Even in the heart of the quartz crisis Bulova was still making really nice, handsome mechanical watches like this 2930 calendar automatic. This example has been serviced and given a new crystal, but is otherwise in original condition. The Bulova 11ANACD 17 jewel movement (Bulova movement codes were getting slightly rediculous at this point) has a 21,600 BPH rate for excellent accuracy and an automatic mechanism that is fully integrated into the main plate providing a thin 9mm profile.

A sneek peak at new watches that I have aquired that are awaiting restoration, and which will eventually be listed for sale once restored.

This handsome late 1950s timepiece is highlighted by a red sweep second hand - something of a signature for sporty Bulova watches from the era. It is all-original, including the crystal, which has been restored rather than replaced. It is powered by a 17 jewel Bulova 11ACC manual wind movement.

A distictive and sharp-looking watch from the late 1950s. This one has a black sub-second dial with cool deco numerals offset by a polished full stainless steel case. Powered by a reliable Bulova 11AF manual wind movement.

This gorgeous Bulova black & gold tank from the late 1930’s really makes a statement. The beautiful dial is really shown off by a brand new (old stock) crystal. The 10K Gold Fill case has been overplated in 14K Gold so that it looks as great as the dial. This beauty is powered by a Bulova 7AP hand wind movement which is 86 years young and still going strong.

A very clean, gently-used example of a late-60’s Bulova dress tank. Sporting the distinctive Bulova aesthetic from the period, the dial and hands on this one are about as pristine as it gets for a nearly 60 year old watch. It’s powered by a rock solid shock protected 17 jewel Bulova 11AL hand wind movement.

In my ongoing series exploring vintage watch movements, my focus has been on movements with interesting design quirks or features, but I thought it might be helpful to go over a very “vanilla” watch movement, with a typical design and no complications whatsoever. Accordingly, the subject of today’s post is the Bulova 7AP, a very simple but quality movement manufactured in the late 1930s.