Watch Repair

Submitted by Jim Townsend on October 25, 2011 - 6:15am

Looking for a good reliable watch  repair person. Have a 14k ladies 1924 watch that needs repair. Has a 6 AF Movement 17 jewel.

cnok
Posted May 13, 2017 - 7:21pm

I would like to have this watch serviced.  Mail order is preferred.  Bulova curved  "Chief"  10ae movement.  Thanks.

mezzodiva54
Posted June 19, 2017 - 5:18pm

Hi, long-time lurker, first-time poster -- could someone point me in the direction of a good watch repair shop in Boston?  There are plenty of places that can change a battery or remove a link, but know nothing about mechanical watches. Of the places that DO know mechanicals, some will charge you $350 to do a cleaning, if they think they can get away with it.  Just someone reputable and fair, that's all I'm looking for (I cannot afford to go back to the $350 guy!).  I have a '39 Bulova Calhoun, which had been running beautifully until yesterday, but suddenly is losing 10 minutes a day.  I promise I do not shower, sleep, or do yardwork with it on!  Thanks in advance for your help!

fpwind
Posted June 27, 2017 - 10:04pm

My father just passed down his first major watch purchase to me.  It is an Accutron Astronaut and he purchased it at the Cholon PX in Saigon back in 1966.  He sent it back to Bulova for a complete overhaul in the late 80's.  He did mention that they kept it for almost a year and when it came back the hands were different.  I would greatly appreciate any recommendations for a trusted watchmaker to give the watch a good cleaning and perform any needed adjustments or repairs.  I’m in Alabama, but I’m willing to ship the watch within the CONUS. Thank you in advance, Fred 

Geoff Baker
Posted June 28, 2017 - 6:11am

PM (private message) sent

Antonis
Posted October 5, 2017 - 3:47am

Hello to all the members of the group. I am a recent Bulova enthusiast with recently added pieces a Bulova Aerojet from mid-60's and Bulova Snorkel 666 also from the same period (if I am not wrong). I absolutely love both of them and I am going to post them as well. Snorkel needs some repairs and a replacement or restored bezel. I saw an ad in this website by Time & Again watchmaker who apparently specialises in Bulova repairs/restorations. Has anybody worked with this gentleman in the past? Would you recommend him? Many thanks in advance. Antonis

Susan
Posted October 28, 2017 - 1:53am

Hello. I am new to the forum. I have my dad's 1964 Accutron Astronaut watch. He was the original owner. Overall, it is in good condition for its age (I think). It has minor scuffing on the crystal and the luminous hands are showing age. I have not put a new battery in it because I didn't want to do anything to jeopardize it. I assume it will run.  I would like to give it to my son as a gift. I am looking for someone who can repair (if needed) and get it up to like-new condition. Who do you recommend? Although I currently live in South Africa, I can send/receive it from Colorado. Thanks for your advice! Susan

mybulova_admin
Posted October 30, 2017 - 8:44pm

In reply to by Reverend Rob

Thanks Rob, looks like the link wasn't formatted properly. Thanks for checking and fixing.

vazquez
Posted November 4, 2017 - 1:42pm

Hello All, First time posting, and seeking help.  I have received a Bulova Sea King/1967 (M7) which belonged to my dad.  It's a very special watch for me and I'm trying to have it repaired, an d if possible restored.  It runs slow, and the crystal needs to be replaced. Can someone recommend a place that can repair/restore vintage Bulovas in either Denver, San Francisco, or Los Angeles? Any help is greatly appreciated.  -Mando

ncmountie
Posted January 20, 2018 - 10:53am

I hope I'm correct posting this new question at this location and if not please feel free to remove and I can try again. Also, pardon the terminology if not completely proper...

I have a 1967 Bulova 11ALC, style unidentified, but a "front loader" and the watch arrived with the crown and male end of the split stem separate (in a small baggie) apparently having fallen out. The watch is pending COA at some point by a professional; however, I am curious if this male end of the split stem with the crown is broken given the shaft extends further than the male end will reach. I am able to insert the male end and crown as shown in the photo, briefly wind and set the hands. I did a web search but could not find an illustration of this part and thought someone here could easily advise regarding the condition of this stem.  Thanks in advance for any input.

Reverend Rob
Posted January 20, 2018 - 1:00pm

This is correct. 

ncmountie
Posted January 20, 2018 - 1:33pm

In reply to by Reverend Rob

Interesting... and thank you sir.

zach_chap
Posted February 21, 2018 - 7:23pm

So I've been draggin my feet on repairing my '48 His Excellency for a few reasons http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1948-his-excellency-1063. First being shame, it took some damage on a night that I did not remember the next day where it sadly had a worse night than I. The crystal and one hand are missing. The other was the movement started acting up shortly before it got shelved due to the damage. First it was running slow but still tolerable then it started taking time post winding to actually start going, then it just decided to start whenever it felt like it post winding.

Now it's time to finally get this watch back to the glory it deserves but I have no idea who to bring it to here in NYC that would even be able to source the parts. If anybody knows who I can turn to that would be a huge help.

Thanks

Reverend Rob
Posted February 21, 2018 - 9:53pm

In reply to by zach_chap

Check with the NAWCC website, a local chapter may be able to help you. The site provides links to watchmakers by location. 

Watch-N-Learn
Posted March 14, 2018 - 12:17pm

Hi, My name is Rick and I retired from the Navy little over 10 years ago.  Currently, I work with software but over the past couple years I fell into a hobby that I am very pationate about.  I've found that it appears that I've found my special purpose in life...lol.  Unlike other endeavors like carpentry or working on my bike or vehicle, I tend to have more patience with watches.  In other words, I don't launch tools and throw tantrums when things don't go well when working on a watch. haha.. So,  I've pretty much turned into a sponge trying to absorb as much information as I can as I trudge through restoring watches.  I've gathered the requisite tools during this time and have been practicing on old movements taking them apart and putting them back together.  I've even secured a suitable space to pursue my new found love as I commandeered my little corner of the office from my wife LOL.  In preparation for tearing into a Bulova 10BC movement, I wonder if anyone knows where I could get my hands on a tech sheet for that movement?  Appreciate any info any the Bulova experts out there may have.

Best Regards,

Rick

Watch-N-Learn
Posted April 16, 2018 - 11:56am

In reply to by Reverend Rob

Roger that!.. Thanks Rob!!!

JimDon5822
Posted April 15, 2018 - 9:31pm

I would like to get my 1964 Bulova ambassador micro rotor watch repaired.   I believe it needs a new stem and crown, second hand  and possibly a new Crystal  as the movement seems to be slightly loose in the case .  Seems to be complete otherwise complete.  The movement is a 12 EBACD.  Recommendations welcome.  Thank you. 

edprevett
Posted April 28, 2018 - 6:27am

Hello all, I am a forum newbie.  Does anyone know where I could get my 1960 Bulova 23 overhauled in Paris France?   Or would I have to send it somewhere?  It still works well but has not been serviced since 1970! Thank you, Richard Prevett

Reverend Rob
Posted April 28, 2018 - 10:32am

In reply to by edprevett

There are quite a few watchmakers in the city, but ideally you want to take it to a place where they do the work on site. In the event of any problems down the line, it is far easier to be able to speak to the person who repaired your watch, rather than a jeweller who has 'sent it out'. 

Tom G
Posted August 21, 2018 - 5:32pm
 I have a mechanical watch I got from my father when he went into the navy for WWII approximately 1944.  I've attached pictures.  I had it repaired by a local guy about a year and a half ago.  He struggled with it.  A long story but it finally was done.  The important part is that originally it had a 17 jewel swiss movement, model 10BA that he screwed up when he broke the mainspring.  As a result he went had to go to some guy in the New Philadelphia (Ohio) area I think who supposedly has thousands of used watch movements and bought something there to make the repair.  I just opened up the watch and now there is a Bulova 10BCC in there.  Pictures below.   Problem now is I sheared off the stem when going thru a door.  I think it needs a new one and who knows what other damage I might have done.  I am not going to use the guy I used before.  I am looking for a Bulova "Master Craftsman" if such an individual exists who can repair the watch and who won't hold me up in the process.  I'm in the Akron Ohio area but willing to ship.  I'm hoping you folks out there can point me to someone who can help me. Regards Tom
Tom G
Posted August 21, 2018 - 5:42pm

Turns out I can't post my pictures.  I think they're too large but message didn't stay on the screen long enough for me to read.  If you want to see them, send me a private email and I'll send them to you.  Sorry for this issue.  I'm not the most computer savvy guy and all these "special requirements" are too cumbersome for my type A personality to tolerate.

Regards

Tom

Tom G
Posted August 21, 2018 - 5:56pm

Reverend Rob
Posted August 22, 2018 - 11:07am

Hey Tom, You watch looks like a 'Watertite', and could have originally had either the 10BA or 10BCC. The 10BA's were often mis-stamped when they were used in centre sweep watches, they should be 10BAC.  When the watchmaker changed your movt, did the dial change as well? Some of the watertites had a sub second @6 instead of the centre sweep second hand. Regardless, replacing the stem should present no major issues as long as the movt itself wasn't damaged. If you go to the NAWCC website, you can find watchmakers by location. Ohio is rich in horological resources, I go there regularly. 

ctsmith3243
Posted October 31, 2018 - 6:52pm

Good Evening, I have my Grandfathers Bulova I inherited.  He recieved this during WW2 and I would like to clean up the outside.  If you have any advice for home remedy or a kit that I should purchase that would much appreciated!  It has some wear and tear primarily on the metal

.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted October 31, 2018 - 10:29pm

In reply to by ctsmith3243

Good evening to you, I use an impregnated  cotton wadding called "NEVR-DULL". It works wonders on watch cases and is reasonable cost and a can literally lasts for years. Tear off a wad and buff watch then polish with a soft cloth.

It's available at some hardware stores; I get it off eBay. Just type NEVR-DULL into search.

Hope this is what you are looking for.

Reverend Rob
Posted October 31, 2018 - 11:13pm

These cases are plated, but can be restored, in case you were wondering. Basically the scratches are buffed out and new plating is applied, giving the watch back its original appearance. 

Bob, that Nevr Dull stuff sounds a lot like Brasso wadding, which I get from the UK. I'll have to try and it see how they compare to each other. Depending on where you live, Brasso is a completely different formula, some of them are very toxic, and work extremely well. 

neetstuf-4-u
Posted November 1, 2018 - 6:39am

In reply to by Reverend Rob

Hey Rob, Never tried Brasso, my only contact with that was the creme in a bottle. My first can of Nevr-Dull literally lasted for 25 years. I take out a bit, use it and return it to the can, where it "rejuvinates" to be used again and again until it's black and falling apart. It is solvent based, but doesn't have any effect on acrylic crystals. It softens crusty "wrist deposits" on watch cases in seconds and makes it like clay and easily removable with the point of a toothpick. It polishes like magic with no surface abrasion.

Be careful tho, it will strip the finish off new watches with a laquered "gold" finish. No adverse effects to true gold, silver, platinum.

I got my lifetime second can about a year ago off eBay and believe it's running about $12 a can. Be careful if you buy it off eBay making sure that it's a full can, as eBayer's also sell the cans empty as "collectible".

ctsmith3243
Posted November 1, 2018 - 12:35pm

Very helpful, thanks!  I tried to call a few local places (I am in Washington DC) and I couldn't find anywhere that would replate.  Not sure if I was asking incorrectly. I will purchase this Nevr Dull and try it out!

denupnorth
Posted November 3, 2018 - 2:53pm

I have had a few cases done by Replateit and was very impressed.

Birch
Posted March 20, 2019 - 9:26am

Hi there. I pretty new to the wonderful world of Bulova and I was wondering if any Australian members would know of anyone in the Canberra region who charges reasonable rates for servicing. I have the odd problem child from time to time that requires more in-depth work but generally the watches I’ve acquired are in need of a clean and oil. I’d like to be able to wear some of them but won’t wear any watch without knowing it’s been looked at. The thought of a watch tearing itself up through neglect saddens me. Any suggestions welcome.  Thanks,  Birch.

lionelttrain
Posted March 20, 2019 - 11:47am

I live in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia and would like to get a quote for cleaning and servicing a mechanical Bulova watch. Unfortunately like so many other small communities the local professional watch repair people have all died off. Can someone please PM me with your trusted recommendation? Canada would be easiest; however, I have no problem mailing it anywhere you suggest for quality work at an affordable price. Thanks in advance for your assistance. Regards, Mike

MegLane9881
Posted May 28, 2019 - 11:16am

I am looking for someone to repair my 1956 ladies watch in either the Washington DC, Annapolis or Baltimore areas.  I have my grandmothers watch that still functions perfectly, but has had a spring go bad in the band.  While having the spring replaced I would like for the watch to be serviced.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I've taken it to a few local places but they mostly just work on modern watches, and look at me in terror as I show them the watch.

Reverend Rob
Posted May 28, 2019 - 1:29pm

In reply to by MegLane9881

Check on the NAWCC website, it lists repair places and watchmakers by location.

Kathy L.
Posted May 28, 2019 - 3:23pm

In reply to by MegLane9881

That does look like the original band so I would definately keep it.  But for wearing you might consider just getting a NOS (new old stock) band from ebay and having it installed at a jeweler.  My jeweler will do this for me on watches I am worried about damaging the lugs.  It is a quick two minute job most of the time. 

Paducahman001
Posted July 31, 2019 - 9:39pm

Recently bought a 1950 square Dou Wind with a 9AB movement.  It ran fine with just a little winding and kept reasonable time over the first day of ownership.  The second day I do as usual open up the back remove the mvement and verify date codes and condition.  Well, my oscilating weight fell off and the watch never ran again.  Is this a simple fix?  I have searched the site and it appears all of these models do not have a screw just a ruby in the middle.  Any advise?  Did I loose something else required to make it stay on and function?  i have some other watches that are above my level of repair.  I live in West Kentucky.  There are no repair shops in my area so if you know of someone you think I could trust to mail some of these watches to for servie/repair I would be very greatful.

Reverend Rob
Posted August 24, 2019 - 1:01pm

Just a heads up here, not sure where else to post this. I currently have a Bulova diver in the shop, and the rotating bezel had been stuck, so the customer sprayed a small amount of silicone lube around the edge to maybe get it to move. Well it moved all right, and whatever chemical carriers were in the aerosol also reacted with the acrylic crystal, and dissolved the crown gaskets. So just a warning- spray lubes of any kind (WD40, penetrating oil, etc) are best kept away from watches altogether, and certainly NEVER do this to the movt or inside a watch case.  Fortunately I was able to source an original diver crystal, but the crown eludes me, it is a 637W. Does anyone have such a one? Rob

PhilB
Posted November 19, 2019 - 1:01pm

I am brand-new to this forum - so forgive me if this is similar / same as many posted previously.  I have a 1973 Bulova "Bull-head" / "Parking Meter" chronograph.  It required repair and cleaning after about 35 years of service and I had this done locally.  Supposedly seals were replaced and it was repaired and serviced.  However, before I put it back into use, I discovered the second hand had come off the shaft.

This watch has considerable sentimental value (beyond the fact that I absolutely love the watch itself).  I am trying to find someone reputable / reliable who can accomplish this repair (and anything else the previous repairman might have done).

I live in south Mississippi, but am not hung up on the place being local if it is trustworthy.  Thought someone on this forum might be able to provide some recommendations.

Thanks.

Reverend Rob
Posted November 19, 2019 - 9:43pm

If you check the website of the NAWCC you will find watchmakers listed by area. 

Just a note- it is sometimes not unusual for aged and worn hands to no longer be as solidly attached as they once were, and this also depends on how many times the watch has been serviced, and therefore how many times the hands have been pulled and replaced. Certain hands are also very hard to find as NOS.

Timemachines
Posted February 26, 2020 - 9:51am

Hello, It looks like several people have tried to get a hold of me and cant find me. My e-mail is [email protected]  I hope this helps.  Thanks  Mike... 

Mark W.
Posted July 16, 2020 - 12:58am

May have missed it but I reviewed recommended Accutron 214 repair shops herein, and saw some older postings. This is an attempt to get more recent (2020) repair technician data. Have found: "Timemachines"  Rob Berkavicius Robert Piker - myBob.net Is there a concensus on any of these or others that provide decent, experienced Accutron service for a reasonable price? Thanks for the advice!

toemaytoe
Posted August 10, 2020 - 9:30pm

Hey all, I'm a new member. My father passed away a few months ago and left me his watch. It's circa late 50's early 60's. I'm looking for someone who can reliably restore this watch to new condition. I'm on the west coast of Canada but I am willing to work with you wherever you are. Hope this reaches the right person.

JEV1A
Posted August 21, 2020 - 7:58am

I'm the most reasonable Bulova Accutron and most Vintage Model repair and restoration service in the World. I can do this because I'm retired, on disability and bored! I realize I'm not supposed to advertise here in the forums but I cannot afford expensive websites and ads. I have a 79.99 base service which includes, cleaning, oiling, polishing and general restorations. I'm known for Accutron service. My prices never go up unless I have to order parts, All estimates are free and I ship free as well. I back up all my restorations and my watches have been seen in the Tiffany Museum in Winter Park, Florida. I want challenges and I recently restored a 214 Accutron Astronaut which was rusted, corroded and had extreme damage. I do not restore dials and I love patina. Other Accutron so-called experts charge hundreds of dollars. I repeat. I'm the most reasonable and finest restorer you will ever find. John V. "Time Again" send pic of watch to [email protected] and I will send you back a estimate. So many beautiful vintage Bulova watches are stuck in drawers in Grandpa's vanity just waiting to gain new life... thanks to My Bulova for bringing back these great watches and most importantly the education.