Bulova 1964 -Unknown

Submitted by boyle37 on August 21, 2022 - 8:04pm
Manufacture Year
1964
Case Serial No.
H731185
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
28mm
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I want to try to adjust the speed, it runs about 5 minutes fast in a half hour. I can't seem to figure out how to open the case (see pics) Also, when you look close at the date code on the casee back, you see the M4 clearly, but faintly to the right of it, it appears that there is a M1.

Front
Back
This is how far I get trying to open it.
closer view
mybulova_admin
Posted August 22, 2022 - 7:46am

Thinking this watch might be part of the Jet Clipper family, but am still searching for an accurate match.

mybulova_admin
Posted August 22, 2022 - 7:49am

Dial and hands are an exact matchy to the Jet Clipper "N", the case case is different, so I'm still searching for a case variant.

Andersok
Posted August 23, 2022 - 12:28pm

I'm not finding a match to this one. Being a manual winding watch, it would not be a Clipper model, though the case is similar to a Jet Clipper. Case is also similar to a Storm King, but not the dial.

Unknown at this time.

Reverend Rob
Posted August 23, 2022 - 3:36pm

I'd recommend taking it to a watchmaker, likely the crystal comes off (with a crystal tool) and there is a tab that you can see to release the stem, but not having it in front of me, that's a best guess.

Variances in timekeeping, especially speeding up, can also be caused by exposure to magnetic fields, so a quick demagnetization could do the trick as well. Proximity to cellphones will play havoc with vintage watches. The case does protect it to some extent, but the effect can be severe. When I was taking a Rolex course, an unprotected uncased Sub movement was frozen by a cellphone 6 inches away. We had to do some serious demagging as well as re-set the timing machine, which it also badly affected. 

It's also possible that the stem is a female one, and will disconnect, but again, I'd recommend letting a watchmaker have a look. I really like the dials on these.

 

boyle37
Posted August 23, 2022 - 6:58pm

Thanks for the info.

I've tried de-magnetizing a couple of times to no avail...

Unfortunately, I can't find any watchmakers locally. And even if I did find one, the cost is a bit prohibitive.

I really love the dial and the unusual lug shape. I guess I'll just look at it for a while then decide if I want to sell it to someone who can make it purr...

Reverend Rob
Posted August 24, 2022 - 1:34pm

To open the case and tweak the rate should only be a couple of bucks. As long as it isn't something serious, that is a ten dollar job in my shop. To do the full service CTR on a mechanical watch can get a bit pricey, but if all you want to do is fix the rate that shouldn't be a major thing. Watchmakers that are attached to, and work out of jewellers stores have their hands tied in some cases as to what they charge. If you can find an independent watchmaker, that would be the best bet. If you check with NAWCC online, they have watchmakers listed by location, or they certainly used to. 

boyle37
Posted December 1, 2022 - 4:39pm

I actually took it to a guy who said nothing could be done.

When I got it home, I figured out how it came apart so here is a pic of the movement. It looks like the adjustment is maxed out. it still does about 10 seconds in six or seven seconds, so really fast.