Just picked up this ebay item 320663461752 pretty good pics on auction ( Ill get some up soon). It is signed on dial (Bulova above dial waterproof between center and sub sec dial) and crown and on stainless back and case interior marke Bulova NY. Back marked waterproof, anti magnetic,, stainless steel back, shock- resistant ,Bulova pat pend L7. The watch is held together by 4 pins 2 each end between lugs....any idea how to dissasemble ??? Its in very good shape and quite heavy ( may be solid g (can I ever be so lucky ), its not halmarked as to content on exterior). it is a winder and works and stops, needs a bath and lube....Searching for a name now.....The photos (required) are from the auction owned by executive time and will be replaced ASAP
Named 'Surfmaster' as id'ed by Old Ticker via crystal dimensions and description
Shooter,
So is doesn't have a "snap on" case back? If so, use a DULL knife blade?? (Underside, at either end, between the lugs, should be 1+ tab/s, for blade leverage? (Then perhaps get a "case back opener??")
And that looks to be about a 22- 25mm square, molded glass (or acrylic?) crystal??? Likely listed in the 1960 G-S, or 57- 59 BB, Perfit, SUC, etc. catalog/s???
Best :-) Scott
No tabs Scott, look at the auction pics if you dont mind....the back is flush or below the case , the corners may have some pry room but man I am scared to pry on it lol especially with the pins and all
Got the glass today Thanxs a bunch and as I said if the other doesnt find its way back to you bill me for it...
Hey Chris,
Lightly grip the top and bottom of the dial, after pulling the crown out, like one does with adjusting the time/hands... Then gentlely rock the whole enchilada back and forth... whilst holding onto the the caseback, with the opposing thumb and index finger... (It may come right out? Or take several "to and froe" rocks?) To my knowledge, on the "fancy shape " Bullys after the early 30s (or mprimarily the latter 20s, with the hinged case and bezel "clamshell" designs...) the winding stem may perhaps be held by a round, square, tonneau or rectanguar spacer (thin metal band that surrounds the movement, in between the gap where it slides into the case back...) but I doubt that it's any more complicated, than a few seconds (or perhaps minutes, the first one?) to get that puppy outta there!?
Often it's rather held in there by a slightly ascew spacer ring, slid 1- 3 degrees, over the winding stem!
Dial removal is moch trickier, and also requires a "hands puller" tool, and others... Best to leave that to the watchmaker... until you get properly schooled/equipt. Crystals, however, are EASY to remove, 95% of the time... as they are generally not glued, UV, model, or other plastic cemented... and occasionally glass is epoxied... Otherwise, the best way to SAVE MONEY is to source crystals, and get some glue, using acrylics, for weekly +/- wear timepieces... (Or glass, if it's seldom worn, and expensive...)
ALSO SEE:http://www.mybulova.com/node/691 for a LOT MORE info, on watch crystals!
Best :-) Scott
I believe that crystal is sitting FLAT on the bezel? (i.e. no curve to the crystal perimeter, or bezel shelf?)
If so, I show the following:
Bullie which?
CS400?
RE255
CS2250 225
HX225/1
Or maybe:
SUC: "RE257T" (22.6mm square, Flat Top)
I'm just NOT see'n much above about 22.5 or 22.6mm square, for Bullys?!
There's a G-S "S456" (23mm sq.) or "S465" (23.1mm sq.) or "S462" or "S462-5" at 22.9mm square.
But I don't see those (Flat Top, or slighly curved, atop) crystals, spec'd for Bulovas...
Best :-) Scott
In reply to I believe that crystal is by WatchCrystals.net
Thanks Scott, got it apart. Without breaking any thing lol
Ok the crystal is installed from the inside of the case, measures 25mmX25mm at the sealing flange (has a gasket as well) and is slightly curved (on its bottom face) equally corner to center on all sides. The protruding portion of the crystal starts at approx23.66X23.66 at the flange and tapers to about 23mm at the outer face. The top of the crystal is ever so slightly domed. There is also a lip under 25mm bottom flange of about 23.5mm.. So it steps from 23.5 to 25 to23.66 then slopes to 23 at the face.
So the movement is sealed into the back by a gasket to the crystal, all tossed into the front case and then pinned TIGHTLY by 4 pins.....very cool but a huge PITA to dissasemble.
Probably have to cut a new gasket crystal is pretty good, just a few minor scratches.
Any ideas on a model with this crystal data?
In reply to Thanks Scott, got it apart. by shooter144