First things first, forget about some perfect, step-by-step guide. Honestly, those are usually bull. It’s more about using your common sense and, like, feeling the vibe of the watch.
Alright, so let’s dive in. The price, *duh*. This one’s kinda obvious, but still. If you’re seeing a “Bulova” that costs less than your lunch, alarm bells should be ringing like crazy. Bulova ain’t Rolex, but they ain’t dollar-store stuff either. Expect to drop a few hundred bucks. If it’s like, $50, it’s probably faker than a politician’s promise.
Next up, flip that bad boy over and give it a good once-over. Specifically, the back. See if you can find a serial number. Supposedly, Bulova’s website has a thing where you can punch it in and see if it’s legit, but I don’t know how reliable that is, tbh. But hey, worth a shot, right? But, even if it does check out, don’t relax too much because the serial number could be duplicated (which is a pain).
Now, older Bulovas, like pre-1950, supposedly have a symbol that tells you the year it was made. So if you’re buying a “vintage” Bulova, this is a good thing to check. If it’s missing, red flag!
Okay, here’s where it gets a little subjective. The overall *feel* of the watch. Does it feel cheap? The finish, the engraving – does it look hastily done? Genuine Bulovas, even the more affordable ones, generally have a decent level of craftsmanship. Think about where the second hand hits the second markers, alignment of the face, etc. If it’s all wonky and the case feels like it’s gonna fall apart, you’re probably holding a fake.
Here’s a weird one that I found, and it’s the “Japan Movement china band sticker” thing. Supposedly, *all* authentic Bulovas have this. So if you see that, don’t freak out and assume it’s fake. It might actually be real! I think it’s real because the poster said the engraving, finish, and the alignment of the caseback was good.
Also, don’t just assume you’re being ripped off because it says “Japan Movement china band sticker”. Lots of watches are assembled in China, using Japanese movements. It’s how they keep costs down.
Finally, and this is just my personal opinion, trust your gut. If something just feels off, it probably is. Do your research on the specific model you’re looking at. Look at pictures of authentic watches online and compare them closely. And if you’re still unsure, maybe ask a watch expert before you drop your hard-earned cash.
