Is this Bulova a knock off?

Submitted by denisesanborn1 on June 16, 2022 - 12:55pm

I do not know the year but I do remember my father wearing this in the 80's. I took to the watch store today for a cleaning so I can hand it down to my son. They said it was likely a knock off. I didn't ask further questions and they would not open the back of it. Under Bulova on the face it does say ACCURATE not Acutron and I have not been able to pull up any Bulova ACCURATE watches. Is it likely a knock off?

Geoff Baker
Posted June 16, 2022 - 9:11pm

Please upload a photo of your watch?

mybulova_admin
Posted June 16, 2022 - 11:35pm

Can you also advise via a photo or comments what is on the back of the watch case.

denisesanborn1
Posted June 17, 2022 - 10:02am

I added a photo when I first made an account. The jeweler chose not to open the watch getting any info due to her saying it was likely a knock off. I will take it back and see if I can get them to open it. Thank you 

denisesanborn1
Posted June 17, 2022 - 12:30pm

I have added the front of the watch photo

denisesanborn1
Posted June 17, 2022 - 12:32pm

There is a design on the back but I have to shrink the photo down to fit the Bulova site. Do you know of Bulova Accurate type of watch? was there such a thing?

 

mybulova_admin
Posted June 17, 2022 - 7:39pm

I'm not familiar with the model and other than the word Bulova on the dial,  it could have been made by anyone.  I suspect though that the jeweller was correct in it being an Asian knockoff. 23 on the dial would suggest a 23 jewelled movement so it would be interesting to see what is actually inside. 

denisesanborn1
Posted June 17, 2022 - 7:54pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Do you feel it is worth it to send it out to a reputable jeweler that will open the back? This person out a gouge in the back trying to open it and wouldn't go any further. Thank you. I am very curious now. My father has since passed and would like to give to my son but would love to have the history. 

Geoff Baker
Posted June 18, 2022 - 12:56pm

dial shot

back

These are the photos Denise sent me. I agree it likely some sort of copy cat but certainly 100% keepsake from he father!

JimDon5822
Posted June 24, 2022 - 11:51am

This is not a Bulova brand watch.  I have seen quite a few of them with Bu ova and Se ko names.    They usually have a pin lever movement similar to a Timex type.   They were low cost watches intended to allow the wearer to have what appeared to be a more expensive branded Bulova or Seiko watch.  Interestingly the designs were never close to an actual Bulova or Seiko watch so I would not call it a Fake.  As for repair, the pin lever movements have no jewels but are fairly solid runners.   That being said I do not think you will find many watchmakers willing to repair it.  I would keep as a keepsake from your father.