Bulova 1969 Oceanographer

Submitted by swift1966 on August 3, 2020 - 4:25pm
G
Manufacture Year
1969
Case Serial No.
116189
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
Acrylic
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I bought this Oceanographer Snorkel in 1971 for $150. The code M9 on the back indicates it was manufactured in 1969, as I understand how the code works. I did see on the MyBulova site a watch that matches but it was stated it was made in 1968 and was ID’d as an Oceanographer “G” model. I have replaced the busted up SS bracelet with a silicone making it very comfortable to wear. I managed to lose the red and black bezel ring so asking if anyone can help me find one. The watch runs pretty good but I’m sure a cleaning would be beneficial and it’s not water tight. I don’t have an appropriate tool for opening up the watch so can’t provide a photo for that. Would appreciate any information on the watch and an affordable repair facility.
Great website! Thanks, 

Bruce

Uploaded 8/3/20. Missing the red and black bezel ring. Sorry for the poor photography.
Uploaded 8/3/20 Ser no 116189   M9
mybulova_admin
Posted August 4, 2020 - 3:29am

I'd certainly ID your watch as a Bulova Oceanographer "G" as it is a match for the other examples wer have in the database (minus the missing bezel ring). If you can find out the inside case reference number I will be able to identify the part number you need.

https://mybulova.com/watches/1970-oceanographer-8209

https://mybulova.com/watches/1970-oceanographer-5126

https://mybulova.com/watches/1970-oceanographer-8793

https://mybulova.com/watches/1972-oceanographer-8947  

swift1966
Posted August 4, 2020 - 5:55am

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Thanks for the comeback. I’ll get the back opened and get the case number. I just noticed this Oceanographer for sale on eBay which looks like a good match. Thanks again!

******************Active eBay auction listing removed by admin****************************

We have a little advertised site policy that does not permit posting active eBay listing - no harm, no foul - admin

Kathy L.
Posted August 6, 2020 - 7:19am

In reply to by swift1966

Welcome to myBulova and thanks for sharing your watch.  It isn't often we have the original owner post a watch.  Depending on the price of course it might be worth purchasing a used watch on ebay to get the part you need.

swift1966
Posted August 6, 2020 - 8:19pm

In reply to by Kathy L.

Thanks Kathy L. You guys have me watching the websites now for parts and part watches. This will be a good mission!

brgds, Bruce

Geoff Baker
Posted August 4, 2020 - 7:39pm

I agree that watch is likely an Oceanographer G. That rotating bezel will be, at best. very difficult to find.

1969 Bulova Oceanographer G

In the spirit of promoting the NEW Bulova watches, as they have extremely helpful to us over the years I suggest looking at a couple of new models from their archive series, one of which matches your Oceanographer. There are three in the 'Devil Diver' series in addition to one Limited Edition model. True to their ancestors they have mechanical movements  (not quartz) and are quite affordable. I have purchased several of the new versions and am very satisfied with the quality.

https://www.bulova.com/us/en/collection/mens-archive-series/

swift1966
Posted August 4, 2020 - 8:14pm

In reply to by Geoff Baker

Hello Geoff, I have seen the new Oceanographers on the market and agree they are very sharp. I am sentimental about my watch though  as it was my first decent watch upon starting my career. That’s why I was hoping to find a way to restore it back to good working order.  I sent it in to Bulova but they sent it back saying they couldn’t restore it. I then sent it in to a company I found on the internet and sent it to them. They wanted a considerable amount so they must have felt they could get the parts needed. Seemed very expensive so I didn’t go through with it.  I was wondering if the bezel on the new watches would fit my original? That would probably be the only way to come up with one. Do you think a new crystal could be readily available? 

Thanks for the comeback.

Brgds, Bruce

Geoff Baker
Posted August 5, 2020 - 7:26pm

In reply to by swift1966

Hi Bruce - there is no way (without trying) to know if the part would fit. I completely understand the sentimental reason for wanting to restore it having been there myself. When vintage models are found it's generally the bezel that taken the most beating and not in very nice shape but don't give up. Start hitting every tag sale and junk bin you come across, there's bound to be one out there somewhere. As you know, the vintage models are very desirable right now so online auction sites will most likely not hold many bargins.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted August 5, 2020 - 6:37am

A crystal shouldn't be to difficult to find once you have the case number. I polish my plastic crystals with a product called NOVUS. It comes in a couple grades (heavy/light scratch removal) and is basically fine rubbing compound specifically for plastic. It takes a cotton ball and elbow grease along with patience but does and excellent job. Your crystal looks like it could be saved and the polishing compound is pretty cheap.

Another option for acquiring a bezel ring would be patiently watching ebay for a same model "junk/parts watch" to use as a donor watch. The big question is how much sentimental value does it have?

Nice watch, by the way and a potential family heirloom worth restoring IMO :o)

1969 Oceanographer "G"

swift1966
Posted August 5, 2020 - 8:05am

In reply to by neetstuf-4-u

Hello Neetstuf, appreciate the comeback. My plan is just to get the watch looking half way decent for everyday wear. The watch guy down the street said the same thing to look online for a parts watch. I’ll get the back open so the parts can be identified and then I’ll post it on the Parts section and watch the internet at the same time. 
Thanks for the help.

 

swift1966
Posted August 6, 2020 - 5:36am

Hi Geoff, well said. I’ve been tinkering these past couple of years with how to restore, etc. This will put me on a mission now to go on the hunt. I’ll get the back off and post, and at least we’ll have the part numbers for what’s needed. I’ve always been in awe of watch and clockmakers. How great would it be to be able to fix your own time pieces? Great website.  Take care, Bruce