Bulova 6CD & 6CN: Mid-Century Manual Movements in Miniature

The Bulova 6CD and 6CN are two compact manual-wind watch movements used primarily in ladies’ wristwatches during the 1950s and 1960s. Part of Bulova’s post-war expansion into fashion-forward and technically refined timepieces, these calibers reflect the brand’s commitment to delivering precision in miniature form. While small in size, they were produced to exacting standards and continue to attract the attention of vintage watch collectors and restorers today.

General Specifications

These two calibers share many core components and design principles, and they are often seen as functional siblings within the same Bulova movement family.

Mechanical Construction

Both movements are designed around a simple two-bridge layout, supporting:

• A center wheel driven directly by the barrel

• An efficient train of wheels ending in a lever escapement

• A steel balance wheel with a flat hairspring and shock-protection setting

• A ratchet and crown wheel system mounted on the top plate for ease of winding

The movements are engineered to be low profile, making them ideal for elegant and slim case designs typical of mid-century ladies' timepieces.

The 6CN and 6CD likely share nearly identical architecture, with only minor modifications—often case-dependent—affecting specific dimensions or wheel height.

Typical Applications

These movements were commonly found in:

• Ladies’ wristwatches from the 1950s and 1960s

• Watches with gold-filled, rolled gold plate, or even solid gold cases

• Minimalist designs with two-hand dials

• Dress watches intended for everyday wear or evening use

Bulova produced hundreds of models during this period that featured these calibers, often under model lines such as "Miss America," "La Petite," and similar elegant themes.

Service and Reliability

Though small, the 6CD and 6CN are straightforward to service and known for their durability. Like many small-form movements, precision and delicate handling are key when working with them.

Service notes:

• The mainspring barrel is compact and prone to fatigue over decades—modern replacements are advised during servicing.

• The balance staff and jewel holes should be inspected under magnification for wear.

• Lubrication should be done sparingly with the correct viscosity oils—Moebius 9010 or equivalent for pivots.

• These movements generally hold regulation well and are accurate within ±30 seconds/day when properly serviced.

Restoration and Collector Interest

Although not complicated, the 6CD and 6CN represent a golden era of American wristwatch design and appeal to collectors who value elegance, craftsmanship, and brand legacy.

Collectors and enthusiasts appreciate these movements because:

• They power many attractive vintage ladies' watches

• Their simple architecture allows for easy servicing

• They maintain strong timekeeping abilities despite age

• Watches containing these calibers often retain beautiful mid-century design elements

Restored examples with original dials, handsets, and cases are ideal for vintage fashion lovers and watch collectors alike.

Conclusion

The Bulova 6CD and 6CN movements, while understated, are excellent examples of compact mechanical design done right. These manual-wind calibers supported an entire generation of beautifully designed ladies' watches and remain reliable workhorses to this day. Whether you’re restoring one, collecting them, or simply admiring the history of wristwatches, these calibers remind us that good watchmaking doesn’t always need complexity—it just needs care and precision.