Buler
Lengnau, Switzerland · Est. 1950
Buler was a Swiss watch brand known for colourful, fashion-oriented designs in the 1960s and 1970s. Their playful aesthetics and affordable price point made them popular with younger buyers across Europe.
- Founded
- 1950
- Headquarters
- Lengnau, Switzerland
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Entry
- Status
- Defunct
Ceased: 1985
Buler, a Swiss maker of colourful fashion-forward watches popular in the 1960s–70s, disappeared during the quartz crisis as its segment was obliterated by cheap digital alternatives.
Pop art on a wrist — Buler made Swiss watches that were meant to be fun, not serious.
Key Collections
- Super Compressor — Robust dive watches featuring the patented Super Compressor case system, where water pressure improved the seal, making them popular among recreational divers.
- Buler Navy — A nautically-themed collection featuring bold blue dials and luminous hands, aimed at the casual sport watch market of the 1970s.
- Diver — Affordable dive-style watches with rotating bezels and water resistance, offering Swiss-made quality at accessible price points.
- Astromatic — Automatic movement watches marketed to younger buyers seeking mechanical reliability with contemporary styling.
Timeline
- 1950 — Buler established in Lengnau, Switzerland, joining the post-war boom in affordable Swiss watchmaking.
- 1960 — Brand gains popularity across Europe with colourful, fashion-forward designs appealing to youth markets.
- 1968 — Introduction of Super Compressor dive watches expands the brand's sporty offerings.
- 1975 — Peak production years as Buler competes in the affordable fashion watch segment throughout Western Europe.
- 1985 — Buler ceases operations, unable to compete with the flood of inexpensive quartz and digital watches from Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buler
- When did Buler stop making watches?
- Buler ceased production around 1985, a casualty of the quartz crisis that devastated the affordable Swiss watch segment as cheap Asian alternatives flooded the market.
- Are Buler watches still valuable?
- Vintage Buler watches hold modest collector value, with Super Compressor dive models and colourful 1970s pieces commanding the highest prices, typically ranging from £50 to £300 depending on condition and rarity.
- Can I still buy a Buler watch today?
- Buler watches are only available on the secondary market through vintage dealers, auction houses, and online platforms specialising in mid-century Swiss timepieces.
- What made Buler watches distinctive?
- Buler distinguished itself through playful, colourful designs that embraced 1960s and 1970s fashion trends, offering Swiss-made quality at price points accessible to younger buyers.
- Where were Buler watches manufactured?
- Buler watches were manufactured in Lengnau, located in the Bernese Jura region of Switzerland, an area with a long tradition of watchmaking.