How to Spot a Fake Bulova Watch: 7 Easy Checks

Bulova is a respected watch brand known for precision, style, and heritage. Unfortunately, its popularity also makes it a target for counterfeiters. Fake Bulova watches are common on resale sites, street markets, and even some unauthorized online sellers.

If you’re about to buy one—especially second-hand—it’s crucial to know the telltale signs of a counterfeit. Here are 7 easy checks to help you spot a fake Bulova watch before you spend your money.

1. Check the Weight

A genuine Bulova feels solid and well-built due to its stainless steel or quality alloy case. Counterfeits often use lighter, cheaper materials.

Tip: If it feels hollow or flimsy, it’s probably fake.

2. Inspect the Logo

Bulova’s tuning fork logo and wordmark should be sharp, clean, and evenly spaced. On fake watches:

• The font may be wrong

• Letters may be crooked

• The logo might look blurry or poorly engraved

Compare with official images from Bulova’s website to be sure.

3. Look at the Dial Details

Bulova watches have precise printing on the dial—minute markers, subdials, and text will be crisp. Counterfeits often have:

• Uneven spacing

• Misaligned indices

• Inconsistent colors

If the markers don’t line up perfectly with the hands, walk away.

4. Examine the Case Back

Most authentic Bulova watches have:

• The Bulova logo

• Model number

• Serial number

• Water resistance info

Fake ones may skip some details or have poorly etched markings. If there’s no model number, that’s a red flag.

5. Movement Check

Bulova uses high-quality quartz, automatic, or Precisionist movements. Fakes often have cheap, generic movements.

• Listen for ticking: Precisionist movements have a smooth sweep, not a loud tick.

• If you can, open the case back or have a jeweler check the movement type.

6. Serial Number Verification

Every Bulova has a serial or model number. You can:

1. Search the number on Bulova’s website or contact customer service.

2. Compare the watch’s specs to the official model.

If the serial number doesn’t match or can’t be verified—it’s a fake.

7. Price Too Good to Be True?

Bulova watches are affordable luxury, but they’re not dirt cheap. If you see a brand-new $500 model for $50, you should be suspicious—especially if it’s from an unknown seller.

Bonus Tip: Buy from Authorized Dealers

The safest way to avoid counterfeits is to buy from official Bulova retailers or certified pre-owned sellers. They guarantee authenticity and usually offer a warranty.

Quick Comparison: Real vs. Fake Bulova

FeatureReal BulovaFake BulovaWeightSolid, substantial feelLight, flimsyLogoCrisp, clean engraving or printCrooked, blurry, wrong fontDial MarkersPerfectly alignedUneven, misalignedCase BackFull details & proper engravingsMissing or poor-quality markingsMovementQuartz, Automatic, PrecisionistCheap generic movementPriceReasonable but not “too good to be true”Extremely cheap

Final Thoughts

A fake Bulova can look convincing in photos, but once you know what to look for, spotting one is easy. Weight, logo quality, dial alignment, case back details, movement, serial number, and price are the biggest giveaways.

Always do your homework and, when in doubt, buy from a trusted source. That way, you’ll enjoy the real craftsmanship Bulova is known for—not a cheap imitation.