Bulova 1970 -Unknown

Submitted by AandJ on March 8, 2024 - 6:37pm
Manufacture Year
1970
Movement Model
5BD
Movement Date Code
N0
Movement Jewels
23
Movement Serial No.
9080?
Case Serial No.
9080 or 81
Case shape
Oval
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
3
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

Ladies  23 Jewel, 14ct Gold, bought 1970/71.

not run since 1997, have had it to 2 different watchmakers each for many months

has slight rust to 2 gear wheels. Possibly caused from missing seal at winder?

Bulova ladies front face
internal - numbers
internal
inside back of watch
winder showing damage
watch with strap
Kathy L.
Posted March 9, 2024 - 12:49pm

Beautiful watch.  So far I am not finding a match.  Being an international model might make it difficult to ID.  Thank you for sharing.

AandJ
Posted March 9, 2024 - 3:14pm

In reply to by Kathy L.

Thanks for your comments. This was bought in Oxford at a jewellers called Leslie, Davy and West I believe in 1970 or 71. 
I had not realised that Bulova made some in the Uk, until we took the back off. I am stunned at the number and variation of the models that Bulova made this site is a treasure itself! 

1955mercury
Posted March 9, 2024 - 2:01pm

Hi AandJ. That's a beautiful Bulova and being solid gold is well worth investing a little money in to get it running. I don't know who the watchmakers were that you took it to, but you should be able to get a complete running 5AD movement on ebay for around $25. You'll probably have to switch the dial and hands out from your movement. Don't give up on it. 

AandJ
Posted March 9, 2024 - 3:10pm

In reply to by 1955mercury

Thanks for your comment - I agree it would be great to get it going again.
Can you tell me, Is the 5AD movement the same as the 5BD in our watch. We are not so knowledgeable about watches. 

we wondered if it would be possible to repair/ renovate the damaged gears too, or would it continue to  deteriorate? 
 

thanks all help in identifying it appreciated.

1955mercury
Posted March 9, 2024 - 4:59pm

In reply to by AandJ

I'm sorry. I meant to say you can find a complete running 23 jewel 5BD movement on ebay for around $25. As for replacing the damaged gears, that would probably cost you more than replacing the entire movement. And it doesn't have to be a 1970 5BD movement with the "N0" date code stamped on it. It's a simple process to exchange the bridge with the date code stamped on it off of your old movement and put it on the replacement movement. That keeps the date code on the movement and the date code on the watch case matching.

 

AandJ
Posted March 9, 2024 - 6:53pm

Thanks again - I really appreciate this support - I immediately went to eBay , and have actually found a 5BD 23jewel working movement - which is as we speak heading to Australia from SanJose🙂

Next to find out how to swap the face and hands.  we will keep the original movement too as it is part of its history.  thanks again

mybulova_admin
Posted March 9, 2024 - 7:31pm

In reply to by AandJ

AandJ, I actually live in Canberra, so if you are having trouble finding someone to swap the movement/parts/dial and hands let me know. I'd be happy to do it for you.

As above, it'll be best to keep as much of the original parts, but if need be swapping out the date stamped barrel bridge would also work.

Stephen

AandJ
Posted March 9, 2024 - 7:49pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Thanks for that Stephen -  appreciate your support - we just might take you up on it

all the best

AandJ
Posted April 5, 2024 - 2:17am

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Hi Stephen - thanks again - we have now received the replacement watch parts and would be grateful for your help. could we speak and discuss what needs to happen - i am happy to call if you could text me your number or mine is 0402597020. actually it is the face and hands and perhaps the inside back and perhaps the winder crown if thats possible (the original crown has a b, the new one is plain and smaller)

thanks  - Alistair

JimDon5822
Posted March 9, 2024 - 7:44pm

Everything points to an unknown international model.   Looks to be a nice hunk of gold.