Bulova 1968 International

Submitted by inboost on November 14, 2021 - 5:16pm
160105
Manufacture Year
1968
Movement Model
11ALAC
Movement Jewels
23
Case Serial No.
1-622230
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
31mm acrylic
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Hello Bulova Experts! This watch belonged to my Grandmother whom I believe purchased it new in Australia which by the case back date would be some time after 1968. I am unable to determine it's model name, and the case number of 575 hasn't turned up in the reference materials here on this fantastic website. I've been through all the advertising data for the M8 model year but I still don't see anything quite like it. I would like to identify it properly so I can obtain the correct case back gasket as the one in it now has hardened and cracked on removal. It appears to be 30.5mm inside diameter, 32.5mm outside diameter, and square in cross section. The cross section is currently 1.0mm x 0.88mm but I suppose it was once 1.0mm x 1.0mm. I see a lot of accutron case gaskets for sale about, would one of them suit? I'm also interested in identifying a replacement crystal and tension ring (if I can't move the original over to the replacement) and I also need to reseal the crown. If anyone has ideas on what dimension o-ring I can try and stuff back into the crown after I pull the stem and clean out the old remnants that would be very much appreciated.

Thanks for your help!  Inboost

Front
Back
Dial out of case
backof movement
case back inside
neetstuf-4-u
Posted November 14, 2021 - 5:39pm

Welcome to mybulova and thanks for sharing your great heirloom.

1968 Bulova International Model #16 01 05

 1966-1967 Line Book BAWD0164 pg 15

inter1

inter2

inboost
Posted November 14, 2021 - 5:53pm

Wow neetstuf-4-u, that was fast and spot on! Can you give me an idea on where I might find the casing parts I need to put this one back together? 

I'm also wondering of anyone can advise on a service question? How does the drive for the second sweep hand break down off the train wheel bridge? Is this staked and best left alone? Any ideas how to best lubricate it after cleaning if it's not to be torn down?

train bridge

train bridge topside

Andersok
Posted November 14, 2021 - 8:18pm

In reply to by inboost

That seconds hand wheel can be removed with the proper tool. I've seen a few ways to remove it, but I use the Presto #3 for 5-spoke with a thin plastic (like a dial protector) under the wheel to reduce scratching the bridge. Often, it is hard to get the feet of the tool under the wheel if the wheel is pressed down close to the bridge. Just be careful to not bend the wheel when removing, as it will have issues later engaging with the seconds hand gear, being high or low in spots.

-Ken

inboost
Posted November 14, 2021 - 9:11pm

In reply to by inboost

And it's away! I did cheat though, used some exact-o blades  acting on the inner hub against some pegwood as a fulcrum outside of the gear perimeter. This watch has a lot of dirt, grime, slipped screwdriver marks, and general service sloppiness inside as evidence of heavy handed work in it's past (marked so three times internally), so the scratching and scars are a contributed work I'm afraid, but not mine!

seep drive removal

sweep drive apart

sweep drive flat

Reverend Rob
Posted November 15, 2021 - 1:21pm

In reply to by inboost

I missed the fact that Ken already mentioned this, but:

Bergeon makes specific gear pullers just for this purpose. They look like a hand puller but have special jaws. When replacing the wheel, it is best to use a small press with delrin tips, and Bergeon makes these as well.... of course they do.

Needless to say, it is a finely made part and easy to damage. There is a specific amount of tension on the spring over top the sweep pinion, and when re-installing the hands, you have to support the pinion so the downward pressure doesn't distort the tensioner spring or push the pinion downwards in any way. 

The puller is the number three, and looks like this:

 

https://www.bergeon.swiss/outil-presto-pour-enlever-les-roues-sur-petit…

You can order the tool from Material Supply Houses like Borel in the US.

inboost
Posted November 15, 2021 - 2:14pm

In reply to by Reverend Rob

Reverend Rob,

Thank you for the detailed council on the setup of this work! I've only just begun my journey in horology this year, so valuable insights like this are very much appreciated. I have a hand setting rig that has a support stud for the sweep pinion for Seiko chronograph movements which are also sensitive to this issue. I'll need to see if I can use that here. Otherwise I'll make one as they are easy enough to do in the lathe with some delrin round stock. The Bergeon gear puller is on my list per Ken your recommendation, those guys certainly have a tool for just about everything!

Inboost

neetstuf-4-u
Posted November 14, 2021 - 6:04pm

I'm afraid I can't be of much help with parts or service questions. I'm sure one of the other panel members can be of assistance. Be patient, we all do this as a public service in our spare time :o)

inboost
Posted November 14, 2021 - 6:09pm

Another interesting bit - the back of the dial is signed 'Singer' - Is this meaningful in understanding it's history?

singer signed

neetstuf-4-u
Posted November 14, 2021 - 6:22pm

In reply to by inboost

Jean Singer & Cie SA was a Swiss watch dial Company and was founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1919. The company operated through the 1970s. They also did dials for Rolex. This plays into the International tag, as does the lack of a 3 letter import code on the movement. Watch was produced/assembled likely in Switzerland (face, case and movement all marked as such) for distribution outside the US.