The Bulova Kalil House Automatic Celebrates an American Icon

If there were ever a watch company that best personified American, Bulova would be in the running for it. Founded in 187 by Joseph Bulova in New York, Bulova started as a humble jewelry and watch repair shop. By the early to mid 20th century, however, Bulova was a household name with innovation not only in product but in production: the company was a pioneer of assembly line production and was the first to place both radio and television advertisements. At the same time, another American icon was making his mark on the world. Frank Lloyd Wright, a designer through and through and a certified legend, designed more than 1,000 homes and buildings over a career that spanned seven decades. Thus it seems perfectly natural that Bulova features a special Frank Lloyd Wright collection, a series of watches inspired by the famed architect’s work.

One such masterpiece is the Toufic H. Kalil House in Manchester, NH, which celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2025. The one-story, two bedroom home is an excellent example of a Usonian home, a term Wright used to describe a distinct American character that was distinct and uninfluenced by older architectural styles. This particular home is marked by simple, linear forms and distinct rectangular windows that bring levity to the concrete construction. Unique to this home is a technique pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright that utilizes vertical rods to reinforce the aforementioned interlocking concrete blocks. Now nearly 300 words in…is this a Zillow promo? What about the watch?

With that history crash course under our belts, we can now admire the Bulova Kalil House Automatic, a 39mm by 46mm gray stainless steel watch that pays homage to the defining visual feature of the Kalil House. Its black dial is marked by a rectangle motif that is partially open to the automatically winding caliber inside. It is a remarkably simple yet clever way to connect two objects that, under most circumstances, would have nothing in common. Just as the home finds its beauty both in its construction and its interior, the watch makes a statement on its dial and by the peek of what ticks inside.

This special watch is a simple three-hander and features a mid-century green outer minute track that is also echoed in the “windows” of the dial. It is protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal (like a skylight, anyone?) and paired with a 20mm leather strap and three-piece buckle. The movement is the Miyota 82S0 caliber, which provides 42 hours of power reserve and hacking seconds. Water resistance is rated to 30 meters. The exhibition caseback features a special “USONIA” and “Toufic H. Kalil House” emblem to further underscore the special connection.

Bulova and Frank Lloyd Wright are two American giants in their respective fields, and this Bulova collection succeeds in creating a timepiece that is both respectful to the subject matter and attractive in its own right. The Bulova Kalil House Automatic works great both as a watch for a design-conscious wearer or anyone looking for a fun everyday watch with special ties to American history. MSRP is $595, and you can explore it and the entire Frank Lloyd Collection here.