Bulova 1970 Sea King

Submitted by gazza_1975 on January 7, 2017 - 7:54pm
Manufacture Year
1970
Movement Model
N/A
Movement Jewels
23
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
328557
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I aquired this watch some time ago and have been unable to find out style or exact movement as do not have proper equipment to open case but watch is in working condition and my Timegrapher says running Slow but Beat error is zero which is good. Watch has oringinal Dial,Band,Crown and in very nice condition so it was a no brainer but to buy it. Anyone with info on this Bulova would be much appreciated.

1970 Bulova watch
1970 Bulova watch
1970 Bulova watch
1970 Bulova watch
mybulova_admin
Posted January 7, 2017 - 11:43pm

If the backcase cannot pop off or unscrew, you'll need to probably get to the movement via the front bezel.

Haven't found a match at this stage...

Geoff Baker
Posted January 8, 2017 - 7:02am

Hello gazza - welcome to myBulova. This is a very nice watch, it appears to be in excellent condition. I like these late sixties early seventies models. I guess it's the big stainless cases that attract me. I don't see where we have any ads that match so I'm stuck at "Unknown" for now too.

One question about the movement model you entered, you say you didn't open the case?

gazza_1975
Posted January 10, 2017 - 7:20pm

Hi Geoff, that is correct as yet have not attemted to unscrew back of Watch. Where the movement number came from was I saw a member post a very simlar Watch a Embasdor Accutron with simlar Case and Dial. Currently sourcing a Suction type opener for the back Cover but would like to get more info from all of you first.

Geoff Baker
Posted January 11, 2017 - 6:12am

Thanks gazza - with your permission I've removed the movement model until it might be confirmed.

Andersok
Posted January 10, 2017 - 5:30pm

Looks like a match to this offsite 1972 ad: reference 370106. Not sure if watch in ad is 23 jewels, and is shows a strap and not the link band you currently have, maybe the link-band option is a different reference number.

It also looks like the bezel would come off to allow access to the movement from the top. If so, it would likely have a two-piece stem.

 

gazza_1975
Posted January 10, 2017 - 7:24pm

Hi Andersok, Thanks for the info and will look at Bezel more closely and report back my findings.

gazza_1975
Posted January 12, 2017 - 12:58am

Took my Watch to my Clock&Watch GURU confirmed that you access movement by Removing Bezel. Only thing is you risk Cracking the case and chances are the Bezel would not seal again properly. Better to leave it alone for now until it needs attention.  

Andersok
Posted January 12, 2017 - 7:52am

I cannot imagine you would crack this stainless steel case by removing the bezel; that is the design of it. There is probably a groove at one location in the bezel or case, where these two pieces meet:

This particular one of mine is rather obvious, but some are not. Yours may be a different size, but look around the seam and you should find an opening that allows for a flat tool to be inserted and then carefully pry the two apart. There is more to opening this type of case, as well as having the tools to press it back together properly. But, basically once the bezel is off, the crystal can be lifted off as well allowing access to the dial and movement. The stem is the challenging part, because it involves forcing the two-piece stem to separate (one piece is connected to the movement, the other piece stays connected to the crown)(they meet in the middle inside the tube, and can be separated by forcing the crown outward). There are more detailed guides as to how to open this type of case, and the correct tools needed; but that is the basic idea of it and cracking the case should not be a concern.

-Ken

Reverend Rob
Posted January 12, 2017 - 10:29am

I agree with Ken, any qualified watchmaker will be able to open this case, and there is no danger of cracking it. As far as sealing it up again, this is done all the time, and is part of a normal service for the watch.

gazza_1975
Posted January 13, 2017 - 9:10pm

Hi Ken Thanks for the info. I will look for the Groove but defiently wont be grabing the kitchen scissors to open it. Look at getting some quality gear instead. Still have't found out what Style this one is but hoping someone will.