Since 1875HomeAbout BulovaService & RepairGuest RegistryContacts
 
Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
  1. What is the normal life span of a Bulova quartz watch battery?
  2. What is the standard warranty on a Bulova watch?
  3. I have an old Bulova watch which needs repair. Where can this be done?
  4. I have a Bulova gold watch and want to make sure that it is constructed of 18-karat gold. How can I do this?
  5. How can I be sure that my Bulova is a Swiss made watch? What are the rules determining whether a watch is Swiss made?
  6. Where can I obtain a Bulova catalogue? Also, where can I get further information on Bulova products?
  7. I've heard there are some watches that don't need batteries. Is that true?
  8. I have an older Bulova watch. How can I tell what year it was made and if it's worth anything?
  9. The bracelet on my watch is too small. Can links be added?
  10. How do I shorten my watch bracelet (remove links)?
  11. Can I buy directly from Bulova?
  12. How much is my watch worth?
  13. Can I get information about my old watch?
  14. Can I get parts to repair my old watch?
Q: What is the normal life span of a Bulova quartz watch battery?
A: The high-quality batteries in Bulova quartz watches should last for at least 18 months.

Q: What is the standard warranty on a Bulova watch?
A: The standard warranty on a Bulova watch is 2 years, as noted in the Warranty and Instruction Booklet accompanying the watch.

Q: I have an old Bulova watch which needs repair. Where can this be done?
A: Contact the official Bulova service center in your county (see service address)

Q: I have a Bulova gold watch and want to make sure that it is constructed of 18-karat gold. How can I do this?
A: 18 KT Gold watches have a 18K/750 marking, and a balance scale hallmark which indicates the karat on the caseback.

Q: How can I be sure that my Bulova is a Swiss made watch? What are the rules determining whether a watch is Swiss made?
A: The watch will have the words “Swiss Made” on the dial. Every watch with the “Swiss Made” designation must have a Swiss movement and be assembled in Switzerland.

Q: Where can I obtain a Bulova catalogue? Also, where can I get further information on Bulova products?
A: For catalogues and further information on Bulova products, contact Bulova Swiss, S.A. via e-mail at: bulovaswiss@bulova.ch.

Q: I've heard there are some watches that don't need batteries. Is that true?
A: Yes, it is. Most modern watches are quartz watches, which are battery operated. The non-battery watches you've heard of are either mechanical, automatic or solar. Mechanical watches are better known as "windup" watches. They are older and sometimes referred to as "jewel" watches. Automatic watches are powered by motion. The motion of daily wear causes an oscillator in the movement of the watch to vibrate and generate the energy that powers the watch. The easiest way to tell a quartz watch from a traditional automatic watch is that the second hand of a quartz watch "ticks" while the second hand of an automatic appears to "glide" around the dial. Bulova makes a type of automatic watch called Motion Quartz. A solar watch uses energy provided by light.

 Q: I have an older Bulova watch. How can I tell what year it was made and if it's worth anything?
A: Starting in 1948 Bulova began marking the back of watch cases with the year of the watch. To determine the age of a watch made prior to 1948, you would need to send it to Bulova service, as the only year indication for these watches is inside the casing. For watches from 1948 and 1949 the actual year is printed. After that, a letter denoting the decade followed by the digit of the year is marked. This practice began in the '50s, with the letter L. M signified the '60s, N the '70s, P the '80s, T the '90s and A the '00s (2000). So, for example, if P9 is on the case back, the watch was manufactured in 1989. The only way to know the value of a watch, unfortunately, is to have it appraised by a professional jewelry appraiser.

Q: The bracelet on my watch is too small. Can links be added?
A: Yes. You can arrange to get extra links through the jeweler where you bought the watch, or you can go through the Bulova Bracelet Department. Bulova will supply two extra links at no cost (except bracelets that are made of karat gold, for which all extra links must be purchased.) Any additional links (beyond the first two) must be purchased. Send your request, with the watch so the links can be attached, to:
Bulova Customer Service Center
Unterbiberiststrasse 33/35
CH - 4562 BIBERIST
TEL: +41 (0)32 671 6680
FAX: +41 (0)32 671 6681


 Q: How do I shorten my watch bracelet (remove links)?
A: The removal of links from a watch is a professional procedure normally done at time of sale. If you purchased your watch through the mail or Internet, it is unlikely that your watch bracelet has been adjusted. This procedure is not recommended for the consumer.
You have two options:
  1. If You send the watch to Bulova's Service Department, with an indication of the correct size (length) and/or the number of links to be removed, your new watch bracelet will be adjusted at no charge.
  2. You also have the option of bringing the watch to a qualified jeweler to have it adjusted. Jewelers, however, will probably charge for this service, since the watch was not purchased there.

Q: Can I buy directly from Bulova?
A: No, you must go through a retailer.

Q: How much is my watch worth?
A: The value of an old or used watch is determined on the "open market." That means, literally, that it is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it. Since Bulova is a wholesale business, we have no connection with this market. If you feel that your watch has significant value other than "sentimental," it is best to obtain an estimate of value from a professional appraiser in your area.

Q: Can I get information about my old watch?
A: Unfortunately the information that we have on old watches (pre-1960s) is extremely limited. If you mail (see service address) or fax (718-204-3596) a good photocopy of the watch, to the attention of our Case and Bracelet Department, we will do our best to supply you with any information that may be available. Basic information is provided on the case back and dial.

Q: Can I get parts to repair my old watch?
A: The only way to determine if your old Bulova watch is repairable is to send your watch to our service facility where we can positively identify the exact model (see the address above). If the parts are not available we can also determine if a substitute part will fit properly. If the watch is repairable, we will send you an estimate for repair. If it is not repairable, we will return the watch to you with no additional charges. Bulova provides parts to the trade only.









































© Copyright 2010 | Terms of Use