Can someone help me identify the appropriate crystal for this N7 watch?

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Submitted by jdp11 on

I'm looking for a replacement crystal for my N7 Automatic watch. I took it to two watchmakers and they were unable to find it. The issue seems to be that this is a curved crystal.  Please let me know what other information you need to help me determine the correct crystal. 

Back plate - 8169
Movement - 1133.10 n7

jdp11
Posted March 30, 2025 - 8:08pm

back plate

 

n7 movement

mybulova_admin
Posted March 31, 2025 - 4:10am

When you say curved, you mean the crystal does not lay flat but has a slight curve to it? Is this curve from 3 to 9 or 6 to 12, or is the curve the height of the crystal?

jdp11
Posted March 31, 2025 - 12:16pm

Ah, sorry, I don't have the skill or tools to disassemble this watch. If it helps, the watchmaker mentioned that the curve was in the underside of the crystal and a regular flat crystal would interfere with the hand's movements. I attached some addtional photos, in case it helps. 

curved

 

curved 2

 

 

 

1955mercury
Posted March 31, 2025 - 10:22am

The diameter of the crystal in milimeters would help also.

1955mercury
Posted March 31, 2025 - 3:27pm

This isn't easy without having the watch in my hands. Here's the crystals G-S offers that are closest to your measurement. 

crystal 1crystal 2crystal 3crystal 4

 

jdp11
Posted March 31, 2025 - 8:47pm

Thanks for this information! Although, if I'm deciphering the images correctly, those aren't domed on the inside. I believe that's the trouble with this crystal, it needs to be domed on the inside in order for it to not interfere with the hands.

1955mercury
Posted March 31, 2025 - 9:08pm

All of those are domed crystals jdp11. They're not flat. When looking at those images imagine you are looking at a crystal sliced through the center. Wether either one of them will fit you watch is not a sure thing at this point. I'm not very knowledgeable on the later model watches. I was reading today that Bulova moved all of it's remaining  manufacturing in the US to Switzerland in 1978. There's a possibility the case on your watch was made in Switzerland or some other country and the crystal was also made in that country. G-S is a US crystal company. Have you tried calling Bulova and asking them where you can find a crystal for your case number? That's the number stamped on the inside of the case back. If all else fails you may have to get some fine sandpaper and some Polywatch crystal polish and polish the current crystal. 

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted April 1, 2025 - 4:19am

Case# 8169 does not appear in the Case parts catalogue (supplement)  

Case# 8179 does and accepts a Bulova crystal beginning with the numbers 8179. 

Perhaps search for a Bulova Crystal beginning with 8169? 

best I got. 

 

1955mercury
Posted April 1, 2025 - 8:09am

I tried that also Fifth, but couldn't find that case number listed anywhere. 

jdp11
Posted April 1, 2025 - 9:16am

Thank you. This was informative. Someone on another forum did mention that 8169 refers to 'CASE REFERENCE NUMBERS FOR WATCHES DISTRIBUTED OVERSEAS'. Just thought I'd share that bit of info that I came across

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