Bulova timepieces are popular mid-range watches that can be serviced by most local jewelers or watch repair shops. Depending on your situation, a local repair may be the better option, but an authorized service center is sometimes preferable. I’ll go over where to get your Bulova repaired, warranty info, locating a service center, and my experience with the Bulova watch repair near me.
Map of Bulova Watch Repair Near Me
For “Bulova watch repair near me”, see the map below…
Unauthorized Bulova Watch Repair Service
While local repair shops have the convenience of being close to you and providing speedy service, they may not be authorized Bulova service centers. This becomes critical if your watch is still under warranty because any work done by an unauthorized individual could void the guarantee if done improperly.
Local jewelers and watch repair shops can likely perform your required work, but they won’t stand behind their work like Bulova would under warranty.
Finding a Local Bulova Store is the Better Option…
If you have a Bulova store near you, that’s the better choice. You can avoid the hassles of mailing in your watch and wait for a response by simply taking it to your local store. The knowledgeable staff will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and get your watch back into top condition.
How Long is The Bulova Watch Warranty?
Bulova offers a 3-year warranty on all watches, which is extended compared to the average limited warranty of two years for most watch brands. The coverage includes manufacturer defects in materials or workmanship under normal use. In some cases, Bulova may elect not to repair the watch but replace it instead.
The following are not covered under the warranty: damage from misuse, normal wear and tear, battery replacements, crystal changes, strap repairs, and water damage.
What the Warranty Says About Unauthorized Repairs…
Improper maintenance, repairs, or servicing invalidates all warranties on the timepiece. Any maintenance, repairs, or servicing that involves opening the case must be completed by an Authorized Bulova Dealer or technician.
Read the Bulova watch warranty here.
Replacing a Bulova Watch Battery
Battery-powered timepieces will require battery replacements at some point in their life. When you notice that your watch’s clock is losing time, it’s critical to change the battery right away. An uncharged dead battery might leak and do internal damage if left unchanged. It is recommended to change the battery every 1 to 3 years even if it hasn’t reached its end of life.
Something as small as a watch battery should be an easy fix, and it is. You have the option of changing it yourself or taking it to a local technician. I recommend the latter because Bulova recommends it in their paperwork.
If your timepiece is waterproof, you should take it to a professional for a battery swap. After the battery is replaced, they will test the case to make sure it is sealed correctly. Most professionals, like the Bulova watch repair near me, inspect your gasket as a complimentary service.
Crystal Replacement
The price to replace your watch’s crystal will differ based on the model of timepiece you own. Lower-end Bulova watches usually have a plastic crystal, mid-grade ones often have mineral glass, and higher-end ones could come with sapphire.
Each type of crystal has its perks and drawbacks. For example, plastic is inexpensive to replace but it scratches easily; Sapphire is expensive but won’t scratch; However, it might shatter. The average cost to replace a Bulova watch’scrystal at the nearest repair shop near me ranges from £35-£87
Bulova Band or Strap Replacement
Most of these watches have bands and straps that come off with the use of a spring pen. The type of band or bracelets varies in both appearance and style, with options such as rubber, leather, or different metals.
Standard rubber and leather straps are widely available, so if you don’t want a manufacturer-branded strap, those will be your cheapest options. They typically run from £13 to £21. If you want a metal strap, however, it will cost more–anywhere from £43 up depending on the material.
Resizing the Watch
Many customers want the band or strap to be resized. The watch must fit comfortably on your wrist so that it doesn’t fall off. If it is too loose, it may fall off; if it is too tight, it will be uncomfortable.
The material for resizing a strap is extremely limited on fabric, leather, and rubber, so you can only punch so many new holes or relocate the clasp. A metal band, on the other hand, is considerably easier to work with. You may remove links to satisfy sizing standards. For some Bulova timepieces, you may resize them using a spring pen at an approved Bulova repair shop like one of their boutiques.
Crown and Stem Damage
The crown is the knob that sticks out of the side, which lets you wind the watch or change functions. On a chronograph watch, you may have multiple crowns. The stem is the tiny pin inside the crown that connects it to the internal watch movement.
If your watch’s crown is bent, pushed in, or nonfunctional, you should bring it to a professional. The Crown can be changed, but the internal stem must be examined. The stem might become bent or inserted into the internal mechanism, causing harm. Repairs become more challenging if the stem is damaged.
Stems are available for newer more recently manufactured timepieces from Bulova. The stem for older timepieces may have been discontinued and must be acquired on the secondary parts market. This will lengthen the repair process and cost money.
Bulova Movement Repairs
The movement of a watch is its heart. It’s the element that keeps it ticking and operating.
Over the years, Bulova has employed several types of movements including mechanical, quartz, and others. A specialist should be called to work on the movement. Sometimes, a repair, overhaul, or complete replacement is required. An overhaul is time-consuming and requires removing the internal components from the casing and cleaning and reassembling it.
Authorized Bulova Repair Service Centers
You can either locate a store or send your Bulova to their service center for authorized repairs. Since they are owned by Citizen, you can also try reaching out to them in a pinch.
In my experience, going directly to the store appears to be faster than sending the watch to a service center. They will ship the timepiece away for repair on your behalf. They manage everything for the repair for you, which is a nice complimentary service. Regardless of who sends the watch, the Bulova authorized service center will take 4 to 8 weeks to come back.
Here are some things to think about before sending your timepiece to an authorized watch repair shop near me…
The Bulova authorized service center can do any repair, maintenance, or service that you need. They will guarantee their work for a certain period (usually 1 year) after it’s completed. If your watch is covered by warranty, the repairs will be free, but if not, they will cost you. The process takes a minimum of 4 weeks.
If you believe your repair is a manufacturer’s fault or craftsmenship issue, be certain you have all of the paperwork you’ll need to back up your claim. You’ll need a receipt documenting the purchase date, model name, and price of the watch.
You must fill in a form and follow the regulations here to contact their service department.
Here is their information:
Bulova Service Department
50-04 25th Avenue, Woodside, New York 11377
Phone: (800) 233-3350
Email: [email protected]
Tips for Sending For Watch to an Authorized Bulova Service Center Near Me
Please take a look at the following information before shipping your Bulova watch for repairs.
- Provide detailed information on an index card about the issue with the watch. If it was dropped, state how high it was dropped.
- Even if you don’t know the worth, make a guess and write it on the index card.
- When you’re finished, insure the package for the amount you estimated.
- Include the required information if you are claiming against the warranty.n
- Be sure to wrap the watch in bubble wrap before placing it a secure box for shipping.
- Follow the company’s instructions.
Can you Fix a Bulova Watch Yourself?
Bulova watches are intricate machines with many delicate parts. You should only attempt to fix your watch if you have the proper skills and tools. Otherwise, you could end up doing more harm than good.
Other Resources for Bulova Watch Repair Near Me
Speaking with other Bulova watch owners in the community can often be helpful when you’re having an issue. Likely, somebody else has had the same question or come across the same problem. In addition to contacting a Bulova watch repair near me for assistance, here are some of my favorite resources:
- Subreddit: Bulova
- My Bulova Forum
- Watch Talk Forums: Bulova and Accutron Thread
- Watch Freeks: Bulova Thread
- Bulova Wiki page
Best Bulova Watch Models
At the Bulova watch repair near me, they will ask you for your model number. This information helps the technician determine what type of movement your particular watch has. Below is a list of some of Bulova’s most popular watches throughout history.
- Curv REF #98A185
- Classic REF #98H51
- Frank Lloyd Wright
- Futuro Reference number 98C123
- Futuro Automatic Reference number 98A203
- Octava Reference number 98C126
- Phantom
- Surveyor
- Wilton
- Curv Reference number 97A125
- Marine Star
- Octava Reference number 98C134
- Sutton
- Lunar Pilot
- Oceanographer
- Precisionist
- Aerojet
- American Clipper
- Turnstyle
- Ribaiyat
Bulova Watch Repair Near Me – Conclusion
Bulova watches are amazing timepieces that are built to last. However, like any other watch, they will eventually need some repair or maintenance. When that time comes, it’s important to know where to take your Bulova watch for repairs. The Bulova authorized service center is the best place to take your Bulova watch for repairs. They are the only ones who can guarantee their work and they will fix any issue you have with your Bulova watch.
If you’re feeling brave, you can try to fix your Bulova watch yourself. However, I would only recommend this if you have the proper skills and tools. Otherwise, you could end up doing more harm than good. This is what I have learned from the Bulova watch repair near me.
