Bulova 1973 Dior

Submitted by Hvbnfrgvn on March 24, 2017 - 10:47am
BN
Manufacture Year
1973
Movement Model
5BD
Movement Jewels
23
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
889189
Case shape
Oval
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Ladies
Watch Description

My mother passed away and she gave me her Bulova Dior 14k watch before she passed. The watch was a gift to her from my stepdad and she was the original owner. I remember her wearing it for most of my childhood, not sure why she stopped wearing it other than she possibly gained weight and couldn't get it around her wrist any longer. I need to get it cleaned and I don't know if it works yet because I'm afraid to mess with the dial until I've had it checked or get information to help from this forum. How do I get it working again, it's an automatic wind-up and I don't know how to change to the correct time and give it the initial wind up as I'm afraid of messing it up. I would like to open the case but I don't know how, if you could help with that as well, then I will add that image and information that's within the case. FYI, I based my answer for the movement model on what information I found on this forum not on actual knowledge. Also I would like any other information you would have on the design, maker, popularity, etc. Any help is appreciated. 

1973 Bulova watch
1973 Bulova watch
1973 Bulova watch
Reverend Rob
Posted March 24, 2017 - 10:57am

This is a beautiful little watch, your mother obviously took care of it.

Mechanical watches need to be serviced, called a CTR in the trade, every 4-6 years. If this does not happen the dirt, oils and other lubricants dry out and leave a residue which can act as a mild abrasive on the mechanism. A CTR involves full disassembly of the movement and cleaning in industry standard solutions, followed by re-assembly/repair and lubrication, demagnetization and regulation. I strongly recommend taking your watch to a certified watchmaker, some jewellers still have watchmakers on site.

I don't think your watch is an Auto, it's probably a manual wind. If you ask, the watchmaker may be able to photograph the movement inside.

Hvbnfrgvn
Posted March 24, 2017 - 11:27pm

In reply to by Reverend Rob

Thank you for your quick response. It is a beautiful watch and very special to me. I was going to post in the repair section next to see if anyone knows of a qualified jeweler that services Bulova in Southern Il. or St. Louis Mo. areas. I'm not sure if it's an automatic either, I can't wait to get it restored. 

Hvbnfrgvn
Posted March 24, 2017 - 11:31am

Thank you for your quick response. It is a beautiful watch and very special to me. I was going to post in the repair section next to see if anyone knows of a qualified jeweler that services Bulova in Southern Il. or St. Louis Mo. areas. I'm not sure if it's an automatic either, I can't wait to get it restored. 

mybulova_admin
Posted March 24, 2017 - 9:22pm

Found an advert for your watch, which ID's it nicely as a 1973 Bulova Dior 'BN'

1973 Bulova Dior 14K watch

Geoff Baker
Posted March 25, 2017 - 8:03am

Hello Hvbnfrgvn, welcome to myBulova, I'm a big fan of heirloom watches so you having your mothers special watch on your wrist is really special. Congratulations on getting to share a special legacy with her. I agree that your watch is the Dior BN. I'm sure you're familiar with Christian Dior, Bulova had an agreement with the firm in the 1970 which had Dior designing watches for Bulova. I'll send you some suggestions regarding servicing your watch.

1973 Bulova Dior 'BN'

Andersok
Posted March 25, 2017 - 5:50pm

Agree with the BN id, very nice watch!