Bulova Watch Repair Near Me

Bulova watches are great mid-grade watches and many local repair shops can handle them. Depending on your situation you may opt for a local repair, but there are times an authorized service center is more appropriate. Below I will discuss where to get your Bulova fixed, warranty info, finding an authorized service center and my experience with the Bulova watch repair near me.

Map of Bulova Watch Repair Near Me

If you need “Bulova watch repair near me”, see below for the locations…

Unauthorized Bulova Watch Repair Service

Local repair shops are great because they are close to you, provide quick service, and you can speak to a technician in person. The downside is that your closest Bulova repair probably isn’t actually an authorized Bulova service center. This becomes important if your watch is still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.

Any work by someone unauthorized could void the warranty if improperly performed. This includes minor repair services like changing the battery. Local shops of course can do these things, but they can’t make good on the warranty, nor can they guarantee their work.

It is nice when you go to a jeweler or a local watch repair place for a fix. They can ask pointed questions to better help understand what is wrong with your timepiece. The opposite happens when you have to mail in your watch to an authorized service center. Here you will fill out a form, pack up your watch, and wait to hear back via email. Now that can be avoided if you have a Bulova store near you though…

How Long is The Warranty on My Bulova Watch?

Bulova provides a 3-year warranty on all of their watches. That is longer than the average limited warranty of two years for most watch brands. It covers the original defects in materials or workmanship under normal use. It may choose not to repair the watch, but replace it in certain circumstances.

What the warranty doesn’t cover is improper use, periodic service and maintenance, damage from mishandling, normal wear and tear, battery, crystal, strap, and water damage.

Bulova has an interesting clause in their warranty that says:

Improperly or incorrectly performed Service and Maintenance, repairs or servicing voids the warranty. Any Service and Maintenance, repairs or servicing which requires opening of the case, must be performed by a properly qualified technician, preferably an Authorized Bulova Dealer, or by the Bulova Corporation.

What makes that interesting is the word “preferably”. It is not implicitly saying someone else can;t work on the watch. Most watch manufacturers explicitly say no one other than an authorized technician can do work or the warranty is voided. This warranty says, that if “improperly or incorrectly performed” the warranty is voided.

To read the warranty you can go here.

Bulova Watch Battery Replacement Near Me

If you have a battery-powered timepiece, eventually a battery change will be required. When you see signs of a dying battery, like the watch losing time, it’s important to change it right away. An unchanged dead battery can leak and cause internal damage.

Replacing a battery is something you can do yourself or have a local technician do. At the Bulova watch battery replacement near me, it costs $8 to $10 for the service. Bulova recommends having an authorized service technician change your battery.

If anything should be done improperly during the battery change, it would void your warranty. My advice, even for a battery change, is to let a professional do it.

You can use a size conversion chart on different battery brands, check here.

If your timepiece is waterproof, it definitely should be done by a pro. After a battery change in a waterproof watch, it has to be tested to make sure the case is sealed correctly. At the Bulova battery replacement near me, they will inspect your gasket as a complimentary service.

Bulova Crystal Replacement – Cracked or Scratched Glass

Depending on the model of the timepiece you own, replacing the crystal material and cost will vary. Lower-end Bulova’s will have a plastic crystal, mid-grade will likely be mineral glass, and higher-end could be sapphire. Each crystal material has its pros and cons.

While plastic is cheap to replace and won’t crack, it will scratch easily. Sapphire is expensive, won’t scratch, but will shatter. At the Bulova watch repair near me, you can expect a crystal replacement somewhere between $40 and $100.

You can do a DIY crystal replacement with tools on Amazon, but I would leave this fix to the pros as well.

Replacing the Band or Strap

Most Bulova bands and straps can be done with a spring pen. These watches do vary in the type of bands and bracelets they use for look and style. I’ve seen them with rubber, leather, and metal. The higher end the metal, the more expensive the bracelet replacement will be.

Now of course you don’t need to get a manufacturer-branded strap. There are plenty of standard rubber and leather straps that may fit. It’s all about how you want your watch to look. At a Bulova repair shop, leather and rubber material will be your cheapest options around $15 to $25. Metal will run you more and cost $50 and up depending on the material.

Resizing the Watch for a Custom Fit

Watch resizing is a commonly requested service. It’s important that the band or strap fit properly so that the watch stays secure on your wrist. Too loose and it can fall off, too tight and it is uncomfortable.

Resizing a strap there are limited options, you can punch new holes or move pins in the clasp, but eventually you run out of material to work with. A metal band however, is easier. With those, you can and remove links to meet the sizing requirements. For some Bulova watches you can resize yourself with a spring pen. If you visit an authorized Bulova repair near me, like one of their stores, they will resize it for free.

Crown Damage

If your timepiece has damage to the crown, you should let a pro technician look at it. The crown itself can be easy to replace, but the internal pin called the stem, needs to be checked. The stem can get bent or pushed into the movement and cause damage. When the stem has damage the repair gets more complicated.

For newer watch models a stem can ordered from Bulova. For older watch models the stem is no longer manufactured and needs to be found on the secondary market. This will add time and cost to the repair job.

Repair to the Movement

A watch movement is its heartbeat. It’s the part that makes it tick and function. Bulova over the years has used a variety of movements such as mechanical, quartz, and others.

Work on the movement needs to be done by a pro. Sometimes movements need a tune-up, a replacement, restoration or a complete overhaul. An overhaul is really expensive and requires completely taking apart the watch and reassembling it.

Authorized Bulova Repair

For authorized watch repairs, on your Bulova, you can either find a store or send it to their service center. In my experience with the authorized Bulova watch repair near me, going directly to the store seems faster.

They will likely send the watch offsite to get fixed, but it’s easier for to them manage it for you. If you send the watch to a service center yourself, it may take a few weeks or more. You also may not speak to someone directly. You will fill out a web form, send your watch in, and wait.

Authorized Bulova Watch Repair Near Me

If you need to make a claim on the warranty and there isn’t a Bulova repair store close by, an authorized service center is the next option. Bulova has service centers in New York and you can also order parts from them if you desire. Here is what you need to know before sending in your timepiece in to an authorized Bulova watch repair near me…

The Bulova-authorized service center can do any repair, maintenance, servicing, battery changes, movement overhauls, etc. You just need to let them know what you need. If they do any work on your watch they will guarantee for a certain period of time after it’s completed.

Anything covered under warranty will be free, anything not covered will cost you. They will reach out to you via email before doing any work that costs money, and you can approve or disapprove the estimate. The process takes about 4 weeks before they will even look at your watch.

If you think your repair is a manufacturer’s defect, make sure you are prepared to prove ownership and warranty. You will need a receipt showing the brand, purchase date, watch model, and price.

To reach out to their service center, you need to fill out form and follow the rules here.

Here is their information:

• Bulova Service Department
  50-04 25th Avenue, Woodside, New York 11377
  Phone: (800) 233-3350
  Email: service@bulova.com

Tips for Sending For Watch to an Authorized Bulova Service Center Near Me

Before you mail out your watch to an authorized Bulova watch repair, read below:

• Type a note with specific details about the issue the watch has. If you dropped it, say from about how high.
• Put a price on it, even if you don’t know the value, estimate it
• When you send it, insure the package for the value you estimated
• If you are claiming against the warranty include the required information
• carefully wrap the watch in bubble wrap and send it in a sturdy box
• Follow all instructions from the company

Can you Fix a Bulova Watch Yourself?

Bulova’s are not too bad to work on yourself. Doing simple stuff like battery changes, band replacements, and cleaning is straightforward if you have the right tools. While I have done this work before, I always heir on the side of letting a pro do it if you aren’t sure.

When you open up a watch case, you are potentially exposing sensitive gears and parts to dust and other environmental factors. If you are brave and feel confident, here are some tool kits to consider below. Just remember you are not authorized by Bulova, any damage you do could void the warranty if it is within the 3 years.

Other Resources for Bulova Watch Repair Near Me

Sometimes reaching out to the community to discuss your specific issue with your Bulova model can be helpful. There is likely someone else who has had the same question or issue you are dealing with. Aside from contacting the Bulova watch repair near me for help, here are some of my favorite resources for Bulova’s:

• 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, the first thing they check is what model you have. The model number and name help the technician know the time period and the type of movement you have. Here is a list of some of the most popular Bulova watches of all time.

• 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

Checking Repair Status

In today’s digital age, watch repair shops have evolved to offer more than just repair services. They provide a seamless experience for their customers, ensuring transparency at every step. One such feature that has become indispensable is the ability to check the repair status online.

How to Check Your Repair Status Online

When you submit your watches for repairs at reputable watch repair shops, you’re often provided with a tracking number. This unique identifier, coupled with your zip code, allows you to monitor the progress of your repair in real-time.

Most watch repair business establishments, especially those in New York City, have integrated this feature into their websites. For instance, if you’ve given your Bulova Accutron for battery replacement, you can easily track how far along the battery replacements process is. This excellent service ensures that you’re not left in the dark about the status of your cherished timepiece.

What to Expect from the Repair Status Lookup

The repair status lookup offers a detailed insight into the various stages of the repair process. From initial assessment by certified watchmakers to polishing, restoration, and final quality checks, every point is documented. If your watch band had a loose clasp or scratched surface, you’d be able to see when these issues are addressed.

Moreover, if there’s a need for replacing any parts or if any part is lost during the process, the status will reflect that too. It’s a convenient way to ensure that your watch, be it an expensive watch or a cherished Joseph Bulova heirloom, is in skilled hands. The history of your repair, from the moment it enters the house of the repair shop until it’s serviced and ready for shipping, is available at your fingertips.

This level of precision and professionalism is what sets apart modern watch repair businesses from the past. It’s a testament to their commitment to customer satisfaction and transparency.

Bulova Watch Repair Near Me – Conclusion

Bulova is an American watch. it was founded in 1875 and is currently owned and operated by Citizen. They primarily make their timepieces out of New York. They are also owners of other watch brands, like Accu-Swiss, Accutron, Caravelle, and Wittnauer.

If you need one repaired you don’t have to get an authorized service center, but it is recommended. Any damage caused by an improper repair will void your warranty. Bulova has one of the world the best and most flexible warranties compared to other watch brands.

They offer a 3-year warranty, while most brands are 2, and they don’t force you into authorized repairs. For a Bulova watch battery replacement, a local shop is fine as long as you know the risks. This is what I have learned from the Bulova watch repair near me.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

How do I find the closest Bulova watch repair store near me?

Many watch repair shops now offer online locators to assist customers in finding their nearest service center. Simply visit the official Bulova website or use search engines to input “Bulova Watch Repair Near Me.” This will provide a list of authorized repair services in your vicinity. Additionally, some third-party watch repair business platforms might list Bulova Accutron specialists or shops that offer battery replacements for specific Bulova watch models.

What is the history of Bulova watches?

Bulova, founded by Joseph Bulova in New York in 1875, has a rich history spanning over a century. The brand is renowned for its innovation, precision, and craftsmanship. Over the years, Bulova introduced many firsts to the world of watchmaking, including the first fully electronic watch with proprietary tuning-fork-based technology.

How do I know if my repair is covered under warranty?

When purchasing Bulova watch models, customers receive a warranty card detailing the terms and conditions. If your watch requires repairs, check this document to understand what’s covered. Typically, issues arising from manufacturing defects are covered, but damages like scratched surfaces or worn leather straps might not be. It’s always a good idea to consult with the watch repair shops or the place of purchase for clarity on warranty coverage.