Looking for a good reliable watch repair person. Have a 14k ladies 1924 watch that needs repair. Has a 6 AF Movement 17 jewel.
Mercury
I found something that is interesting about the 11 series, the cannon pinion for that calibre and all it's sisters and Brothers is.....................wait for it ..................................11-94,
now if you check the parts list they do list part 91,92,93 and 94.
Just thought U would like to know the rest of the story
Here's my 1971 Bulova Deep Sea 666. Received a couple of days ago. Not working.
Before I start I should say that I enjoy dabbling with watches and have done a few modified seiko's (hence tunokies - seiko nut). Have also done a mild case and crystal restoration on a couple of vintage watches.. On receiving the watch the priority was to see if I could get it working.N.b. The bezel doesn't rotate at present. Needed to use a bench mounted watch case holder and a LG Case-back wrench, plus some muscle to open it. (prebiously someone's attempt has resulted in a deep tool mark). Here's the inside. 
On the plus side, the movement looks nice and shiny with no signs of corrosion. On the negative side, I think the reason why the case-back was so tough is because of the gasket turning to a stick tar. The battery also shows signs of leaking. But on further inspection it hasn't caused any damage. A new 344 battery in place and it's sweeping nicely, keeping time and the date flips over. Hooray! Next job, cleaning out the case and releasing the movement. Question. Where can I get a full set of gaskets please. i.e. case back, bezel and crown. Thanks, Jason PS I hope this is the right place to post this.....new here.....1st accutron....please be kind.
In reply to Here's my 1971 Bulova Deep by tunokies
In reply to I wonder if this was normal by mybulova_admin
Apparently it's a known problem where the material the gasket is made from breaks down.....http://wornandwound.com/review/affordable-vintage-1969-bulova-accutron-…; ea/ http://forums.watchuseek.com/f11/accutron-deep-sea-questions-2318826.ht…. If anyone knows of a source for a replacement gasket in the UK please let me know.
Depending on the model, it may have an armeé crystal, and these are fitted differently than the stepped crystals. Even if you can get it off you will probably need a proper crystal press to re-install or install a new one. I recommend taking it to a competent watchmaker. It is something they can do right in front of you.
These are crystals that have a tension ring fitted to them, they are characterized by their parallel sides, unlike the angled sides of a stepped crystal. They have to be installed with a press, and very precisely so. They have to go straight on, or there is a risk of fracturing the crystal. They are a lot more water resistant because of this, and slightly more expensive also. They are made of acrylic plastic, just like the stepped crystals.
Hi, I'm new to the forum. I hope I'm posting this correctly; the Repair section seems to function differently from the rest of the forums. I have my father's Bulova 23. I will submit photos later when I have access to a camera at home, but for now I'll say that it looks identical to the one posted here, right down to the dimpled feet of the lugs: http://www.mybulova.com/watches/5333 Both the case and the movement are L4/1954, and Mom remembers buying it for Dad in 1955, the year before they married. When I told her that the ads list it as costing $71.50, she said she must have been nuts! She was eighteen and only making $33 a week at the time. Ten dollars of that went to her parents for room and board, so it was not a small purchase for her by any means. The watch is special to me; I can remember my dad wearing it when I was very young, and the "zing zing zing" of the autowinder is imprinted in my mind. We thought it lost for a long time (I don't think I'd seen it since the '80s), but Dad passed last year and in going through some of his stuff I came across it, which was unexpectedly emotional. The case is pretty beat-up, as Dad wore it to work, and honestly, I don't want to restore the case since all the wear and tear is by his hand. However: 1) The crystal has a star-shaped break, and I would like to replace that. How do I know which crystal I should order? Is this the type of crystal that is replaced using a crystal lift? I know, I can bring it to a repairman, but seeing as this is Dad's watch, and because I'm a tinkerer and that is directly due to Dad's influence (to the point I often manage to repair things I'm told can't be repaired), I'd like to replace the crystal myself if I can, if only because Dad would appreciate that (if that makes any sense). 2) The watch gains considerable time. With the regulator at the setting it was at when Dad wore it, very close to the center mark, it was gaining about fifteen minutes over the course of a work day. I moved the adjustment as far as it would go to slow it down, and it's now gaining only two minutes, give or take, but that's still a lot. I'm guessing that this is one of those things I'm not going to be able to fix myself, but I have to ask if there is something else I can adjust. 3) It is not fitted with its original expansion band, and I'm going to have to replace this one (a spring leg is sticking out from one of the links). I seem to remember that when I was a kid, the watch used to have the same band with curved links as shown in the 1955 ad for the 23D. What are the chances of ever finding that band? Thank you so much. I will try to get photos submitted this evening. --Bob
In reply to Hi, I'm new to the forum. I by Farace
If you haven't already fixed it, try demagnetizing it. You won't even have to open the case to do so. Hopefully that significantly reduces the incredible amount of gained time. But I very much agree that the watch really should be given a complete service. The demagnetize might just help to more accurately determine any additional factors affecting it.
It is proabably a stepped crystal, but a watchmaker will be able to tell you for sure. If that is the case, then a crystal lift is one way to install the new crystal, but you have to have the correct size, it doesn't have to be a Bulova crystal, an aftermarket one will be fine, there really isn't much difference, depending on the model. It is probably well overdue for an overhaul, which is a CTR in the trade. Fast running can be caused by many things, not the least being the hairspring itself may need adjustment and it is probably magnetized to some extent. A CTR is full disassembly and then cleaning using industry standard solutions. Jewel holes are properly pegged to remove all traces of dirt and dried lubricant. The sparkling parts are then re-assembled with repairs and adjustments being made as needed, and lubricated with modern synthetic lubricants, followed by demagnetisation and adjustment and regulation. The Mainspring is usually replaced along with any other worn parts like the Cannon Pinion. Everything, from the barrel arbor shake to the wheels in the train to the escapement and balance, will affect timing. Mechanical watches can and do destroy themselves if run without proper servicing, the old lube will begin to act as an abrasive and dirt and corrosion need to be addressed. I always say you don't need to service an old watch unless you plan to wear it and run it, or it will be subject to accelerated wear and eventual failure. Your Dad's '23' is a good watch, and it will run for ma ny more years if you take care of it!
Hope this helps. R
Thank you. I have posted photos of Dad's watch here: http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1954-unknown-8211
Update: I visited the local watch repairman today who, upon listening to the symptoms (gaining time, even after adjusting the lever all the way), but without actually opening the watch, told me that it would probably cost me nearly as much as the value of the watch, or more, to repair it, that he would likely need to replace the hairspring and balance (he said it would probably be $125-140 or so). And that he's five to six months backlogged. I'm tempted to get a second opinion (if I can find another repairman around), but if this is the case I am likely to keep it as a memento rather than wear it. Can anyone offer thoughts or advice?
Thank you.
In reply to Update: I visited the local by Farace
It's sad that a professional would treat a customer in such a manner. It might have been nicer if he'd just said "go away". The truth is it may well cost that much but why not at least look at the watch FIRST. Perhaps the sentimental value of wearing your fathers watch is worth MORE than that to you. At any rate, let's see if we can find someone who is at least willing to look at the watch and give you a professional estimate to repair it. You might even consider a full restoration including having the dial refinished.
Where do you live?
In reply to It's sad that a professional by Geoff Baker
Hi Geoff, To be fair, he was polite, but he seemed a bit overwhelmed, and I heard him telling someone on the phone that he had been up until 2am replacing crystals. He's only open certain days, so I get the sense this is a second job for him. Still, the back of the watch is easily opened. As for a full restoration, the wear and tear on the watch is due to my dad having worn it to work, etc., and while it's not the prettiest, I think that, other than replacing the crystal, I'd like to keep it as-is because he is no longer with us, and they're marks of his presence. I am in Clinton, Connecticut, which is located along the shoreline about halfway between New Haven and New London. Thank you, --Bob
In reply to Geoff Baker wrote: It's sad by Farace
In reply to I have a 1959 Sea King. It is by PJ
In reply to Can you add photos of front by Geoff Baker
In reply to Hi Geoff Here are a couple of by PJ
In reply to It looks to me like a front by Geoff Baker
In reply to Should have asked during my by PJ
Look at the first comment in this watch post, the last two photos show the slot that the stem fits into.
http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1943-watertite-2336
Perhaps you can find a you tube video demonstrating the technique.
You want to be certain that it really is a front loader. It does look like one, but I have also seen snap case backs that llok like this. If you pull on a normal stem too hard (You need to pull straight out with some extra force to extract the female end with crown on a two piece stem) you can destroy parts of the keyless works. The lack of scratches on the case back does lead me to believe this is a front loading case, but proceed cautiously.
Great response everyone, thank you. It still isn't apparent even when I look at my surf king which is a front loader with two piece stem. On this one, removed the crystal, had the dial face down, rotated the stem, wiggled the case but the movement wouldn't drop. The black dial version in a previous post is same year case and it does appear to be a snap back. There is however no apparent groove for a case opener and one attempt has left a mark I will eventually buff out once I figure this out. Thanks again all for the input. I'll keep trying and post a side close up or two. We'll figure this out yet. Patrick BTW, once this is cleaned and polished I'll add it to the dbase.
In reply to If it is a front loader, the by Reverend Rob
Stumped here guys. I got a 1929 Garfield that doesn't work, seems the movement has been greased way too much. The bigger dilemma is the dial, it has never been touched and is all original, and in decent condition with some nice patina on it that I like. However, big problem I noticed the radium seems to be flaking/chipping off in small quantities, which is a problem. I don't know what to do. What would you guys do is this were your watch? Redial completely? I don't like that idea too much... I would love to remove the radium and then relume with some brown paste the recreate the old radium look, I don't care about it glowing and what not, but obviously that's nothing I'd be able to do. Any help any advice is greatly appreciated, would love nothing more to wear this watch before school starts back up in just over a month. This is the watch http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1929-garfield-8233
In reply to Stumped here guys. I got a by Spartcom5
Okay so in my dumbest attempt to try and repair a stopped seconds hand on a bulova 2192.10 movement I accidentally dropped and bent the index wheel, therefore making it unusable. What would be the best route in going about getting a new one or should I just send in the watch to someone who is more qualified, which I am not opposed. What would something like this cost? If anyone can help please let me know, this watch has heavy sentimental value and I would love to have it up and running again. Thanks. Jeff
In reply to Okay so in my dumbest attempt by f1humlam
In reply to Hi, anyone recommend a place by Happy Hooligan
I have looked at the manual for perpetual watches and that states that the battery changes requires a factory re-calibration. Obviously removing the battery does a complete reset so needs a software update to tell it the year and it's base location. Mind you they replace the battery with a seven year one so it's not that expensive per year if it's capabilities are really required by you.You must consult Watch Repair person or shop.
In reply to I have looked at the manual by sandlersmith
Not all perpetual calendar watches need to be returned to the manufacturer. Seikos, for example, can be done by any competent watchmaker. Although it is possible to do the battery change yourself, it is extremely easy to damage the circuit on these, so I don't recommend it. A seven year battery is probably an accumulator or capacitor, and for these I'd recommend an authorized service centre.
In reply to Hi, I'm new to the site. I'm by Afm61
Hey all,
Does anyone have a recommendation for a watchmaker in the NYC area? I just grabbed a 1970 Oceanographer H off ebay. It was described as "not working"--seller suspected it needed a battery ;)-- but it runs off and on. It looks like there may be some gunk interfering with the balance wheel pivot. I suspect it just needs a good COA. Normally, I'd poke around more myself but this is my first interaction with an 11BLACD and I'd rather not screw it up.
Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!
In reply to Hey all, Does anyone have a by stuperdude
I don't know if is the correct site but during some time I asked in "Watch parts & trade" about some necesary pieces to repair a Bulova Conqueror. Finally the watch has been repared and I think could be interesting the step by step that I made. You can find two post in these links about the watch and the reparation. Admin, it isn't correct, please delete this entry.
https://www.relojes-especiales.com/foros/vintages/bulova-conqueror-1926-a-430871/
https://www.relojes-especiales.com/foros/vintages/bulova-conqueror-1926-reparacion-430917/
Best regards.
In reply to I don't know if is the by PedroA
In reply to What an amazing job! Very by mybulova_admin