Bulova 1962 Regatta 23

Submitted by sbbrooks on June 24, 2013 - 9:33am
D
Manufacture Year
1962
Movement Jewels
23
Case Serial No.
G28737
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

All the writing on the case is as follows: Bulova - 10KT. R.G.P. Bezel S.S. Back - Shock Resistant - G28737 M2 - Anti-Magnetic - Self Winding - Water Proof 

1962 Regatta Bulova watch
1962 Bulova watch
JP
Posted June 24, 2013 - 9:44am

Generic Bulova 23. There are many(I think some where around 12 or 13) or maybe more watches in the 23 series. I have 4 or five myself.

sbbrooks
Posted June 24, 2013 - 11:49am

In reply to by JP

Thanks. I am new to this subject as you can probably tell. Can you give me advice, or point me in the right direction for some, on how to "fix it up"? It is currently not moving. I am not sure ow the self winding mechanism works and how mush movement of the watch it would take after many years to get the hands functioning again.

sbbrooks
Posted June 25, 2013 - 9:51am

In reply to by JP

I searched all the ads I could find and could not find anything with this specific model.

JP
Posted June 24, 2013 - 12:29pm

Since it has been setting in a sock drawer or the like for many years, it will need a good cleaning and oiling and regulating. There are several people here on the my bulova site who are more than qualified to take care of you. 

Place a request in the forum for some one to work on your watch that is close by you and then contact them by PM and they will make the arrangements. All are very reasonable and very good at their talant.

JP

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted June 24, 2013 - 12:35pm

'23'

possibly a 'REGATTA'.

The self winding mechanism can be wound manually, in fact Bulova recommended a few turns of the Crown before wearing to prime the Mainspring. If the Watch does not tick the first challenge would be to remove the Caseback and check the balance, if the balance swings freely the problem may simply be the Watch is in need of Cleaning / Service.

sbbrooks
Posted June 25, 2013 - 9:44am

In reply to by FifthAvenueRes…

Thanks. I did give the crown a few turns and nothing happened. I can hear and feel the balance moving so it must have spent too much time in the drawer. I will see about having it serviced. Thanks for the advice.

Geoff Baker
Posted June 25, 2013 - 5:46am

Hello sbbrooks - welcome to myBulova.com. First of all congratulations on having what many of us consider to be the most valuable type of old watch - the one you father wore. Many of us got started collecting because of a family heirloom. You are most fortunate to have this wonderful treasure. I'm glad you're going to get it running properly as that makes having it so much more exciting. If you don't know anything about watches I recommend leaving it completely to the pros - I'll send you some suggestions. Normally a self winding movement auto winds with gentle back and forth  motion, most times you can hear the rotor moving. As Mark suggests above a couple twists of the crown should start it ticking, if it doesn't I would have it examined and repaired. The info on date codes is on the home page, second tier, below the five watch pictures - look for the two links under "Dating Bulovas". It confirms that you fathers watch is indeed a 1962 case. 

Right now I'm leaning toward the "23" ID but I'm still on the fence. Looked through all our ads, didn't see a match.

sbbrooks
Posted June 25, 2013 - 9:50am

In reply to by Geoff Baker

Thanks for all the information. I did look up the date code to determine the 1962 but as I looked around the web and this site (and the ads as you did) for an actual example of the watch I could not find one. That is what left me a little confused.  I would love to see something that actually shows this specific model. I did give the crown a few turns and nothing happened. I can hear and feel the balance moving so it must need more care. I will read your private message and track down professional help. Thanks!

Reverend Rob
Posted June 25, 2013 - 6:48am

Nice watch, and an heirloom. 

Mechanical watches require periodic maintenance every 4-6 years, ones that have been left for extended periods of time should not be run, as the dried up oil and dirt will only cause serious damage. I strongly recommend having it completely serviced by a certified watchmaker. It only took me three months to destroy an NOS dive watch. When we serviced it, it was completely dried out and had extensive damage. This was before I went to watchmaking school, and it was a valuable lesson.