I received my first bulova in the mail today. It is a 1971 (I believe, the back says N1 on it) orange snorkel day/date. I haven't been able to find instructions on how to set the day/date function. Is there anyone who can help me with that, or link me to the proper instructions. The watch seems to only have 2 positions for the crown, in - and out, when it is out I can set the time and the day/date roll over every 24 hours. When it is in, if rolled counter clockwise it makes a ticking sound, rolling it forward (clockwise as looking at it from the crown side) - it makes a nasty sound that I don't think I should repeat.
Also, what is the proper method for hand winding this?
(sorry for some many questions - does anyone have a recommendation for who I could contact to service such a watch? I'm stationed overseas so there aren't really 'local' watch shops here.
Thank you for your help.
Regards,
Adam
Adam - stem winding is clockwise in position 1 ( pushed in), so the grinding sound is a concern. Make sure the crown is pushed in all the way though. As I recall day and date models advance the day and date when the crown is advanced 24 hr in the second (pulled out) position. The date advances without changing the day if you roll the time back and forth between 8 PM and 2 AM. Move the time past midnight (day AND date changes), stop at 2 AM and go back to 8 PM (day goes back) advance to 2 AM and both advance. Basically you're toggling the date forward but the day stays put. I think I got that right - someone is SURE to jump in if I didn't, we're all a bunch of sharks here.
Most manuals ( see the information link above and then follow the link to 'vintage catalogs') suggest a couple crown twists to get a self winding movement running, then body movement will keep it auto winding through out the day. You can also buy an inexpensive winder on line if you don't wear it for long periods. I think there are still a couple watch makers that advertise on the home page.
Adam, If you don't know when it was serviced last I would not recommend winding the watch anymore until it is. If it hasn't been serviced within the past five years the lubricants could have dried out and there could be dirt/grit in the movement, either of which will lead to damage.