Professional Vintage Bulova Watch Repair & Restoration
Expert Service for Vintage Bulova Mechanical, Automatic & Chronographs
We specialize in the professional Bulova watch repair, with a focus on mid-century models that defined the brand’s reputation for style and reliability. Founded in 1875, Bulova became one of America’s most innovative watch companies, producing precision timepieces that remain collectible today. Our shop services a wide range of Bulova calibers. For examples and photo journals see below.
If you’re ready to begin service on your Bulova, please visit our Getting Started page. I repair watches for clients across the U.S. and worldwide.
Complete Bulova Watch Repair & Movement Servicing
Every Bulova repair begins with a full diagnostic evaluation to determine the condition of the movement, lubrication, amplitude, and wear. A complete mechanical service typically includes:
- Full disassembly of the movement
- Ultrasonic cleaning of all parts
- Inspection for wear (jewels, pivots, gear train, mainspring)
- Installation of new mainspring (when required)
- Proper lubrication with modern synthetic oils
- Regulation and timing in multiple positions
- Case and bracelet ultrasonic cleaning (polishing only upon request)
- Testing for accuracy and functionality
Your vintage Bulova is restored following best-practice traditional watchmaking methods.
Why Bulova Watches Need Professional Vintage Service
Due to age, many vintage Bulova watches suffer from dried oil, worn mainsprings, degraded gaskets, and metal fatigue. Attempting to run these watches without proper service can cause long-term damage to gears, jewels, and pinions. Expert servicing ensures:
- Improved accuracy and reliability
- Reduced wear on the movement
- Preservation of original parts and heritage
- Increased longevity for future generations
Examples of Bulova Repairs Performed
- Bulova 7AK Movement Service & Rust Repair
- Bulova 23 Jewel Watch Service (Caliber 10 BOAC)
- Bulova Repair & Service Gents Wrist Watch with 10BZAC
- Bulova Repair & Service: 10AN Gents wrist watch
- Bulova Military Watch 10AK Movement Service
- Bulova Watch Repair & Service: 11ABC wrist watch
Ready to Service Your Vintage Bulova?
If you’re considering repair for your own Bulova, be sure to visit getting started. I welcome personal communication and encourage you to reach out before sending your watch.
For additional information on watches we work on please visit these pages: Vintage Rolex repair, Vintage Breitling repair, Vintage Omega repair, Vintage Heuer repair, High-end wat, and Pocket Watch Repair. See my FAQ for additional information, and visit Watch Repair Case Studies.
List of Common Bulova Movements I have Repaired:
- 5AD
- 5AK
- 6AE
- 6AH
- 7AP
- Bulova 7AK Movement Service & Rust Repair
- 8AC
- 8AE
- 9AF
- 10AK
- 10AE
- 10AN
- 10BC
- 10BT
- 10BNCH (chronograph base, rare)
- 11ABC
- 11AC
- 11AF
- 11AN
Automatic Calibers:
- 10CSC – Early automatic
- Bulova 23 Jewel Watch Service (Caliber 10 BOAC)
- 10BZAC – 30-jewel automatic, common in 1960s dress watches
- 11AFAC
- 11AOAC
- 11ANAC
- 11AFC
- 11BLAC
- 11BSACD
- 11DP – Often seen in automatic watches from the 1960s–70s
- 11LAC
- 11UAC
- 12EBACD
- 12CLAC
- 12COACD
- 12EBACD – Based on Buren 1322
Chronograph Movements (Mostly Swiss-Based):
Bulova didn’t manufacture chronograph calibers in-house but used well-known Swiss bases:
- Bulova 14EB – Based on Valjoux 7733
Brief History of Bulova Watches
Bulova was founded in 1875 by Joseph Bulova, a Bohemian immigrant who opened a small jewelry store in New York City. The company quickly established itself as a pioneer in American watchmaking. In 1923, Bulova was formally incorporated. In the 1940s, the company became a trusted supplier for the U.S. military, and its watches were known for their durability and reliability. In the post-war period, Bulova released many now-classic models and continued to grow in popularity.
The majority of Bulova’s mechanical movements during the mid-20th century were made in Switzerland, especially those used in higher-grade models, automatics, and watches sold internationally. These movements were produced at Bulova’s Swiss manufacturing facilities, primarily in Bienne/Biel, and sometimes based on or modified from Swiss ébauche movements made by companies like ETA, Felsa, A. Schild, and Peseux. Movements like the 10BZAC, 11AFAC, and 10CSC were Swiss-made and often featured high jewel counts, shock protection, and refined finishing.
If you would like to initiate the repair of your vintage timepiece, be sure to visit how to begin the repair process for your own vintage watch. For additional information on watches we work on please visit these pages: Vintage Rolex repair— Vintage Breitling repair —Vintage Omega repair — Vintage Heuer repair and Pocket Watch Repair. See my FAQ for additional information, and visit Watch Repair Case Studies.
