Alright, let’s talk about my latest little obsession: vintage Bulova watches. I kinda fell down this rabbit hole a few weeks ago, and man, it’s been a trip. So, here’s the whole shebang, from start to finish.
The Spark: It all started when my grandpa passed away. He wasn’t a watch guy, but tucked away in his stuff was this old, kinda beat-up Bulova. I didn’t know anything about it, but it looked cool, you know? Like something out of a movie. That was it, the initial spark.
The Research Begins: First thing I did was Google. I typed in “old Bulova watch” and just started scrolling. Holy moly, there were so many different models! I quickly learned that Bulova has a serious history, making watches since like, forever. I spent hours on forums, watch blogs, and even YouTube, trying to figure out what made a Bulova a Bulova. I learned about things like the Accutron, the tuning fork movement, and all these different case shapes and dial designs. It was overwhelming, but in a good way.
Identifying the Grandpa’s Watch: I wanted to know what model my grandpa’s watch was, so I carefully examined it. I looked for any markings on the dial, the case back, and even the movement itself. It turned out to be a Bulova Clipper from the 1960s. Not super rare or anything, but it was a cool piece of family history. I decided right then and there I was going to get it cleaned up and working again.
The Hunt for More (Oops!): Okay, here’s where it got dangerous. Once I knew what my grandpa’s watch was, I started browsing eBay and online vintage watch shops. I mean, just “browsing,” right? Famous last words. I quickly found a couple of other Bulovas that caught my eye. One was a funky-looking Accutron Spaceview with that cool exposed tuning fork. The other was a simple but elegant dress watch from the 1950s. Before I knew it, I’d placed bids on both. And won.
Getting Them Serviced: Old watches usually need some TLC. My grandpa’s Clipper definitely needed a cleaning and lubrication, and the Accutron needed a new battery and some tuning. I found a local watchmaker who specialized in vintage watches. He did an amazing job! The Clipper looked almost new, and the Accutron hummed back to life. The dress watch was in pretty good shape already, so it just needed a quick checkup.
Wearing and Enjoying: This is the best part. I’ve been wearing my vintage Bulovas regularly. It’s cool to have a piece of history on your wrist. Plus, they’re all unique and stylish. I get questions and compliments on them all the time. It’s a fun conversation starter.
Lessons Learned:
- Vintage watches can be addictive. Seriously.
- Do your research before buying. Know what you’re getting into.
- Find a good watchmaker. They’re worth their weight in gold.
- Don’t be afraid to wear them! They’re meant to be enjoyed.
The Future: I’m definitely going to keep collecting vintage Bulovas. There are so many cool models out there, and I’m just scratching the surface. I’m also thinking about learning how to service them myself. That’s a project for another day, though.
So, yeah, that’s my vintage Bulova watch journey so far. It’s been a lot of fun, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next. Who knows, maybe I’ll even find another gem in my grandpa’s attic!
