Bulova 23 Watch Back

Submitted by MGD001 on February 25, 2017 - 3:46pm

I found this Bulova 23 that I want to restore, but I am concerned about the back. All the similar Bulova's we have on our website show a normal style backing for Bulova. As you can see from the picture it is quite different, any ideas?

 

Reverend Rob
Posted February 25, 2017 - 4:03pm

Theodore Kagen (TK) manufactured replacement watch cases and dials and even hand sets for watches that had been worn externally and had dial damage, etc. In particular, cases that were chrome plated wore out rather quickly. 

Often the dials were marked as 'rebuilt' or had the word 'movement' below the Bulova name. These are not affiliated with nor manufactured by Bulova, and as such means the watch is non-conforming.

What you may have here is an authentic Bulova movement and hands and dial, inside an aftermarket case. We'd have to see the movt itself, there will be markings on it.

Reverend Rob
Posted February 25, 2017 - 4:05pm

MGD001
Posted February 25, 2017 - 4:10pm

Thank you, even if I restore it, with this back it disqualifies the watch from becoming accepted into My Bulova?

mybulova_admin
Posted February 25, 2017 - 10:41pm

In reply to by MGD001

You watch would represent one of the Bulova 23 series, of which we have a number in the database. Whilst your watch does qualify to be entered into the database it will be marked as non-conforming. It's a good reference to have for others to see and learn from.

Reverend Rob
Posted February 26, 2017 - 12:28am

What I would suggest, if you want to restore this, is to find another '23' that is the same year roughly and use it as a donor watch. Ideally, you want a '23' that has a bad movt, say with a broken balance or other issues. Then you are back at 100% Bulova at least, but I often find that while looking for such a donor watch, I end up with viable watches and the process continues. As long as you don't mind acquiring more Bulovas, that is my suggestion. 

MGD001
Posted February 26, 2017 - 5:27am

Thank you all for your input, those were all wonderful suggestions.I will need to consider this purchase a little more.