Bulova 1971 Laurel

Submitted by DelKimbler on
D
Manufacture Year
1971
Movement Model
6CL
Movement Date Code
N1
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
Z933307
Case shape
Cushion
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

On case back:  BULOVA N1 - 10 K R.G.P. BEZEL - STAINLESS STEEL BACK - Case dimension 19mmx16mm

front
dial in case
case back
DelKimbler
Posted October 11, 2022 - 9:40am

My first Bulova attempt at service. The watch runs, losing some time, when out of its case. How to open the case (remove from the back) is not obvious to me, and I hesitate to apply to much force. So, my first request of this group is advice on removing the movement from the case back.

Best,

Del K.

Kathy L.
Posted October 11, 2022 - 2:02pm

Hi Del K.,  I just use my fingernails to remove the movement from the case.  To remove the back from the watch there is a tool you can buy from Amazon or eBay with a yellow handle that works great.  Just type in watch tools and I am sure you will find it.  Maybe someone else will give you better advise on removing the movement :-)  Kathy

DelKimbler
Posted October 11, 2022 - 2:09pm

I have one of those, but there is frequently a special place on the back that accepts the business end of the removal tool. I can't find that on this watch, and am reluctant to apply substantial force to it. Thanks for your comment.

Best,

Del

Kathy L.
Posted October 11, 2022 - 2:17pm

1971 Linebook

1971 linebook

1971 Bulova Laurel "D"

DelKimbler
Posted October 11, 2022 - 2:24pm

Great, thanks very much. Do you have any ideas on removing the back from the movement?

best,

Del

DelKimbler
Posted October 11, 2022 - 3:45pm

Continue to search the Internet yielded some good results. First, a video of dissassembly of a Laurel D showed me how tilting the movement out of the back could be done. Continuing to inspect my watch I found a small hole next to the stem that afforded a pry tool, in this case a tweezer leg.pry point for Laurel D

So now I can upload the inside back with numerals 2312:

case inside back

And the movement, identified as 6CL, 17 jewels, and confirms 1971 with code N1

Laurel D movement

mybulova_admin
Posted October 12, 2022 - 4:50am

That looks like a great ID Kathy.

1971 Bulova Laurel "D"

These tiny movements can be very tricky to work on. A steady hand, a good pair of magnifiers and the right tools are just the start.

It's always satisfying when re-assembled and ticking. 

JimDon5822
Posted October 12, 2022 - 8:03pm

I use a very fine blade and try to pry up the end a bit.  Sometimes they are in there tight.  I then wiggle the crown.  Nothing like getting your first watch running.   One bit of advice.   Get good tools and keep the screwdrivers sharp.  I should also add be very careful with the hairspring,  They are very fragile.  

1971 Bulova Laurel "D"