We specialize in the repair and restoration of vintage Bulova watches, 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, including the following movements—the first listed include detailed image logs of their repair and service in our workshop:
- 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
Manual-Wind Calibers:
- 5AD
- 5AK
- 6AE
- 6AH
- 7AP
- 7AK
- 8AC
- 8AE
- 9AF
- 10AK
- 10AE
- 10AN
- 10BC
- 10BT
- 10BNCH (chronograph base, rare)
- 11ABC
- 11AC
- 11AF
- 11AN
Automatic Calibers:
- 10CSC – Early automatic
- 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, and Vintage Heuer repair.