Just wanted to say i have been collecting bulovas since 2003 seriously but all of my life in reality. I have noticed that the bulova"s seemed to be going for more on e-bay during the last year, and could not figure this out. Well once i found this site and all the wonderful information that you folks have put together i now know why. This is the most informative site on watch collecting i have ever seen and i just wanted to say thank you. Once i figure out how to post pictures here i will try to add some of my watches and add to the site and not just take away from it.
In reply to Now now now play nice the new by Jim Townsend
In reply to I sincerely apologize to the by DarHin
In reply to But not to the man you by Jim Townsend
On the subject of the price of vintage Bulova watches , here in the UK prices have more than doubled in the last 12 months , possibly people are seeing it as another investment avenue. This site does give you the opportunity to assess a watch on ebay before you commit yourself to a purchase. One of the main reasons I started collecting Bulova's was this web site.
terry
I too have noticed that the price has gone up as to say a year ago when i was buying Bulovas at flea markets and estate sales for 5 and 10 dollars. Latley though even these places have been informed by ebay i am guessing. But what these people dont understand is that a watch that is pristine will command the higher dollar, and someone who has the same watch that isnt near the quality is asking the same price because they seen it on Ebay.
I cant tell you how many times i hear it sold or is going for so much on Ebay. Maybe Ebay ruined it for the guy who use to be able to pick up a nice watch for a few bucks. But there are still deals to be had out there. That is the thrill of the hunt folks Happy hunting.
I've seen an increased interest in Bulova watches, but I would not consider most Bulova watches a sound investment. They are collector-grade watches, if you will, and as interest by collectors increases, it's a supply and demand thing. I guess gold watches do have a potential for investment, however I surly hope an old gold watch is valued for it's horological value more then it's melt value. This site has certainly spurred informed interest in collecting Bulova watches, and that's a good thing. I think the "sock drawer" effect also comes into play to a degree. eBay closing values higher of late, yes, but go to an NAWCC mart and you'll find things are pretty "steady" as there tends to be less impulse buying, and more trading/bartering. When there is such an easy "world market" like eBay, we see more purchases by those willing to pay more for one particular Bulova, or series of Bulova then I see at other "localized" venues.
I too have always thought Bulova watches were first rate quality. And now with so many collectors learning what a great value they are, prices are starting to reflect that quality! Look at all the great Bulova styles and models, all the history that we are now learning about, and how many Bulova watches have survived 70, 80, or 90 years and served three generations of owners and are still ticking! That type of quality in scarce in todays production, for almost any price. For my collection, I'll take a Bulova over a Patek any day...and when I end up with one of those "investment grade" watches, I just sell it and get several Bulova anyway! Bulova is starting to get the status I and others here have felt it always deserved!!! Thanks in a big part to this site!
In reply to I too have always thought by William Smith
When I first started collecting a fellow explained to me that Bulova's didn't get the big bucks because they mass produced so many of them. For my money you just can't beat their design and style. As for quality well my oldest bully is 85 years old and still running strong.
In reply to When I first started by Bob Bruno
That's a really good point Bob, the mass production aspect has basically assured the survival and love of these watches. Spare parts are relatively easy to come by which all more and more people to actually enjoy a working model.
I wear nothing else other than a vintage Bulova everyday and I feel proud and special in doing so.