TRANSISTOR RADIO DESIGN

This splendid Bulova 620 was manufactured in the USA in 1957. In early advertising Bulova refer to this radio as the ‘Comet’. It is an exquisite example of the art of transistor radio design!

Bulova had their beginnings in 1875 when Joseph Bulova a 23 year old immigrant from Bohemia opened a small jewelry shop on Maiden Lane in New York City. In 1926 Bulova produced America’s first radio commercial and in 1928 they introduced the world’s first clock radio. In the mid 1950’s Bulova sold a line of high end transistor radios exclusively in jewelry stores across America. Bulova radios were obviously aimed at the wealthy and affluent. “Bulova – Sold exclusively by Jewelers”. And it shows!

It’s the age of rockets, jets, and asteroids and this coat pocket size Bulova 620 ‘Comet’ is styled to suit the age! The speaker grill is designed to look like a flaming comet soaring through space. It has an adjustable brass tilt stand that doubles as a carry handle.

This radio spawned a number of Japanese imitators.

This Bulova ‘Comet’ has an interesting little cloisonné badge on the speaker grill. It has a crown on top and ‘Precision’ written at the bottom. The word ‘Precision’ refers to Bulova’s catchphrase “Made with Bulova Watch Precision”.

These Bulova radios even looked classy inside! Note the thick cardboard insert covering the circuit board and inscribed “Built with Bulova Watch Precision” in attractive gold script!