Oceanographer R Crystal Replacement Help

Submitted by ibertone86 on January 11, 2024 - 7:48am
Forum topics

New to watchmaking (8 mos) and this forum. Bulova has quickly become my favorite and I have acquired and successfully serviced a few Oceanographers, Sea Kings and a Convoy to date.  I need help...

My 1971 Oceanographer R cs# c3013 movement 11anacb has no crystal....

The crystal needed is 1404-1AY but can't find it anywhere...the front of the case inside dimension is 29.8mm and the bezel ring measures 29.9mm id.

Is there interchangeability with other Bulova armored crystals or a recommended size/source for replacement?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

1960s film reel - Service for your Accutron customer

Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newfound enthusiast, step back in time to the horological marvels of the 1960s with this recently discovered Accutron watch service video.

Journey back to the era when Accutron watches first graced wrists and discover the secrets to keeping your vintage beauty running for years to come.

Thanks to Darold Hanson, author of Complete Guide to Accutron Watches, for finding this reel on repairing Accutron watches from the 1960s and for the Bulova Archive for making it available. 

Warwick Watch Company

Submitted by thom on December 26, 2023 - 1:32am

Who contracted with Bulova and who did Bulova own? I don't claim to know the answers but an observation I've made over the years is with Warwick Watch Company. I am trained as a jeweler and had my family store that came down through my family. In the 1980's I bought a 72 piece collection of Warwick watches from a customer, I don't own any of those but I kept accurate records in case anything came in that was stolen. Of the 72 piece collection I noticed that 27 of the watches had American Standard cases and movements very similiar in design to Westfield/Bulova Movements.

recent repair and restoration of my Accutron 214 N0 and Accutron 218 N2 by a member repairman

Submitted by james shaner on December 16, 2023 - 6:57am

     I recently acquired an Accutron 214 (N0) and an Accutron 218 (N2).  I have never owned one.  They did not work even with new batteries.  I found a member of yours, John V. of Time & Again of Apopka FL online.  I took a chance and sent my watches to him for restoration.  The entire experience with him was pleasant!  He was very professional and thorough, has much expertise, communicative, obviously dedicated.   He itemized everything he did, explained his considerable work in detail, even sent me photos of his progress.  His price to fix both watches was very reasonable too!

"Bulova Quality" marking

Submitted by thom on December 10, 2023 - 10:04pm

Everything is copied verbatum from the record.

It appears Bulova switch to the “Bulova Quality” marking instead of the Karat marking on the watch cases because they reduced the gold content in the cases and did not want to advertise the reduction.

June 14, 1930 Congressional Record – House 10835

Bulova “Lone Eagle” watch not 14-Karat white gold filled