Bulova 1966 AeroJet

Submitted by Reverend Rob on August 14, 2020 - 10:23pm
Manufacture Year
1966
Movement Model
11ALACD
Movement Jewels
17
Case Serial No.
I506595
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
30.68 mm
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

I had to solve a wee problem with this one, it had a broken third wheel upper pivot, which carries the sweep second driver. The pivot was broken off inside the driver wheel, so I had to carefully push it out as well as source a new third wheel, and as luck would have it, I had one NOS. I know we had some interchange books listed here, but I wasn't able to find them, maybe I'm not looking correctly? Also, the one I have on file is from 1952 so doesn't help with the later movements.  The 11ALACD has roots back in the 10BZ series, as well as other 11 series, but sometimes the pivots are slightly different, as I discovered. (.15 mm as opposed to .13 mm) 

Anyway, if you look at the pics, you will see the gasket is missing, I am still trying to find one, it is flattish and wider than other models. The one that was in here was completely destroyed, and had allowed sweat to enter (or more likely, sweat entered by wicking up the stem) which corroded the brass parts to an amazing degree with that blue/green verdigris. There was decayed gasket pieces and dust, as well as green verdigris literally everywhere in the movt, and if it hadn't stopped, it would have caused some serious wear and tear. Only one service mark inside, not great for a watch of this age. I am enclosing a before pic, usually I forget to take any. Movt and case both stamped M6, so 1966 Aerojet would be my guess. The dial is virtually mint, and the Tritium still glows for some reason.

1966Aerojetauto1
1966Aerojetauto2
1966Aerojetauto3
1966aerojet 11ALACD verdigris
JimDon5822
Posted August 15, 2020 - 8:29am

It looks like you had your work cut out for you on this one.  It was definitely a great one to restore.  1966 Bulova Aerojet.

Andersok
Posted August 15, 2020 - 8:42am

There are also interchange books from 1963 and 1971. The case parts book could help you with finding the correct gasket. Do you have a case number stamp on the caseback inside?

 

Model looks to be either the Aerojet E or F. They look the same, but have different bands. There is no mention of dial color, as sometimes we see these with the champagne color or a silver color.

AerojetEF

 

Reverend Rob
Posted August 16, 2020 - 7:00pm

In reply to by Andersok

I'm not seeing any Interchange books past the 50's, Is there another section for this? The gasket I'm not worried about, I have thousands, it just takes time to sort through them unfortunately. There is a case stamp, I'll have to check it when I get back to the shop tomorrow. 

Andersok
Posted August 17, 2020 - 1:25pm

In reply to by Reverend Rob

I don't know if the site is hosting any of these interchange or case books. They are numerous pages each, so it would require a large file. I just happen to have them and checked the dates from each. Happy to lookup anything you need.

mybulova_admin
Posted August 15, 2020 - 7:35pm

Now I know where Bulova got the 'Accutron green' colour from.

Based on the subject watch not having been presented with a strap, a generic Bulova Aerojet for me, noting Kens model versions "E" and "F" if a strap was ever added,

Geoff Baker
Posted August 16, 2020 - 7:36pm

I'm just sitting here trying to remember the last time I heard the word verdigris in conversation......it had to be in the 70's when I was in college (university)

OH - I agree about the Aerojet ID - 1966 Bulova Aerojet (no variant)

neetstuf-4-u
Posted August 17, 2020 - 4:23am

1966 Bulova Aerojet (no variant)