, join existing offices in Canada, Mexico and Switzerland, and the company's headquarters in New York.

Underpinning the global expansion will be an increased focus on product development, design and marketing activity, including a larger commitment to print advertising, including a Bulova Accutron roll-out featuring Branson later this year.

Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group, exemplifies the values and dedication that have guided Bulova from the beginning. One of the world's most recognized and respected innovators, he has built his business into more than 300 branded companies in 30 countries worldwide. Branson started Virgin when he was only 20 years old and was knighted in 1999 for his "services to entrepreneurship."

"As an entrepreneur, humanitarian and pioneer, Sir Richard reflects the spirit of innovation that is at the heart of the Bulova Accutron brand," said Dennis W. Perry, Bulova Corporation President. "Like our founder, Joseph Bulova, Sir Richard is an innovator who has had a ground-breaking effect on a number of fields. We believe he exemplifies Bulova's relentless pursuit of new ideas and Joseph Bulova's vision of creativity and inventiveness."

Branson will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from his work with Bulova Accutron to Virgin Unite, a non-profit foundation he created in 2004 to help revolutionize the way businesses, the social sector and government work together-- driving business as a force for good.

Through the decades, Bulova has continued to expand its product portfolio, setting trends and pioneering new designs, guided by a firm commitment to innovation. To celebrate more than 135 years of inventions and entrepreneurial spirit, Bulova will be releasing a coffee table book, Legacy of Innovation, which chronicles the company's accomplishments. The book, illustrated with historic photos and vintage advertisements, details Bulova's many technological contributions, during the past three centuries. For more information on obtaining a copy, please send an email to Fae Druiz at fdruiz@bulova.com.

    
    Bulova Corporation Milestones

    - 1875 - Joseph Bulova opens store in New York
    - 1912 - Bulova establishes the first plant committed to the total
      production of wristwatch components in Bienne, Switzerland
    - 1920 - Opening of the Bulova Observatory in New York
    - 1927 - Charles A. Lindbergh wins Bulova Prize
    - 1941 - World's first television commercial - from Bulova
    - 1945 - Opening of the Bulova School of Watchmaking
    - 1960 - Introduction of Accutron, the world's first fully
      electronic watch
    - 1969 - Bulova's Accutron timer is part of the first Moon landing,
      placed in the Sea of Tranquility to control vital data transmissions.
      Accutron technology is used on a total of 46 space missions
    - 2010 - Bulova Precisionist introduction
    - 2011 - Sir Richard Branson named Bulova Accutron brand ambassador

For more information, please visit http://www.bulova.com.

About Bulova Accutron

Fashioned in Europe, made in Switzerland, and representing the pinnacle of American innovation, Bulova Accutron captures the essence of Bulova's distinguished history and reputation for bold invention. The original Accutron was used aboard Air Force One and given as an official Presidential Gift of State. On July 20, 1969, Bulova's Accutron was part of the first Moon landing, placed in the Sea of Tranquility to control vital data transmissions. As an integral component of NASA technology, Accutron was used on 46 space missions.

Including both mechanical and quartz variations, each Bulova Accutron watch is intricately and elegantly detailed, using only the finest materials. All Bulova Accutron watches are crafted of stainless steel, with sapphire crystals and water resistance to at least 100 feet. Bulova Accutron represents a seamless cohesion of sophisticated styling and Swiss technology, continuing Bulova's legacy of excellence.

About Bulova

Founded in 1875, Bulova remains one of the world's most recognized brands, reaching a wide range of consumers with its Bulova, Bulova Accutron, Caravelle by Bulova and licensed Harley-Davidson(R) Timepieces by Bulova watches, Frank Lloyd Wright Collection(R) watches and clocks, and the award-winning Bulova Clocks. An independent subsidiary of Citizen Watch Company, Ltd. of Japan, Bulova is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Canada, China, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland and The United Kingdom. Continuing to maintain its position at the forefront of the timekeeping industry, Bulova is committed to upholding an extraordinary legacy of excellence in design, style and technology as it expands to meet the needs of a diverse global audience.