Bulova 1970 Oceanographer

Submitted by camu on January 28, 2016 - 4:50am
Manufacture Year
1970
Movement Model
11BLACD
Movement Jewels
17
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
987678
Case shape
Tonneau
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
714 AWD
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Modified [Bezel & Crystal] 1970  BULOVA Oceanographer  SNORKEL 666 ft Automatic =  MODIFICATIONS : ... BEZEL and CRYSTAL mounted on this watch are not original to this watch also  paired with an 18mm after market rubber with orange stitching and stainless steel buckle strap  =  Original PARTS Specs. for case Ref# 714 [ stamped inside of case ]  =  Crystal: 714AWD with 6mm date magnifier mounted on the underside of cystal [not used on this watch]

Crown: 386-3W  =  Gasket: G796  =  Bezel: Black and Red Uni-directional, indexed w/ 60 clicks  =  Bezel Ring: B194 =  Movement ring: MR511  =  Case Clamp: 191-9-11AL  =  Case screw: 45C-11AF  =  Case: Three-piece (case ref# 987678)  brushed/polished stainless steel tonneau-shaped case and stainless steel case back (no personal engravings) with rotating divers bezel and semi hidden band attachments.  Dial: Original matte black enameled painted metal dial with faceted acrylic markets, Baton steel white painted and luminous filled hour/minute hands, red painted crosshairs, date window at three o'clock position, inter minute’s chapter and red sweep center-seconds hand. MovementBulova, Swiss made high-grade mechanical with self-winding automatic calibre 11 BLACD, seventeen (17) jewels gold-plated movement. Quad Signed: dial, case, crown and movement. Band18mm [in picture is an  after market rubber with orange stitching and stainless steel buckle strap] DiameterWidth 41mm (not including the crown) x thickness 13mm x lug end -to-lug end 43mm.

1970 Bulova Oceanographer watch
1970 Bulova watch
1970 Bulova watch
1970 Bulova watch
Geoff Baker
Posted January 28, 2016 - 9:42am

Hello camu, welcome to myBulova, you have a very nice Oceanographer watch here. I think this is one of the most recognizable watches Bulova made. There are many variants in color and dial. A truly iconic Bulova watch. It certainly is one of my favorites.

I'm curious about the mention of a replacement bezel. The Oceanographer "G" has a bezel that is quite a bit different than the one you have on your watch. We tend to be a bit fussy about exact matches to names as we have so many people hat rely on us for accurate identification of their watches. I would agree that you have an Oceanographer here but I would have to stop short of adding that is the "G" variant.

By the way, I like the strap you've paired with this watch, great addition. 

 

camu
Posted January 28, 2016 - 4:29pm

In reply to by Geoff Baker

Geoff , Thank U for the response. yes the Bezel is not the original for this watch nor is the crystal which i will soon remedy [ crysrtal hunt in process] the bezel does rotate and is all black as oppose to the "red and black " that should belong to this watch I would like some help concerning bring the time piece up to speed involving proper GASKETS that might be needed to try and make the time piece water tight again and any input / advice or tips would be helpful from any and all memebers here ...... a source or contact for parts that are needed .... ???

from a fellow BULOVA fanatic 

 

Reverend Rob
Posted January 29, 2016 - 12:10am

That's a fairly heavy duty gasket in the case back, looks ok, but I would  condition it with silicone. You'd also have to see what condition the gasket(s) in the crown are like. Without a screw down crown, there is no way this watch would be functional at 200m, the equivalent of 666 ft. Pressue tests are conducted statically, and any movement through water greatly increases the rating requirement. Even with gaskets replaced an conditioned, I would never advise anyone to swim with these types of watches. Salt water voids certain factory warranties even on rated modern watches, and hot water likewise. Heat shrinks rubber, so no hot tubs, no showers, etc. 

I would recommend getting the gaskets checked and the pressure rating tested by any qualified watchmaker if you plan to get this baby wet.

Geoff Baker
Posted January 29, 2016 - 9:53am

In reply to by Reverend Rob

....and I would make dang sure it never got any where NEAR water!

Take it from the good Reverend, these babies ain't made for swimming. As far as I'm concerned, that fish bowl photo doesn't prove much. (Not that I have an opinion on any of these matters.....)

Andersok
Posted January 29, 2016 - 12:38pm

Also agree with Oceanographer, not sure about the variant.

camu
Posted January 29, 2016 - 1:07pm

In reply to by Andersok

Thank U for the shared advice .... now the fun begins .... I would like to secure parts for the case [ref# 714 ] ...  manged to secure a NOS 714AWD crystal and a case screw 45C-11AF ... need to find a supplier or parts dealer for the following parts ..... to try to atleast get the case [minus the bezel] secured and correct ...

Crown: 386-3W

Gasket: G796
Bezel ring: B194
Movement ring: MR511
Case Clamp: 191-9-11AL
camu
Posted January 29, 2016 - 1:16pm

I am very thankful to everyone and also apreciate that u have joined me in my journey to restore my time piece 

William Smith
Posted January 30, 2016 - 3:37am

I'm good with Oceanographer.  No or unknown variant.  

I don't get any of my older waterproof watches anywhere near water.   At least not any of my Bulova waterproof watches.  I discard my dive watches to the top drawer after a couple years of use, before they leak.  I do this whether they remain waterproof or not.  Kind of like changing the timing chain before it breaks vs rebuilding the motor after the timing chain breaks.  

....but wet or dry, this is a beauty!

jabs
Posted January 30, 2016 - 5:46am

Also agree with Oceanographer

camu
Posted February 3, 2016 - 1:37pm

UPDATE ..... Bulova Crystal ref # 714AWD N.O.S. ..... found !!!!  ...... inbound ETA 3 to 4 days !!!