My uncle gave me this watch when I was 13 years old. It was his first watch that he bought when he was 16 brand new. It was in better condition when I got it but over the years and being young and dumb has caused it to become distressed. Now at age 40, I have found it once more and would like to get it restored (I would never sell this, ever) because it was a gift from a mentor. In my area I'm having problems finding anyone who will even look at it let alone fix it. Only one place in the Atlanta area has agreed to look at it but they are asking 750 to 1600 usd (and that's if it's in good condition, bad condition might exceed that) and it would take a minium of 8 to 10 months (yes months). There are many online Bulova and Accutron repair shops in the US, but there's just no way for me to know if they're legit. My biggest fear is sending it off to the wrong shop, them butchering it by removing the original movement, or sending it back semi working with gumball machine watch guts inside. I'm hoping I can find some advice and direction as to how I can bring this watch back to life if at all possible. I would give more information on the watch, but I don't know how to open this sucker up! haha = Here is what I have so far: 1970 Bulova Chronograph (not the deep sea, just the standard without the numbered bezel or whatever it's called) == It does work, but won't keep accurate time. The stopwatch hand won't stop spinning and the stopwatch reset and start/stop button won't work. It also has no crystal in front. = Numbers on back are: 604310 and N0 = That's all I have at the moment. Thanks in advance!
![[1970] Bulova Chronograph watch -not for sale-](/sites/default/files/watches/Atlantawiseguy%20Bulovapic3%20%283%29-8148.jpg)
Hello Atlantawiseguy, welcome to myBulova. I'm a huge fan of heirloom watches. Watches are so personal, like other jewelry they make wonderful keepsakes. Congratulations on holding on to this beauty. The number on the back is a serial number and does not carry any significance that we know of. "N0" is the Bulova date code for the year 1970. The movement in these watches was noted as Bulova 14EB, it is a 17 jewel Valjoux 7733
The watch is a Bulova Chronograph 31000-W, this model doesn't come along too often, we have a couple in our data base now. Mine is New Old Stock so this gives you an idea what it looked like when new and also a goal to shoot for in restoration:
http://www.mybulova.com/watches/1970-chronograph-6153
The number on the back is a serial number and does not carry any significance that we know of. "N0" is the Bulova date code for the year 1970. The movement in these watches was noted as Bulova 14EB, it is a 17 jewel Valjoux 7733.
I'll send you a private message with a couple suggestions on restoration.
1970 Bulova Chronograph 31000-W
Thank you very much sir for the information and the help. I love your NOS link for this type watch, very very nice. When I received mine, it was complete with the original band and the stop watch functions worked flawlessly. Unfortunately the band was removed for whatever reason ( I can't remember) and was lost over the years. Thanks also on the suggestions for restoration and I will definately get in contact to get the ball rolling. I would be proud to post updated pictures once it's completed!