How to Find Bulova Model Number: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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parts

1Determining the Age of the Watch by Looking for Date Codes

2Determining the Age of the Watch by Looking for Serial Numbers

3Comparing Your Watch to Known Models

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Tips and Warnings

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References

Article Summary

Co-authored bywikiHow Staff

Last Updated: September 28, 2020

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Finding out what model your Bulova watch is can be quite challenging. This is because there are no model numbers stamped on them. There are often date codes and/or serial numbers, however, which can help you determine how old the watch is. Using this information, you can compare your watch to the models that were made during that time period to identify the model.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Determining the Age of the Watch by Looking for Date Codes

  1. 1

    Look for a date code stamped on the back of the case. Take your watch off and flip it over to look at the smooth metal back of the case. You may see several different markings engraved there, all of which have different meanings. A date code will be either a symbol (like a triangle, and eight-pointed star, or a half-moon, for example), a two-digit number, or one letter and one number. [1]

    • You may need to use a magnifying glass to help you read the codes, as they are very small.
    • If your watch was produced earlier than 1924, it will not have any date code on it.
    • You may also see a serial number on the back of your watch. This can also be useful in helping you identify how old your watch is, but it is not the model number.
  2. 2

    Interpret the date code. Once you have identified a date code on your watch, you will need to interpret it, as the date is never printed in an obvious way. Bulova has used a few different systems for dating their watches.[2]

    • Between 1924 and 1945, a series of symbols was used to indicate the year in which the watch was produced. If you see a symbol, do an internet search to find a table that will show year which year corresponds to which symbol. Be aware, however, that some symbols were used more than once. For example, a circle was used in 1925, 1934, and 1944.
    • A transitional system was used between 1946 and 1949. In 1946, the code was 46 followed by a square. In 1947, the code was 47. In 1948, the code was 48. In 1949, the code was J9.
    • Beginning in 1950, Bulova started using a code including one letter and one number. The letter indicates the decade, while the number indicates the year within the decade. The decade codes are as follows: L = 1950s, M = 1960s, N = 1970s, P = 1980s, T = 1990s. For example, if your watch is stamped with the code M8, this means your watch was produced in 1968. If it is stamped with the cope P0, your watch was produced in 1980.

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  3. 3

    Understand the meaning of patent dates. As you are looking for identifying markings on your watch, you may come across a patent date. Patent dates typically include a month, day, and year, and are preceded by the letters "pat." Some people jump to the conclusion that this is the date that their watch was manufactured, but it is not. The patent date is merely the date on which the specific design of the watch was patented, so it will not be of much use.[3]

    • Patent dates may be helpful in helping you rule out certain dates of manufacture. For example, if your watch's design was patented in 1950, you know your watch could not have been produced any earlier than 1950 (but it could have been produced any time after 1950).
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Determining the Age of the Watch by Looking for Serial Numbers

  1. 1

    Be aware of the two types of serial numbers. On many watches, you will find two different serial numbers: one on the case of the watch, and one on the interior mechanism of the watch. This is because the two are often manufactured separately.[4]

    • If you check both the case and the mechanism and discover that they were made in different years, this can be due to several reasons. If the difference is only one year, it may simply be that one component was manufactured first and then warehoused until it was needed to assemble the watch. If the difference is more than a year, it is likely that one of the elements has been replaced.
  2. 2

    Find the serial number on the case. To find the serial number on the case of your Bulova watch, simply flip it over and look at the flat back of the case. If there is a serial number, it should be engraved here.[5]

    • Serial numbers do not all contain the same number of digits.
    • Not all Bulova watches will have serial numbers on the case. If yours does not, you may want to consider looking for a serial number on the mechanism.
    • You may want to use a magnifying glass to help you read the serial number.
    • If you already looked for a date code on your watch, you may have already found the serial number.
  3. 3

    Find the serial number on the interior mechanism. If there are no identifying marks on the outside of your watch, or if you want to know the model number of the movement that was used in your watch, you will have to take the back case off. The serial number may be located anywhere on the mechanism. Be very careful doing this, as you can damage the watch if you are careless.[6]

    • Be sure to place the watch on a soft cloth as you are working in order to prevent it from getting damaged.
    • If the watch has a snap back case, you should be able to see a raised lip around the back and bezel of the case. There won't be any hinges or notches. Snap back cases simply snap into place, so you should be able to remove one by prying it up with a dull tool. Don't use anything sharp (like a knife blade) that you might cut yourself with.
    • Some older watches have swing-back cases, which can be identified by a hinge on the back of the case. These are opened the same way as snap back cases, but the back hinges open instead of coming all the way off. You may even be able to open this type of back with your fingernail.
    • If the watch has a screw back case, you should see six grooves or notches located somewhere along the perimeter of the metal back. You will need to open the back case using these notches. Screw back cases must be unscrewed before you can lift them away. You will need a special tool known as an adjustable case wrench to open one.
    • There may also be a second protective cover inside of your watch. This can usually be pried off with a fingernail, but be careful not to damage the mechanism as you are doing this.
    • If you have any trouble getting the case open, bring the watch to a professional jeweler.
  4. 4

    Replace the back case. If you opened the back of your watch to locate a serial number, be sure to put it back together right away.

    • For snap back watches, locate the small pin on the inner lip of the case and the small hole around the perimeter of the watch. Line up the pin and the hole, then press and click the case back on using your hands.
    • For screw back cases, place the case over the back of the watch and grab onto the grooves using the case wrench. Rotate the case clockwise until it screws back into place.
  5. 5

    Compare the serial number to online lists. Once you have identified a serial number on your watch, you can try searching for the number online or using an online chart to help you identify when the watch was made. There is no official Bulova chart to reference, but many people have compiled charts based on their own observations of patterns.

    • Some serial numbers are easier to identify than others. For example, watches that were produced before 1926 tend to have serial numbers that start with the numbers 1 or 2, but the exact number does not give any further clues as to its production date.[7]
    • Between 1926 and 1949, the first digit of the serial number was typically used to indicate in which year within a decade the watch was produced. For example, a serial number that starts with 1 could indicate that that watch was produced in 1931 or 1941.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Comparing Your Watch to Known Models

  1. 1

    Find a list of models. Once you have identified the age of your watch, you can begin comparing it to the models that Bulova produced during those years. Luckily, there are lots of websites that include complete lists of Bulova models (with pictures) organized by year. Scroll through one of these lists until you find a model that matches your watch.[8]

    • Be aware that there are often some variations within models. For example, Bulova may have offered the same model with different choices for case material, movement, dial, and hands.
  2. 2

    Note the shape of the case. When comparing your watch to various models, pay the most attention to the shape of the watch's case. Even if there were different options offered for the model, the general shape and lines should be the same.

    • After the shape, pay attention to the dial features, as these are also likely to remain the same, even if different options were offered. Note details like the placement of the hands and the sub-seconds.
  3. 3

    Be aware of repeated model names. If you find a model that matches your watch, you should be aware that Bulova did sometimes reuse model names. For this reason, the model name alone (without the year) may not be very useful in identifying a watch.

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Community Q&A

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  • Question

    What model is my Bulova Automatic with number F320470 on the bottom back and M7 below that number?

    How to Find Bulova Model Number: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (14)

    Community Answer

    According to the above wikihow article, L=50's, M=60's, etc. Seven refers to the year within the decade. This means your Bulova is dated 1967. Look up Bulovas produced in that year, and you should find that model.

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  • Question

    My watch has no identifying numbers on the back, and I cannot get it open to find the serial number. How do I find the model number otherwise?

    How to Find Bulova Model Number: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (15)

    Community Answer

    Take your watch to a jewelry store. The jeweler should be able to open the watch without damaging it to retrieve the model number.

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  • Question

    I bought a used watch. Where can I find information on it?

    How to Find Bulova Model Number: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (16)

    Community Answer

    A simple internet search would be best. If you want a little bit more information, try emailing or calling the watch manufacturer or the person who owned the watch first.

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      Tips

      • If your watch has no identifiable numbers or codes on it, it may still be possible to determine how old it is by observing the various stylistic features. You can do some research on the various styles that were used in different years, or you can consider bringing your watch to an expert to be identified.[9]

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      Warnings

      • Work carefully when opening the back of a Bulova watch. If you handle it too recklessly, you may damage the inner gears or get debris inside the watch. Small pieces may also fall out if you drop the watch.

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      About This Article

      How to Find Bulova Model Number: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (30)

      Co-authored by:

      wikiHow Staff Writer

      This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 251,790 times.

      469 votes - 58%

      Co-authors: 6

      Updated: September 28, 2020

      Views:251,790

      Categories: Watches

      Article SummaryX

      Since Bulova watches don't have model numbers, you'll need to use the serial number and date code to determine what model your watch is. Take your watch off and flip it over to look at the smooth metal back of the case. Here, you should see a date code, which will either be a symbol, like a triangle or a half-moon, two-digit number, or a letter and number. Once you find the date code, look it up on the internet to figure out when it was made. Another way to date your watch is by comparing the serial number to an online list. To find the serial number, look at the back of the case. If you can't find a serial number here, you'll have to carefully remove the backing of your watch to look at the mechanism. After you locate the serial number, search for it on the internet to find the year it was made. Then, look up models made that same year until you find your Bulova. To learn how to find a list of models online, keep reading!

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      How to Find Bulova Model Number: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (31)

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      How to Find Bulova Model Number: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

      FAQs

      How do I find out what model my Bulova watch is? ›

      Find the serial number on the interior mechanism.

      If there are no identifying marks on the outside of your watch, or if you want to know the model number of the movement that was used in your watch, you will have to take the back case off. The serial number may be located anywhere on the mechanism.

      How do I find out what year my Bulova watch is? ›

      After 1949, the date code is typically found on the back of the case. Beginning in 1950, Bulova used a simple code to date the case. The code is a single letter and a single digit. The letter represents the decade, the number the last digit in the year.

      How much is the Bulova Hack a11? ›

      Compare with similar items
      This item Bulova Hack Automatic Black Le...Seiko 5 Sports Day-Date Analog...
      Rating4.6 out of 5 stars 165 reviews4.4 out of 5 stars 68 reviews
      Price₹38,109.00₹20,606.00
      Sold ByPeach ImportsVRP Telematics
      Band ColorSilver, BlackBlue
      8 more rows

      Is my Bulova watch worth anything? ›

      Since the Bulova company produced a prolific number of affordable watches during the mid-20th century, most vintage Bulova watch values are usually not much over $50 depending on the watches' condition and the quality of the materials used to make them.

      How can I identify a watch? ›

      The dial will normally tell you the watch brand and sometimes even its model name. The manufacturer can usually be found beneath the hour marker at 12 o'clock. With any luck, there will also be a clue as to the model above 6 o'clock. This will come in the form of the model name or the movement (e.g., “Automatic”).

      How do I find my old watch model? ›

      The serial number of your watch is engraved on the case at the 6 o'clock end between the lugs. You will need to remove the bracelet/strap to see it. The model reference is engraved in the same place at the 12 o'clock end.

      What is the most valuable Bulova watch? ›

      What is the most expensive Bulova watch? The most expensive Bulova watch is the Joseph Bulova Collection First Edition 24-Karat Gold Watch, released in 2015 and with a retail value of $42,000. Only 32 pieces were ever produced. See how this compares to the world's most expensive watches.

      Are old Bulova watches good? ›

      Yes – for the most part Bulova watches are generally considered good quality and also a very good value.

      How can you tell if a watch is vintage? ›

      Generally speaking, the market for vintage is on the rise, but there is no hard and fast rule as to what qualifies a watch as vintage. Some people think it is pre-1980, while others will argue that anything over 25 years old or 50 years old is vintage.

      What size is Bulova a11? ›

      Description
      Brand, Seller, or Collection NameBulova
      Case diameter37 millimeters
      Case Thickness14.3 millimeters
      Band MaterialNylon NATO
      Band sizeMens Standard
      18 more rows

      Are the diamonds in my Bulova watch real? ›

      Bulova watches are made from the finest materials, which includes real diamonds and gold. As a result they are considered an American luxury watch brand.

      Can I pawn my Bulova watch? ›

      PawnHero accepts luxury items from Bulova. We value your item as much as you do, rest assured that you get your items back in the same condition you gave it to us. Use PawnHero as a responsible alternative for bank loans, or to simply get fast cash when you need it.

      How do I know if my watch is worth money? ›

      Brand and model: Watches from well-known brands and popular models tend to be more valuable. Condition: The condition of the watch will affect its value. A watch that is in good condition with all original parts is generally more valuable than a watch that is in poor condition or has had parts replaced.

      Is Bulova high end? ›

      Bulova is an American luxury watch company and was founded in 1875. Since 2007 it is owned by Citizen. Bulova became successful in the USA because of its visual appeal and technological achievements.

      Are all Bulova watches real gold? ›

      Yes, Bulova watches are made from real gold. Bulova makes gold watches that range from nine karat to 24 karat gold, with a select few watches being entirely solid gold. Always purchase Bulova watches from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity.

      How can I identify a watch from a picture? ›

      Chrono24, the leading online marketplace for luxury watches, has released the new Watch Scanner in their smartphone app. This feature can identify a watch and display its current market value with just one photo. The Watch Scanner compares the photo with around 15,000 watches in Chrono24's database.

      What is a watch number? ›

      A serial number is sometimes engraved onto the case to signify the batch and tracking of the watch. Think of it as a unique ID. Brands will often serialized the case so that they can track the owner, repair, and or timeline of the watch throughout it's life. So say you bought a Rolex (or Patek Philippe, Omega, etc.)

      Can you check if a watch is stolen? ›

      THE WATCH REGISTER is the leading global database of lost and stolen watches.

      What does the model number on a watch mean? ›

      A watch's model number is a unique set of numbers given to specific watches. Model numbers are used to differentiate a watch from other timepieces made by the same timepiece manufacture. For example, all of Rolex's Oyster Perpetual 39mm watches with a white dial and Oystersteel metal will have the same model number.

      What are the numbers on a watch called? ›

      Hour Markers

      The hour markers are the actual labels or indexes on the dial, usually actual numbers 1 to 12 or 12 indexes, to indicate the time. The most common are Arabic and Roman numerals.

      How do I find my watch number? ›

      On your Apple Watch, open the Settings app. Tap General > About, then scroll down. Look for Serial Number or IMEI.

      Why Bulova watches are special? ›

      Bulova's industry innovations included everything from pioneering standardized production of watches to developing the first fully electronic watch with proprietary tuning-fork based technology making it at the time the most accurate watch in the world.

      What brand is better than Bulova? ›

      Seiko provides traditional, stylish, functional, and innovative timepieces that all come from its revolutionary mindset. Bulova has unique and loud designs, and the brand stands out for its style and accuracy. However, Seiko's sleek and classy design earns more respect than any other in the competitive market.

      How can you tell if a Bulova watch is real? ›

      The dial must be signed "Bulova", or, if an Accutron, "Accutron" or "Bulova Accutron" (or Accuquartz). There may be instances in very early watches--such as those that apparently date to pre-1920--where the dial is not signed, but those rare examples are the only instances where a Bulova dial does not read "Bulova".

      Is Bulova made by Rolex? ›

      Bulova is an American timepiece manufacturing company that was founded in 1875 and has been owned by Japanese multinational conglomerate Citizen Watch Co. since 2008.

      Can an old Bulova watch be repaired? ›

      Modern or Vintage, We Can Fix Your Bulova Timepiece

      We have the expertise to provide certified Bulova watch repair for Archive Series revivals, even the Lunar Pilot Chronograph, which is made custom for astronomical conditions. We have the specialists equipped and skilled to handle watches made with such precision.

      What was the first Bulova watch? ›

      The introduction of the world's first fully electronic watch

      In the 1960s, Bulova introduced their most influential contribution to watchmaking – the Bulova Accutron. Their first model was called Spaceview 214 and it was the world's first fully electronic watch.

      At what age is a watch considered antique? ›

      Generally, watches older than 100 years are considered antique.

      How old is considered vintage watch? ›

      What exactly is vintage? The definition of what makes a watch vintage can vary widely, but it's generally said to be anything 25-30 years old, or older.

      How old does a watch have to be to be considered antique? ›

      In the strictest sense, the difference between an antique and a vintage item is its age. Antiques are items which must be at least 100 years old. That means, as of the date of this posting, an antique item was made on or before April of 1918.

      What is a-11 watch? ›

      In the mid-1940s, the A-11 was designed as a navigation timepiece and a tool to survive in the rough conditions of the battlefield. It helped the Allies win the Second World War, allowing the Air Force, Navy, and Marines to coordinate their military plan.

      What size was the original a11 watch? ›

      At 32mm wide with 16mm lugs, the A-11 Combat 32mm not only keeps the dial design but now also shares the case dimensions of the WW2 originals.

      How long does a Bulova last? ›

      A lot of owners of a Bulova watch love the brand for having hard wearing watches that are likely to last a lifetime with good and proper care.

      Are diamonds in watches worth anything? ›

      Unlike a diamond ring with a beautiful stone, which will most likely hold its value, the diamonds on watches have little value apart from the watch as a whole. It would probably cost more to take the diamonds off a watch than they would be worth on the resale market.

      Does Bulova use real crystals? ›

      Beautifully detailed with authentic Crystals from Swarovski®, this striking collection makes a brilliant fashion statement.

      Is it better to sell a watch to pawn shop or jewelry store? ›

      Pawning Your Watch

      If you need a cash loan but are not willing to part ways with your watch, pawning it is your best option. Getting a collateral loan from a pawn shop is quick and easy.

      How to make $500 at a pawn shop? ›

      Jewelry. Gold, platinum, and silver jewelry are great things you can pawn in your local pawn shop to get $500 or more because they're valuable and always look good. Also, gold and platinum don't lose value over time, making them a good investment for pawn shops and customers.

      Can pawn shops tell if a watch is stolen? ›

      Pawnshops have had a bad reputation as outlets where criminals can get fast cash for stolen items. Is this accurate though? We will tell you truthfully — the answer is a resounding no! A few decades ago, pawnshops had no way of knowing if someone had stolen an item before they sold it to the shop.

      How do I find out what something is worth for free? ›

      Visit auction houses.

      Occasionally, auction houses will offer a “valuation day” or “appraisal day” where they will offer free valuations for the general public. Contact your local auction house such as Sotheby's or Christie's for information on scheduled dates and procedures.

      What is the highest number of jewels in a watch? ›

      The standard number of jewels used in watches is 17. But that's for fully mechanical models. Self-winding automatic and semi-automatic watches can have even more, anywhere from 25-27. The Logical One by Romain Gauthier probably has the highest jewel count to date, numbering 63 jewels.

      What does 17 jewels on a watch mean? ›

      What does 17 jewels mean? A watch with 17 jewels is often called a fully jeweled watch. This means that it uses jewel (usually ruby) bearings in the mechanical movement from the balance wheel all the way to the center wheel pivot.

      What is the sister company of Bulova? ›

      Caravelle Designed by Bulova | Bulova. An authentic American brand since 1962, Caravelle offers quality watches inspired by vintage roots that stand the test of time. Encompassing style and sophistication, the collection features timepieces that combine past and modern influences.

      What watches did Frank Sinatra wear? ›

      The singer was a wearer of Bulova timepieces throughout his life. In the 1950s, Bulova was the sponsor of the Frank Sinatra Show TV program.

      How do I identify my Bulova? ›

      To find the serial number on the case of your Bulova watch, simply flip it over and look at the flat back of the case. If there is a serial number, it should be engraved here. Serial numbers do not all contain the same number of digits. Not all Bulova watches will have serial numbers on the case.

      How do I tell what year my Bulova watch is? ›

      Locate the date code.

      Genuine Bulova watches manufactured between 1924 and 2009 should all have an imprinted date code marked somewhere on the watch. Once you locate and identify the date code, you should know the year during which that watch was manufactured.

      How many jewels does a Bulova watch have? ›

      Product Description. From the Classic Automatic Collection. Self-winding mechanical timepiece with 21-jewel movement visible through double on-dial aperture and exhibition case back. Powered by the wearer's...

      What does the Bulova watch symbol mean? ›

      In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh became the first solo pilot to cross the Atlantic nonstop. His crossing earned him a Bulova Watch and a check for $1000, and it became an emblem for the brand that created the model "Lone Eagle" in his likeness.

      Is Bulova a premium watch brand? ›

      Bulova is an American luxury watch company and was founded in 1875. Since 2007 it is owned by Citizen.

      What is model and series number? ›

      A model number refers to all of a single product. For example, all 32GB SanDisk Extreme SD cards of the same generation have the same model number. A serial number references a single, specific product. So, there can be hundreds or even thousands of the same model number made.

      How do I find a watch from a picture? ›

      Chrono24, the leading online marketplace for luxury watches, has released the new Watch Scanner in their smartphone app. This feature can identify a watch and display its current market value with just one photo. The Watch Scanner compares the photo with around 15,000 watches in Chrono24's database.

      What are the numbers at the bottom of a watch? ›

      The hour markers are the actual labels or indexes on the dial, usually actual numbers 1 to 12 or 12 indexes, to indicate the time. The most common are Arabic and Roman numerals.

      What is the most famous Bulova? ›

      Bulova also started to dip into its archives with the Archive Series of watches which re-imagine some of their most famous designs with modern power. The most successful, without a doubt, is the black dial Lunar Pilot, a watch based on Dave Scott's watch that was worn on the moon and powered by a 262khz chronograph.

      What makes Bulova special? ›

      Bulova's industry innovations included everything from pioneering standardized production of watches to developing the first fully electronic watch with proprietary tuning-fork based technology making it at the time the most accurate watch in the world.

      Are Bulova watches high quality? ›

      Today, Bulova is recognized as one of the finest makers of luxury timepieces across the world, with a diverse range of premium and precise timepieces that will suit the needs of all occasions! As a watchmaker, it is a brand that is quite close to my heart.

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