How To Change Day On Bulova Watch

Learning how to change day on Bulova watch is a simple process once you understand the basic mechanism. To change the day on a Bulova watch, you often adjust the crown between positions to cycle through the display. This guide will walk you through the steps for various Bulova models, from classic analog watches to more modern calendar versions.

We will cover the essential tools you might need, provide clear step-by-step instructions, and address common troubleshooting issues. Whether your watch has a day-date complication or a separate day window, the principle is generally the same. Let’s get started with understanding your watch’s crown.

The primary method for adjusting the day on most Bulova watches involves using the crown, which is the small knob on the side of the case. The crown typically has two or three positions: pushed all the way in (position 0 for normal operation), pulled out to one click (position 1 for adjusting the day/date), and sometimes pulled out to two clicks (position 2 for setting the time). It’s crucial to identify your specific model’s crown positions before proceeding, as forcing it can cause damage.

For watches with a day-date display, the day often changes in conjunction with the date or has its own quick-set feature. The process usually requires cycling the hands past midnight to advance the calendar, or using a specific crown position to jump the day forward. Always refer to your watch’s manual if available, as some precision models have specific guidelines to protect the movement during certain hours.

Identifying Your Bulova Watch Type

Before you begin adjusting, you need to identify what type of day display your Bulova watch has. This determines the exact method you will use. The main types include day-date watches, triple calendar watches, and digital or analog-digital models. Taking a moment to identify your watch can prevent any accidental damage to the internal mechanics.

Look closely at the dial. Does it show just the day, or the day and the date together? Is the display in a window at 3 o’clock, or is it a sub-dial? Knowing this is the first step to a correct adjustment. If you are unsure, you can often find the model number on the case back and search for it online.

Common Bulova Day Display Styles

Day-Date at 3 O’clock: The most common style, featuring a window showing the day and often an adjacent date window.
Triple Calendar: Shows the day, date, and month, typically with sub-dials or multiple windows across the dial.
Digital Display: Found on Bulova Computron or other LED/LCD models, where the day is shown in an electronic format.
Sub-Dial Day: The day is indicated on a small dial, often with abbreviations around its perimeter.

Tools You Might Need

Fortunately, you usually need no special tools to adjust the day on your Bulova watch. Your fingers are typically sufficient. However, for some watches with a recessed crown, a soft cloth can provide better grip and protect the case from scratches. It’s also helpful to have a clean, soft surface to place the watch on while you work, preventing any accidental drops or surface damage.

If your watch is a vintage model with a screw-down crown, you will need to unscrew it counter-clockwise first before you can pull it out to any positions. Do not force it; if it is stuck, it may require service from a professional. Never use pliers or excessive force on the crown, as this can strip the threads or break the stem.

Step-by-Step Guide For Analog Day-Date Models

This section covers the standard procedure for the most prevalent Bulova analog watches with a day-date complication. The key is to work during safe hours to avoid damaging the movement’s automatic calendar switching mechanism. The general safe window for adjusting is when the time is between 6 AM and 6 PM, when the date change gears are not engaged.

Preparing the Watch for Adjustment

Ensure the crown is pushed fully in against the case (Position 0).
Gently pull the crown out to the first click (Position 1). You should feel a slight resistance and a click.
Turn the crown clockwise or counter-clockwise. One direction will typically advance the date, and the other will advance the day. Listen and feel for the clicks as the displays change.
Once the correct day is set, push the crown back to Position 0 to secure it.

If your watch only changes the date in Position 1, you may need to use the time-setting method. For these models, you will pull the crown out to the last position (Position 2) and turn the hands clockwise until the day changes at midnight. This method is slower but effective and is safe for the movement if done correctly.

Adjusting Day On Specific Bulova Collections

Different Bulova collections may have slight variations in their adjustment procedures. Here’s a brief overview of some popular lines.

Bulova Precisionist and Lunar Pilot

These high-accuracy models often have a day-date function. The process is similar to the standard analog guide, but extra care should be taken due to their precise movements. Always avoid setting the calendar between 9 PM and 3 AM, as this is when the automatic change sequence is active. If you are unsure, set the time to 6:30 AM first before adjusting the day.

Bulova Marine Star and Sutton

Many watches in these collections feature a day-date display. They commonly use the two-position crown: first click for day/date, second click for time. The day usually quick-sets by rotating the crown counter-clockwise in the first position. Test the direction gently to see which way advances the display.

Vintage Bulova Watches

Older Bulova watches might not have a quick-set feature at all. For these, you must cycle the hands around the dial repeatedly to advance the day. Pull the crown to the time-setting position and advance the hands past 12 o’clock until the day clicks over. This can take many rotations if the day is far off, so be patient. Also, some vintage models require you to press a separate recessed button with a tool to change the day, which is less common.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, the day won’t change as expected. Here are solutions to frequent problems watch owners encounter.

Day Won’t Change in First Position: The crown might be in the wrong spot. Ensure it’s at the first click, not fully in or fully out. Try turning it both directions.
Day Changes at Noon Instead of Midnight: This indicates the hands are set to the wrong 12-hour cycle. You need to advance the time by 12 hours so that 12:00 on the dial corresponds to actual midnight.
Crown Feels Stiff or Stuck: Do not force it. The watch may need professional cleaning or service. This is common if moisture has entered the case.
Day Display is Stuck Between Days: This can happen if you tried to adjust it during the automatic changeover period. Gently adjust the time forward until the day fully clicks into place, then reset the time and day properly.

Important Tips And Best Practices

Following these tips will keep your Bulova watch running smoothly and protect its intricate calendar mechanism for years to come. Consistency is key to maintaining accuracy and preventing unnecessary wear on the movement’s components.

Always set the day after the time is correctly set, especially ensuring the AM/PM cycle is correct.
Avoid quick-setting the day or date between 9 PM and 4 AM. This is when the gears begin to engage for the automatic change.
If your watch has a screw-down crown, remember to screw it back in firmly after adjustment to maintain water resistance.
For watches with multiple languages (e.g., English/Spanish), cycling past one full rotation of the day will usually switch to the other language.
If you won’t be wearing the watch for a while, it’s not necessary to keep the calendar set. You can simply set it again when you next put it on.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about adjusting Bulova watch calendars.

Why won’t my Bulova watch day change automatically?

If the day is not changing automatically at midnight, the watch may be running in the wrong 12-hour cycle. Advance the time by 12 hours to correct this. If the problem persists, the movement may be low on power (for automatics) or the battery may be dying (for quartz). In rare cases, there could be a mechanical issue requiring service.

Can I change the day on my Bulova watch backwards?

It is generally not recommended to turn the crown backwards to change the day, especially on mechanical models. Most quick-set mechanisms are designed to advance forward only. Forcing it backwards can damage the gears. If you overshoot, it’s safer to continue advancing forward through the full cycle.

How do I change the day on a Bulova watch with a leather strap?

The strap material does not affect the adjustment process. The steps are identical to those for a watch with a metal bracelet. Simply follow the crown positions as outlined for your specific model type.

What should I do if the crown on my Bulova is too small to grip?

Use a soft, rubbery cloth or a silicone jar opener pad to get a better grip on a small crown. Avoid using anything abrasive that could scratch the crown or case. If it remains difficult to pull out, it might be a screw-down crown that needs to be unscrewed first.

Is it bad to change the date on my Bulova on the 31st?

For watches that do not have an annual calendar, you will need to manually adjust the date at the end of months with fewer than 31 days. The best practice is to advance the time until the date changes to the 1st, then set the correct day. Avoid using the quick-set function to go from the 31st to the 1st, as this can strain the mechanism.