What was the first company to air a television commercial in the United States?

The first real TV commercial to air in the United States was a short, simple spot for the Bulova Watch Co. This commercial focused on a watch as its second hand ticked.

With a cheerful voice over, the ad told viewers what time it was, according to Ad Age (a leading global source of news, intelligence, and conversation for marketing and media communities). The ad at the time cost the company just $9.00 (USA): $4 in air charges and $5 in station charges.

More Info: qz.com

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24 Comments

William Laughlin

George Oliver Prince, The Bulova brand was founded in 1875 and is still in existence. It is crrently owned by the Citizen Watch Co.

jillbert

I don't remember ever seeing an ad for a Bulova although do remember the brand. As for a watch ad I would remember the crazy Timex ads, strapped it to a the blade of an out boat motor, drove it around a pond, and lock and behold.. it takes a licking and keeps on ticking!!!

robert karel

I’ve had various watches, currently I have a Seiko my daughter gave me for Christmas several years ago. I love it, and her!

robert karel

Actually I was thinking Geritol but chose Texaco Oil Company. 🎶...you can trust your car to the man who wears the star...🎶

Lynne Zeman

The explanation did not list the date the ad was shown. Major gaffe.

Maryna Hyland

Did not do well

GreedyJoel

Is there a good reason why you didn't give the year the commercial aired?

Charles Fish

Repeat question . . .it's inevitable I suppose.

Cecilia Vaughan

Got it

Janet Staton

When? And on what stations?

Cheryl McMeekin

Missed it.

Janice Fish

Great question for TV history

Karen Mulhollem

Stephen Vilcko, Hey Stephen, not to 'gloat' but I got this one from 'reasoning' out that Bulova Watch probably had more money than the soap company to pay for the ad! who knew it was so cheap!?