The Repair Before & After Spotlight Series
My Jewelry Repair aims to provide our customers with the highest caliber of jewelry and watch repair all from the comfort of their home. The Before & After Series spotlights some of the best work our Master Craftsmen have done!
A Customized Square Bulova Watch Transformation
Restoring and Completely Transforming a Vintage Bulova Watch
Welcome back to another Before & After Repair Spotlight! In this feature, we’re taking a closer look at a vintage Bulova timepiece that arrived at our facility with an exciting request. Instead of a standard tune-up, the customer wanted to completely restore the internal mechanics while totally transforming the exterior style to match their personal aesthetic.
Over time, vintage timepieces experience both mechanical wear and cosmetic aging. In this case, the watch required a complete mechanical overhaul to get it ticking perfectly again, but the owner also saw an opportunity to reimagine its look. With clear direction from the customer, our Certified Watchmakers and restoration experts proceeded with a complete mechanical and visual transformation.
The Details of This Vintage Bulova Watch Service
For this Bulova watch transformation, our team identified and performed the following:
- Comprehensive Professional Evaluation: As with all incoming timepieces, our Certified Watchmakers conducted a hands-on inspection within our secure, Swiss-standard facility to assess both mechanical needs and cosmetic possibilities.
- Complete Clean & Overhaul (C&O): The movement was fully disassembled, meticulously cleaned, lubricated, and reassembled to restore accurate timekeeping and optimal functionality.
- Customized Dial Refinishing: To achieve the transformation the customer envisioned, the dial was completely refinished with beautiful new custom colors by our authorized partner Kirk Rich Dial Co.
- Hand Polishing & Repainting: The watch hands were carefully hand-polished and repainted to perfectly complement the new custom dial.
- Crown, Case, and Case Back Polishing & Plating: To restore its original luster and elevate the new design, the crown, case, and case back underwent a professional polish followed by a fresh, durable metal plating.
- Crystal Clean & Polish: Because the specific replacement crystal the client wanted was no longer available on the market, our team carefully cleaned and polished the original crystal to clear away decades of scratches and cloudiness.
- Watch Band Replacement: Finally, the transformation was completed with a brand-new watch band, perfectly matching the newly updated aesthetic.
And voilà! With its internal movement fully serviced and its exterior completely reimagined, this vintage Bulova is not just running smoothly—it has been reborn as a bespoke timepiece ready to be worn with confidence and pride.
A Closer Look
The Power of Customer Preference in Watch Restoration
When it comes to vintage watch restoration, there is a distinct line between preserving historical accuracy and creating a customized piece. The direction we take is always entirely up to the customer’s preference.
Some collectors prefer a highly conservative approach, choosing to leave the original aging and “patina” on the dial while focusing solely on the mechanical movement. Others, like the owner of this Bulova, view their vintage watch as a canvas for a highly personalized transformation.
Whether you want to restore a timepiece to its exact factory-original state, or you want to customize the dial colors, upgrade the band, and re-plate the case to match your modern wardrobe, our goal is to execute your vision. Every cosmetic decision, from the color of the dial to the style of the hands, is guided by what the customer wants to achieve.
Authorized Services Provided by My Jewelry Repair
At My Jewelry Repair, our Certified Watchmakers and artisans are equipped to service both modern and heritage timepieces with manufacturer-level precision.
From complete movement overhauls to highly customized aesthetic transformations, our facilities are designed to meet the highest standards in the industry. Whether your watch requires essential mechanical servicing or you have a vision for a complete redesign, our team provides expert guidance to help you make the best decision for your timepiece.
If your Bulova or other vintage watch is due for servicing, we’re here to help restore its performance—and its beauty—with care and precision.
Impressed with the results of this custom transformation? Let us know in the comments!
(Before)
(After)
That’s All Folks!
Thank you for taking the time to visit the latest addition to our Before and After Series! Don’t worry, we will be showcasing many more of our major transformations very soon.
My Jewelry Repair
#MJRBeforeAndAfter
Before & After #194