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
Hi neetstuf-4-u,
That's fascinating! Thanks for your help in researching this watch, I do appreciate it. I understand this is a hobby and I have no expectations on time-frame or outcome. I'm just hear to learn what I can and ask a few questions of those who are experienced with the brand. I'll be happy to learn more as others pitch in, but I am already miles ahead thanks to your help.
With gratitude,
Inboost
Case parts for #575 are listed in the 1974 case parts catalog.
Crystal - 575AW
Crown - 362W
Gasket caseback - G787 (I would think any general flat gasket of the proper size would work)
Movement ring - Number not listed
Crown gasket - not a listed part, but one could be found in a misc assortment.
Nice looking watch: International Model #160105
In reply to Case parts for #575 are… by Andersok
Hi there Andersok,
Excellent, thanks so much! I agree that any flat gasket of the right diameter and cross section will do. I was hoping to be able to find a means to know the physical dimensions from part numbers but I figure this is a bit of a reach. I couldn't find the 1974 casing catalog here on the website, just the 1979 supplement. Am I looking in the wrong place perhaps?
The dial of this watch is stained with a lot of tiny dots of what I perceive to be dried oil. I bet it will look even nicer once I get them cleared up! The band was failing so I put an elastic field-like band on it that I felt suited it nicely. Photo below!
Inboost
In reply to Hi there Andersok, … by inboost
Looks good on that band.
As for the catalog, I don't think there is a copy of it on site. It is around 200 pages, so quite large to copy. Also, the gasket dimensions are not listed there, and I'm not sure I've seen that data anywhere. I guess Bulova figured it wasn't necessary; just order the part # replacement and you are good to go.
In reply to Looks good on that band. As… by Andersok
Thanks Andersok, I am happy with it's look too! I'm digging around for those G787 gaskets and I think I'm on to them.
Have you ever attempted to just re-gasket the crown instead of replacing it? I've got the crown off the stem and it's clear there was a pressed in cap that was installed over the o-ring and them crimped in place. I'm not sure there is enough room to feed an appropriate sized o-ring through the gap but that would be my hope to accomplish.
In reply to Thanks Andersok, I am happy… by inboost
In reply to I don't have any of the… by Andersok
Hi there Andersok,
I'll give it some more review and see if I think I can safely wrestle that plate past the crimped edge of the crown. It would be ideal to have the plate out so I could measure the ID of the crown and get a proper specification for the seal. Thanks again for the guidance!
In reply to 1968 Bulova International… by Geoff Baker