These movements are so nice! I just restored a President "E" with an 11AOACB and it's my new favorite. It's nice to see a channel repairing approachably priced watches for us plebs who don't have Rolexes lying around.
I can't tell you how refreshing it is to watch a video where they don't cover up the end result pictures with the next videos . I'm all for recommending follow up videos so you can get more traffic to your channel. Just don't sabotage the biggest payoff in the entire video to do so. Great job avoiding this common mistake
Thanks a bunch. I just didn’t want to cover up the watch. I’ve done it the other way in a few videos and really didn’t like it after looking back. Additionally, if I catch myself rambling when doing the voice work (which I have a tendency to do), I have a little bit of time at the end of the video to wrap things up! I appreciate the comment and thanks for watching.
Your Pre-Cleaning Routine > Full Cleaning Routine for those of us without a machine. Very complete. And yes, I watched start to finish and I enjoy your videos.
Your video of this watch service is exceptional. I can see that you have covered everything meticulously and with great care. Thank you so much for sharing your passion and skills with us all. This watch is running so well. Pity so many people out there don't understand the value of old watches being brought back to new life and service. Thanks very much for taking the time to video your work. Kind regards to you.
These videos are as good as Wristwatch Revivals and I’m a huge fan of his. Not in the hobby, just really enjoy seeing how these motions work. I really appreciate that you do some things different. Gives people options to the same end. So glad I found this channel. Thank you for sharing your time and passion.
That's a really high bar, but I appreciate your kind words. I'm trying to do my own thing, but there's only so many ways you can record working on a watch. Any similarities are unintentional, but I do enjoy his work and I'd be lying if I said he wasn't an inspiration in my decision to begin filming my own work.
Great job on this watch, it has some great natural character that you just can't replicate. I actually have a handful of vintage watches in need of service that I've been looking to donate to someone who can service / repair them and get them back on somebodies wrist. When I was a kid my dad gave me a couple cigar boxes full of old broken watches and parts...etc that he was given as a teenager from the local watch maker who he used to sweep up for and such after the guy had retired. Recently I was looking through them and discovered that a handful of them actually work to some degree which neither of us never knew. I always loved looking at them and being amazed by the little parts I could see on the broken movements, but now I think it's time for some of them to become watches again. They're all 1940's- mid 1970's, of decent makes. There's a Longines, Paul Breguette, Gerard perregaux, Valory and a few others that will run but definitely need some work. If you would like to have these watches for your channel I would love to send them to you. There is one watch in particular that I would love to have serviced and returned for me to wear, but even that would not be a requirement. I just want to get them repaired so somebody can wear them, and I'd rather donate the watches to a repair channel like this instead of trying to sell them on ebay or something.
Generally I tend to avoid accepting such offers. That is quite generous of you, but I don't feel right about taking in something for nothing. Feel free to email me at WeekendWatchRepair@gmail.com if you'd like to discuss further. As a general rule though, I don't accept free gifts (outside of 1 particular occasion which I explained in the Omega video).
Really appreciate the detailed cleaning information as I’m hoping to try this soon and videos like this are awesome to help understand what all is involved.
Thank you. I normally skip over most of it in the videos because it is quite boring and repetitive, but a couple of people have asked if I could go into a bit more detail about my particular cleaning process. I tried to do so in this video. I am glad you found it helpful.
@@WeekendWatchRepair It was helpful. You showed me some things that I hadn't really even thought about, like cleaning the pinion teeth. I love these older watches with the Swiss movements. Good quality and nice to work on.
I am no expert, but your oiling and greasing touch is just incredible when compared to many other UA-cam watchmakers I watch! And that is not a criticism of their skill, just an expression of your fine work.
I appreciate it very much. That is something I've really tried to address. A watchmaker left a comment on a video I did a while back giving me some feedback about proper oiling. I've taken his advice and try to be very deliberate about the amount of lubrication I apply at each point on a watch.
I have that exact watch, except mine is a 1966 vintage. Paid around $80 on eBay I think. It hasn’t been serviced yet but runs well. Keeps very good time when I wear it.
You know I love a vintage Bulova. This came together beautifully! Great work as usual, and I love that you give just as much attention to the eBay junkers as to the Wakmanns.
I love the Bulovas, old and new. Solid timepieces. I got lucky and landed a couple spares kits with drawers full of Bulova parts for several older movements.
Because of this video I got lucky on an eBay bid and managed to buy a what the seller says is a ww2 bulova watch but is pre shock springs watch. Guess UA-cam recommending me this video really helped.
Very nice movement. Everything just fits nicely. Very utilitarian design and I like that. Very smart looking watch overall. I like and respect your watchmaking style, it is a match made in heaven for such a movement. On par with Seiko, maybe slightly more refined in the bridge areas as far as fit and finish. Nice catch on the barrel play. Your production work is progressing nicely. I like your commentary and enjoy your jovial attitude. You come off as an articulate, intelligent, and hard working man. Thank you for everything you do.
It was nice to see you again, Adam! The shots were excellent, very clear. I worked on Bulova 23 bought on EBay and they're perfect mechanisms for practicing. Great quality, easy to find parts. Welcome back and see you next time !
I've had that exact same watch for years, can't remember where I got it, this video inspired me to take it apart clean it put it back together and I'm blown away at how accurate it is, it's a really well-made movement, my dial got damaged worse than yours but it's not too too bad.
Another great video of a vintage watch. The camera work and lighting was spot on. I like the original look to the case and dial. Thanks for the video Adam
What a great video! And the perfect watch to expand on the cleaning process with. Simple movement, could have been a short video, so plenty of extra time to add in the cleaning. Love the PIP shots, I find them interesting.
Terrific job. Love Bulovas. Must agree with you that the quality is definitely solid. The watch really cleaned up well. Thanks for the video. Glad to hear that you are safe during the recent storms.
I take a lot of still photos for the items I sell on line and just wanted to to thank you for your great camera work and your contribution to horology.
You've got a new 'fan' in me! Nice. And, I've been VERY near several tornadoes in OK from '69 thru 2009 when we retired back to Ohio, must missing the "big one" in '98 in Midwest City, the F5 that really messed up a lot of homes in Moore and Del City, and Stroud's outlet mall. Anyway, glad you are well!
I was here for that one, along with F5's on May 3, 1999 and May 20, 2013. The 2013 F5 tornado passed within a mile of me. A lot of the camera footage showing it crossing into Moore, OK was taken from the parking lot of my office. All good here now though. Hopefully we are coming out of the tornado season. The temperature is warming up and we are in the 90's most days lately, with isn't conducive for tornados. I'll take the heat over running away from tornadoes a few times a month! Hope all is well in Ohio.
Very nicely done, it's a really good looking watch. Glad to hear you had minimal damage from the storms. Oh and the picture in picture part was neat. I wondered what it looked like if you did it through the microscope. Cheers!
Awesome video. Extremely kool watch. I've stood behind Bulova my entire life. My grandparents both wore Bulova. I'd buy it if it's still available. 👍👍👍
I've worked on many of these and they all have those wide gaskets, so I believe the wide gasket is correct. Maybe since it's a snap back, the wider gasket helps in water resistance.
I was curious about that. With the crystal and movement out of the case, it installed the wide gasket, as well as the narrow gasket, and snapped on the case back. From the front side of the watch I could see where that gasket contacts the rim of the case. With the wide gasket, there was a significant amount of material that never contacts the case, and just seemed unnecessary. With the narrower gasket I ended up using, it completely covers the rim of the case that is the sealing surface, and had just the slightest (maybe 1mm) overhang past the case lip. It just seemed to be more of a proper fit, which is why I ended up going with that size rather than using a wider type like the original. It was just a judgement call.
A beautiful watch and excellent video. I have a Bulova that is very similar to this one that I will attempt to restore. Both you and Marshall along with Mr Nekkid excited me so much I have spent almost $1500 on tools and another $1k on various watches. I guess there are worse addictions! ;)
Thank you for the video. I have a technique that you might find helpful for using the EveFlex-like thing (which I came up with after breaking a pivot with it): place the wheel down on the bench block like you did just a bit later in the video, use a pin vice vertically, maybe hold the wheel with tweezers from the side to prevent it from spinning. Then, in my experience, it is much easier to keep the wheel axis and the pin vice concentric and avoid bending loads on the pinion, and it just generally feels much more controlled to me. And you can apply quite a bit more force and use it for thick or long pivots if necessary, or clean up the flank of the pinion. Very best regards!
That's normally how it do it, but for the purposed of filming that technique doesn't offer the camera a good view. I showed the 3rd wheel getting done on video, but the rest of the wheels were done by resting them on a bench block as you described.
Welcome back. I have a couple of Bulova's. Figure Chinese aren't copy them. My research shows that Bulova's don't have standard 52 lift angle (ref Bulova tech letter #34, Nov 75); 11AL uses 50 lift angle, 18000 beats
Adam that was really a great video. I’m new to the hobby and you gave me some good things to remember and new things to put into practice. One of my first watches was a Bulova 17AH pocket watch. It was great! Thanks for your content and you have a new subscriber!
Awesome watch, Adam! I have a warm spot for Bulovas from this era. It came out great, and I loved the beauty shots at the end! Hopefully Mother Nature will get bored of tormenting you and your neighbors soon, and you can spend more time as you wish, and not as you must. 😄
@@He11cth3r3 - Hi! Yes, they are great watches in and of themselves, and the value is increased even further when there is sentimental attachment. I have talked to so many people whose parents and grandparents owned a Bulova. 😁
Hey Mike! So nice to hear from you. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I have become a fan of these vintage Bulovas and will be keeping my eye out for more of them.
@@WeekendWatchRepair Bulovas are plentiful here in the States...and you get that wonderful Swiss quality in their movements. I've been very lucky to find some clean ones from the 50s and 60s. It was my Dad's 1952 Bulova that got me interested in watch repair. 😁
I've watched (pun intended) about 100 hours of watch repair videos. You are a good narrator, but more importantly, you seem more conscientious about your work than many weekend/evening "watchmakers." I recently bought a 10yr old Seiko in need of basic service. I'd trust you to service it. I am sure it needs a good lube and regulation to get it from about 1 or more mins a day slow to right on the "money." Another note, please tell me what cleaning machine you use. L&R seems to be the one all the "cool kids" use. I prefer modernity where it really counts. Finally, you are light years ahead of the other, very popular, "amateur" watchmaker. Great video. I sub'ed. And, I am looking forward to the book coming out soon from the Netherlands!
Thank you very much for such a nice and detailed comment. Regarding my cleaning machine, it is an Elmasolvex SE. I have a vintage L&R that I restored back into working order, but I came across a deal on a basically brand new machine that I couldn't pass up. It does a great job indeed, however the retail price on new examples are pretty steep. I likely would've kept with my old L&R if I hadn't gotten the deal that I did. Speaking in hindsight, I am really glad I picked it up. It is a great machine.
Hi! I really enjoyed this video. A nice well-made simple movement, lots of great hints and tips for an amateur watch repairer like myself. I was surprised that you hadn’t repaired a Bulova before, since they are probably much more common where you are, than here in the UK. Anyway - many thanks and looking forward to the next video….
Enjoying your variety. I am a 'thin to win' kinda guy; hense, like the thiner-smaller watches. Never liked to feel a mass on my wrist. Older Bulova's are a fav of mine. When I got re-interested in mech watches, found Mystery Dials. 2nd and 3rd watches where a 1959 Bulova (10BZAC) and 1958 Longines (23Z). Over the last 2 yrs, I have gotten total of 4 Bulova's plus one from my Grandmother -- All intact. Now learning how to source parts, inter-chagability, and finding Lift Angles (ranges 50-54) - seems too many Bulova movement data is not www avail. Have a good watch service man here in Thailand. Just need to arm him with data. If you can point me to info sources, appreciated.
Beautiful watch! I’m a big fan of older Bulova watches… I’m an amateur for sure, but have done three older Bulova restorations, two from the 60’s and my “birth year” 1972 Bulova Sea King. They can be very affordable, I’ve spent less than $40 for each!
Great job, lovely watch. I've never worked on one myself but between you and Marshall I've watched so many videos I generally have a decent idea of what's going on and the order of operations. I noticed you "swished" that winding piece and even let out a gentle "nice" before you commented on it! I really appreciate all the work you and Marshall put into making these videos, it's definitely edging me closer to picking up a few tools and a cheap easy movement to try it out. Regarding the picture in picture footage of putting in the hairspring - why not keep it? I don't find it distracting and a second view is cool to see. It sets you apart a bit too =)
Hey man, you have to take care of you and yours, if people can't be cool with that then they can kick rocks. Thanks for another entertaining video!!! Be safe in the tornado alley!!!
These 17 and 23 jewel Bulovas are untapped excellence. So are the Gruen Precisions. That green from water can be cleaned off with arrow tip swabs and foam tips. Where are you ordering parts from?
Bulova (BULL-uh-vah) was one of the premier consumer watch brands from the 40s-70s. They spawned other brands such as Caravelle (low cost to compete with Timex), and Accutron, which was the most accurate watch you could buy!
Unfortunately nothing specific without seeing it. Sometimes they can be tricky though. Just stick with it an never force anything. Also make sure you are coming in on the correct side of the pallet fork, depending on what position it is in when you install the balance.
I like an aged case with a patinated dial (but not a chewed up one if you see the difference, i'd say refinish if it's got a bunch of deep/messy scratches) Edit, and thanks for pointing me to the vgreen straps, really nice
Thanks. The people over at VGreen have always done great work for me. I think you'll be pleased. I don't make anything from that code, but it's just something I wanted to tell viewers about since they treated me so well (before they ever knew about this channel).
Outstanding video. I very much like how you go about cleaning the movement, I used to buy old watches some 25 years ago and clean them, but you're much better than I ever was. Maybe someday you'll get a chance t o clean a Bulova 23 Jewel. It has 6 adjustments and was known as a "poor man's chronometer". A very famous movement. I have one suggestion for you. You need to google "Bulova pronunciation". You're much too good to be mispronouncing a major brand like Bulova. Anyway, thank you for an excellent video.
Love your down to earth way of sharing........all the droppes spring bounces parts bouncers......I am getting into this horology thing I don't necessarily like watches or jewelry or any bling things....in general......but to do something honestly and know you did it honestly and as best to your ability.....what is more human than that......Watchmaking is expensive......WTH......I hope you get to sell and make some money off the watches....... .
What is the size of pegwood compared to the size of a toothpick? Have you ever experimented with automotive and painter's cleaning solvents such as acetone, toluene, methyl-ethyl ketone, and non flammable brake parts cleaner, which is almost the same as dry cleaning fluid? Do watches have coatings inside that would be dissolved by strong solvents? I'm pretty sure the jewel shellac on the pallet fork would be history.
I've used Naphtha and lighter fluid. I've stayed aware from acetone or other chemicals. Some of them could eat away at the finish on some of the parts. Many watches have parts have a rhodium plating that I'm not sure how it would hold up to stronger solutions. Naphtha and lighter fluid work quite well for pre-cleaning. They are also cheap and plentiful, but I do not use them on anything with shellac.
You mentioned about that Tissot with a "tropical" dial and instantly tried to change to another video... I have 3 trigger words about vintages, "Mumbai specials", "tropical" and "rare". Once I hear them, I am gone.
Nice work Adam. Do you work on radium-lumed dials? I know this was only water ingress, but whenever I see discoloration/browning on the dial, my first thought is radium.
@@WatchRestorationCottage I don't actively avoid them, but I don't come across them all too often. The alpha radiation that is primarily put out is stopped by the crystal or even your skin. For as rare as I see them, what tiny bit of exposure I may have is negligible. That being said, I still will take precautions when working on one. Radium dial and hands get stored in a separate container, proper ventilation when working with them, etc.
I learned on are Bulova, Croton, Elgin and Gruen. They are usually inexpensive and good quality. I like Hamilton, but they are a little more expensive and Wittnauer /Longines are even better quality but a little more expensive still.
As somoene else with "gorilla wrists", where do you source your watch straps? I have a Zodiac I inherited from my father, but the strap he put on it is too short. I can JUST wear it on the last button. All the straps I can find on Esslinger are suspiciously too cheap, and they don't have the right lug size in their "long" or "extra long" selection. The stuff on Amazon looks like junk.
I order a lot of straps from VGreenco.com They make custom leather straps - based out of Canada. They usually turn them around in about a week. You can order to a custom length, pick your leather type, lug width, taper width, stitching type and color, buckle type, etc. Really good folks there. I contacted them recently about a shipment that didn't come exactly as I had ordered it (first and only time that ever happened). They immediately made me a new strap and shipped it out. Their customer service couldn't have been better. After they quickly resolved the issue, I told them about this channel and asked if they'd mind if I mentioned their company since I was so impressed. They agreed and offered me a 'partnership', which I turned down (I've done that with a few companies, it's just something I'm trying to avoid). I instead asked if they'd just create a discount code for viewers of the channel. You can go to their website - Vgreenco.com - and use the code: WeekendWatchRepair - for a 15% discount. Their prices are very fair for hand-made leather straps to begin with, and the 15% off makes it a great deal. They'll send you a card with a QR code on it. If you upload a pic of your strap installed on your watch, they'll send you another code for 15% off your next order - and the cycle continues! Sorry for the long winded reply, but the question you asked just happened to be something that I recently put together with this strap company. The code mentioned earlier is good for another 60 days (or something close to that). I order straps made for an 8.5" wrist, and they fit me quite well. You can have them made even longer than that if you choose! There's more info in the video description, as well as a link if you'll find that helpful.
After further investigation, I think you are right and that was the original gasket. It was much wider than it needed to be though. With the movement out and the crystal removed, I test fit that gasket to the case back and installed it. From the front side of the case, it is very easy to tell where the gasket is making contact with the rear of the case, and how much that gasket is being compressed to make a proper seal. That original type wider gasket had more than 50% of the material overhanging the lip on the case. The thinner type gasket I installed fully sealed to the case, and was an excellent fit with only the absolute slightest amount of gasket material overhanging the case lip.
Howdy. I enjoy your videos and I watch probably a half dozen similar channels. This is not intended to be too critical, but I don’t think many are noticing or bothered by things like the shot getting slightly dark, or using a less desirable shot angle because your fingers were in the way, or other fairly insignificant things you feel you have to mention every time. Just saying…
From the time between recording the voice-over and uploading the video last night, we had another tornado come through. It was about 20 miles north of me, and went right by my mother and brother's properties. Crazy time of year. The tornado season this year has been pretty active. I see KS has had quite a bit of activity as well.
If the watch is valuable, I don't polish the case. Even though these Bulovas are a dime a dozen relatively speaking, I go ahead and polish my cases. Especially the stainless ones.
I like a polished case if it's done well. I decided to follow the suggestions of the Patreon members, and I think they were right on this watch. The unpolished case is growing on me!
@WeekendWatchRepair I totally agree. You can totally over polish off the crisp clean edges off a watch, and I think that really harms the look. BUT!! I really like your work and your channel. The watch looked great! Great choice of watchband.
I’m just getting into vintage watches. Wanted to thank you and I’m now a subscriber!
Thanks so much. I really appreciate it.
Its a classic beauty. A look that never goes out of style, actually gets better with age.
I agree.
These movements are so nice! I just restored a President "E" with an 11AOACB and it's my new favorite. It's nice to see a channel repairing approachably priced watches for us plebs who don't have Rolexes lying around.
I don't have Rolexes lying around either! I know the feeling, and watches like these are why I picked up the hobby.
I can't tell you how refreshing it is to watch a video where they don't cover up the end result pictures with the next videos . I'm all for recommending follow up videos so you can get more traffic to your channel. Just don't sabotage the biggest payoff in the entire video to do so. Great job avoiding this common mistake
Thanks a bunch. I just didn’t want to cover up the watch. I’ve done it the other way in a few videos and really didn’t like it after looking back. Additionally, if I catch myself rambling when doing the voice work (which I have a tendency to do), I have a little bit of time at the end of the video to wrap things up! I appreciate the comment and thanks for watching.
That movement cleaned up incredibly nice. What a beautiful watch. Great service.
Thanks a bunch.
Your Pre-Cleaning Routine > Full Cleaning Routine for those of us without a machine. Very complete. And yes, I watched start to finish and I enjoy your videos.
Thank you.
Adam. Well done. Excellent photography. Yes to the inset. Could be permanent? Good and informative commentary. Thank you
Hey Ross! Great to hear from you. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Enjoyed the video,great job and the lighting was just right. Love the vintage Bulova’s in the 40’s -70’s for their unique designs.
Thanks a bunch. I'll be on the lookout for more of these watches. I was very impressed with this one, especially for the price.
Your video of this watch service is exceptional. I can see that you have covered everything meticulously and with great care. Thank you so much for sharing your passion and skills with us all.
This watch is running so well. Pity so many people out there don't understand the value of old watches being brought back to new life and service.
Thanks very much for taking the time to video your work.
Kind regards to you.
Very kind of you to say, thank you.
These videos are as good as Wristwatch Revivals and I’m a huge fan of his. Not in the hobby, just really enjoy seeing how these motions work. I really appreciate that you do some things different. Gives people options to the same end. So glad I found this channel. Thank you for sharing your time and passion.
That's a really high bar, but I appreciate your kind words. I'm trying to do my own thing, but there's only so many ways you can record working on a watch. Any similarities are unintentional, but I do enjoy his work and I'd be lying if I said he wasn't an inspiration in my decision to begin filming my own work.
Great job on this watch, it has some great natural character that you just can't replicate.
I actually have a handful of vintage watches in need of service that I've been looking to donate to someone who can service / repair them and get them back on somebodies wrist.
When I was a kid my dad gave me a couple cigar boxes full of old broken watches and parts...etc that he was given as a teenager from the local watch maker who he used to sweep up for and such after the guy had retired.
Recently I was looking through them and discovered that a handful of them actually work to some degree which neither of us never knew.
I always loved looking at them and being amazed by the little parts I could see on the broken movements, but now I think it's time for some of them to become watches again.
They're all 1940's- mid 1970's, of decent makes.
There's a Longines, Paul Breguette, Gerard perregaux, Valory and a few others that will run but definitely need some work.
If you would like to have these watches for your channel I would love to send them to you.
There is one watch in particular that I would love to have serviced and returned for me to wear, but even that would not be a requirement.
I just want to get them repaired so somebody can wear them, and I'd rather donate the watches to a repair channel like this instead of trying to sell them on ebay or something.
Generally I tend to avoid accepting such offers. That is quite generous of you, but I don't feel right about taking in something for nothing. Feel free to email me at WeekendWatchRepair@gmail.com if you'd like to discuss further. As a general rule though, I don't accept free gifts (outside of 1 particular occasion which I explained in the Omega video).
@@WeekendWatchRepair I sent you an email.
That's such a nice movement, you got a great deal on this. I will be looking out for these!
Great looking watch... As usual , excellent video and the commentary is enjoyable as well. Really look forward to all your builds .
Thanks so much.
Really appreciate the detailed cleaning information as I’m hoping to try this soon and videos like this are awesome to help understand what all is involved.
Glad it was helpful!
I appreciate you showing in depth your cleaning routine.
Thank you. I normally skip over most of it in the videos because it is quite boring and repetitive, but a couple of people have asked if I could go into a bit more detail about my particular cleaning process. I tried to do so in this video. I am glad you found it helpful.
@@WeekendWatchRepair It was helpful. You showed me some things that I hadn't really even thought about, like cleaning the pinion teeth. I love these older watches with the Swiss movements. Good quality and nice to work on.
Agreed. They make great projects and are excellent to wear once completed.
I am no expert, but your oiling and greasing touch is just incredible when compared to many other UA-cam watchmakers I watch! And that is not a criticism of their skill, just an expression of your fine work.
I appreciate it very much. That is something I've really tried to address. A watchmaker left a comment on a video I did a while back giving me some feedback about proper oiling. I've taken his advice and try to be very deliberate about the amount of lubrication I apply at each point on a watch.
I have that exact watch, except mine is a 1966 vintage. Paid around $80 on eBay I think. It hasn’t been serviced yet but runs well. Keeps very good time when I wear it.
They are great watches.
You know I love a vintage Bulova. This came together beautifully! Great work as usual, and I love that you give just as much attention to the eBay junkers as to the Wakmanns.
Thanks a bunch!
I love the Bulovas, old and new. Solid timepieces. I got lucky and landed a couple spares kits with drawers full of Bulova parts for several older movements.
Score!
Because of this video I got lucky on an eBay bid and managed to buy a what the seller says is a ww2 bulova watch but is pre shock springs watch. Guess UA-cam recommending me this video really helped.
Awesome!
Very nice movement. Everything just fits nicely. Very utilitarian design and I like that. Very smart looking watch overall. I like and respect your watchmaking style, it is a match made in heaven for such a movement. On par with Seiko, maybe slightly more refined in the bridge areas as far as fit and finish. Nice catch on the barrel play. Your production work is progressing nicely. I like your commentary and enjoy your jovial attitude. You come off as an articulate, intelligent, and hard working man. Thank you for everything you do.
Thank you very much!
It was nice to see you again, Adam! The shots were excellent, very clear. I worked on Bulova 23 bought on EBay and they're perfect mechanisms for practicing. Great quality, easy to find parts.
Welcome back and see you next time !
Thanks so much. I really appreciate it.
I've had that exact same watch for years, can't remember where I got it, this video inspired me to take it apart clean it put it back together and I'm blown away at how accurate it is, it's a really well-made movement, my dial got damaged worse than yours but it's not too too bad.
Best of luck! Take your time and enjoy the process.
Another great video of a vintage watch. The camera work and lighting was spot on. I like the original look to the case and dial. Thanks for the video Adam
Thanks for watching!
What a great video! And the perfect watch to expand on the cleaning process with. Simple movement, could have been a short video, so plenty of extra time to add in the cleaning. Love the PIP shots, I find them interesting.
Thanks a bunch. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I was pleased to be able to finally go into a bit more detail on the cleaning process.
Terrific job. Love Bulovas. Must agree with you that the quality is definitely solid. The watch really cleaned up well. Thanks for the video. Glad to hear that you are safe during the recent storms.
Thanks for watching!
I also figured I'd sell watches to continue to fuel my hobby. I now have a growing collection and haven't parted with any of them.
Haha, I know the feeling.
I take a lot of still photos for the items I sell on line and just wanted to to thank you for your great camera work and your contribution to horology.
Thank you very much.
You've got a new 'fan' in me! Nice. And, I've been VERY near several tornadoes in OK from '69 thru 2009 when we retired back to Ohio, must missing the "big one" in '98 in Midwest City, the F5 that really messed up a lot of homes in Moore and Del City, and Stroud's outlet mall. Anyway, glad you are well!
I was here for that one, along with F5's on May 3, 1999 and May 20, 2013. The 2013 F5 tornado passed within a mile of me. A lot of the camera footage showing it crossing into Moore, OK was taken from the parking lot of my office. All good here now though. Hopefully we are coming out of the tornado season. The temperature is warming up and we are in the 90's most days lately, with isn't conducive for tornados. I'll take the heat over running away from tornadoes a few times a month! Hope all is well in Ohio.
Once again Adam; superb video, great videography and commentary. Thanks for the effort you put into these👍
Many thanks.
Very nicely done, it's a really good looking watch. Glad to hear you had minimal damage from the storms. Oh and the picture in picture part was neat. I wondered what it looked like if you did it through the microscope. Cheers!
Glad you enjoyed it.
Awesome video. Extremely kool watch. I've stood behind Bulova my entire life. My grandparents both wore Bulova. I'd buy it if it's still available. 👍👍👍
Thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Fantastic video! I have a Bulova on my bench that I'm about to restore. Tank style. My wife is also teaching herself to make leather straps.
That is awesome!
I think most of find every second interesting! If someone doesn’t it’s certainly easy enough to fast forward. We appreciate everything you include!
Thank you very much. I try my best to make the videos as detailed and thorough as possible.
Hey Adam!, I love your videos! thank you so much for sharing all the restauration process... cheers!
Glad you like them!
I've worked on many of these and they all have those wide gaskets, so I believe the wide gasket is correct. Maybe since it's a snap back, the wider gasket helps in water resistance.
I was curious about that. With the crystal and movement out of the case, it installed the wide gasket, as well as the narrow gasket, and snapped on the case back. From the front side of the watch I could see where that gasket contacts the rim of the case. With the wide gasket, there was a significant amount of material that never contacts the case, and just seemed unnecessary. With the narrower gasket I ended up using, it completely covers the rim of the case that is the sealing surface, and had just the slightest (maybe 1mm) overhang past the case lip. It just seemed to be more of a proper fit, which is why I ended up going with that size rather than using a wider type like the original. It was just a judgement call.
A beautiful watch and excellent video. I have a Bulova that is very similar to this one that I will attempt to restore. Both you and Marshall along with Mr Nekkid excited me so much I have spent almost $1500 on tools and another $1k on various watches. I guess there are worse addictions! ;)
It is expensive getting started, but a fun hobby nevertheless.
I love the great history behind Bulova company. Beautiful watch. Great work as always!
Thanks for watching!
Vintage bulova are beautiful. I have a Bulova accutron 1973 10KT rolled gold watch and I love it.
They are indeed.
The two shot on the balance wheel was awesome!!
So glad you liked it. I'll try to do it again in a future video.
Thank you for the video. I have a technique that you might find helpful for using the EveFlex-like thing (which I came up with after breaking a pivot with it): place the wheel down on the bench block like you did just a bit later in the video, use a pin vice vertically, maybe hold the wheel with tweezers from the side to prevent it from spinning. Then, in my experience, it is much easier to keep the wheel axis and the pin vice concentric and avoid bending loads on the pinion, and it just generally feels much more controlled to me. And you can apply quite a bit more force and use it for thick or long pivots if necessary, or clean up the flank of the pinion. Very best regards!
That's normally how it do it, but for the purposed of filming that technique doesn't offer the camera a good view. I showed the 3rd wheel getting done on video, but the rest of the wheels were done by resting them on a bench block as you described.
Welcome back. I have a couple of Bulova's. Figure Chinese aren't copy them.
My research shows that Bulova's don't have standard 52 lift angle (ref Bulova tech letter #34, Nov 75); 11AL uses 50 lift angle, 18000 beats
Okay one more comment. I'm now that guy. As someone who watches a ton of watch repair videos, I have to say I love the picture-in-picture.
Noted, thank you!
Adam that was really a great video. I’m new to the hobby and you gave me some good things to remember and new things to put into practice. One of my first watches was a Bulova 17AH pocket watch. It was great! Thanks for your content and you have a new subscriber!
Awesome, thank you!
Awesome watch, Adam! I have a warm spot for Bulovas from this era. It came out great, and I loved the beauty shots at the end! Hopefully Mother Nature will get bored of tormenting you and your neighbors soon, and you can spend more time as you wish, and not as you must. 😄
I remember commenting on one you restored like my great grandfathers one a while ago, I like them too
@@He11cth3r3 - Hi! Yes, they are great watches in and of themselves, and the value is increased even further when there is sentimental attachment. I have talked to so many people whose parents and grandparents owned a Bulova. 😁
@@WatchWithMike I agree so much
Hey Mike! So nice to hear from you. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I have become a fan of these vintage Bulovas and will be keeping my eye out for more of them.
@@WeekendWatchRepair Bulovas are plentiful here in the States...and you get that wonderful Swiss quality in their movements. I've been very lucky to find some clean ones from the 50s and 60s. It was my Dad's 1952 Bulova that got me interested in watch repair. 😁
Didn't think it was going to look that good in the end, what a beautiful watch
I agree. Really surprised with how well it cleaned up considering the dial, case, and hands were left alone.
I've watched (pun intended) about 100 hours of watch repair videos. You are a good narrator, but more importantly, you seem more conscientious about your work than many weekend/evening "watchmakers." I recently bought a 10yr old Seiko in need of basic service. I'd trust you to service it. I am sure it needs a good lube and regulation to get it from about 1 or more mins a day slow to right on the "money." Another note, please tell me what cleaning machine you use. L&R seems to be the one all the "cool kids" use. I prefer modernity where it really counts. Finally, you are light years ahead of the other, very popular, "amateur" watchmaker. Great video. I sub'ed. And, I am looking forward to the book coming out soon from the Netherlands!
Thank you very much for such a nice and detailed comment. Regarding my cleaning machine, it is an Elmasolvex SE. I have a vintage L&R that I restored back into working order, but I came across a deal on a basically brand new machine that I couldn't pass up. It does a great job indeed, however the retail price on new examples are pretty steep. I likely would've kept with my old L&R if I hadn't gotten the deal that I did. Speaking in hindsight, I am really glad I picked it up. It is a great machine.
My birth year. I would someday like to get one from that year up and running. You did a great job.
Thanks a bunch.
Hi! I really enjoyed this video. A nice well-made simple movement, lots of great hints and tips for an amateur watch repairer like myself.
I was surprised that you hadn’t repaired a Bulova before, since they are probably much more common where you are, than here in the UK.
Anyway - many thanks and looking forward to the next video….
Glad you enjoyed it! That was my first Bulova, but it won't be my last. There are a couple others I'm eyeing on eBay right now, haha!
Love Bulova watches. Proper sized watch actually looks perfect on your wrist.
Thanks a bunch.
Lovely work and video. I just got one of those blowers too, great for blowing out parts trays and whatnot.
Thanks a bunch. I am enjoying that electric blower, but I am being careful to use it while blowing away from any items on my bench.
Enjoying your variety.
I am a 'thin to win' kinda guy; hense, like the thiner-smaller watches. Never liked to feel a mass on my wrist.
Older Bulova's are a fav of mine. When I got re-interested in mech watches, found Mystery Dials. 2nd and 3rd watches where a 1959 Bulova (10BZAC) and 1958 Longines (23Z). Over the last 2 yrs, I have gotten total of 4 Bulova's plus one from my Grandmother -- All intact.
Now learning how to source parts, inter-chagability, and finding Lift Angles (ranges 50-54) - seems too many Bulova movement data is not www avail.
Have a good watch service man here in Thailand. Just need to arm him with data. If you can point me to info sources, appreciated.
Beautiful watch! I’m a big fan of older Bulova watches… I’m an amateur for sure, but have done three older Bulova restorations, two from the 60’s and my “birth year” 1972 Bulova Sea King. They can be very affordable, I’ve spent less than $40 for each!
They really do offer great value.
Great work Adam, allot more simplistic than your last watch. Any suggestions on how to source replacement watch parts, I know eBay one place.
eBay is a great resource. I use it quite often.
Lately the Weishi 1900 prices have been down as low as about 75% of what the 1000 went for a year ago. Great time to upgrade.
I thought so. It was a good deal.
Great job, lovely watch. I've never worked on one myself but between you and Marshall I've watched so many videos I generally have a decent idea of what's going on and the order of operations. I noticed you "swished" that winding piece and even let out a gentle "nice" before you commented on it! I really appreciate all the work you and Marshall put into making these videos, it's definitely edging me closer to picking up a few tools and a cheap easy movement to try it out.
Regarding the picture in picture footage of putting in the hairspring - why not keep it? I don't find it distracting and a second view is cool to see. It sets you apart a bit too =)
Thanks a bunch!
I enjoy the way you do your videos, adding the pip is a good idea.
Glad you like them!
Hey man, you have to take care of you and yours, if people can't be cool with that then they can kick rocks. Thanks for another entertaining video!!! Be safe in the tornado alley!!!
Everyone has been cool about it, I just wanted to offer an explanation to folks as to why I've been away.
@WeekendWatchRepair oh good. Well I'm glad you and yours are safe considering
These 17 and 23 jewel Bulovas are untapped excellence. So are the Gruen Precisions.
That green from water can be cleaned off with arrow tip swabs and foam tips.
Where are you ordering parts from?
I ordered the mainspring from eBay. The crystal came from Esslinger.
Gunk, made me think of crud, for some reason, it looked like everything had a super thin film of the white gunk you were mentioning.
They did. The pre-cleaning bath in naphtha took care of it though.
I did really enjoy it, thanks Adam for another great video.
Glad you enjoyed it
Beautifully done❤
Thank you.
Bulova (BULL-uh-vah) was one of the premier consumer watch brands from the 40s-70s. They spawned other brands such as Caravelle (low cost to compete with Timex), and Accutron, which was the most accurate watch you could buy!
I have the same watch and I’m currently restoring it. I’m having a heck of a time reinstalling the balance wheel! Any additional tips? Thank you.
Unfortunately nothing specific without seeing it. Sometimes they can be tricky though. Just stick with it an never force anything. Also make sure you are coming in on the correct side of the pallet fork, depending on what position it is in when you install the balance.
I like an aged case with a patinated dial (but not a chewed up one if you see the difference, i'd say refinish if it's got a bunch of deep/messy scratches) Edit, and thanks for pointing me to the vgreen straps, really nice
Thanks. The people over at VGreen have always done great work for me. I think you'll be pleased. I don't make anything from that code, but it's just something I wanted to tell viewers about since they treated me so well (before they ever knew about this channel).
Outstanding video. I very much like how you go about cleaning the movement, I used to buy old watches some 25 years ago and clean them, but you're much better than I ever was. Maybe someday you'll get a chance t o clean a Bulova 23 Jewel. It has 6 adjustments and was known as a "poor man's chronometer". A very famous movement. I have one suggestion for you. You need to google "Bulova pronunciation". You're much too good to be mispronouncing a major brand like Bulova. Anyway, thank you for an excellent video.
I'll do that, haha! Thank you.
great job as usual
Thanks. I appreciate it very much.
outstanding, the look is mint
I have the same watch 😁 it’s a beauty. Great video my friend 👍👍👍
Nice! Thanks so much.
Love your down to earth way of sharing........all the droppes spring bounces parts bouncers......I am getting into this horology thing I don't necessarily like watches or jewelry or any bling things....in general......but to do something honestly and know you did it honestly and as best to your ability.....what is more human than that......Watchmaking is expensive......WTH......I hope you get to sell and make some money off the watches.......
.
Thank you.
What is the size of pegwood compared to the size of a toothpick? Have you ever experimented with automotive and painter's cleaning solvents such as acetone, toluene, methyl-ethyl ketone, and non flammable brake parts cleaner, which is almost the same as dry cleaning fluid? Do watches have coatings inside that would be dissolved by strong solvents? I'm pretty sure the jewel shellac on the pallet fork would be history.
I've used Naphtha and lighter fluid. I've stayed aware from acetone or other chemicals. Some of them could eat away at the finish on some of the parts. Many watches have parts have a rhodium plating that I'm not sure how it would hold up to stronger solutions. Naphtha and lighter fluid work quite well for pre-cleaning. They are also cheap and plentiful, but I do not use them on anything with shellac.
thanks for sharing, great skills....
You mentioned about that Tissot with a "tropical" dial and instantly tried to change to another video... I have 3 trigger words about vintages, "Mumbai specials", "tropical" and "rare". Once I hear them, I am gone.
thats an impressive little watch.
I agree. I was surprised!
Great video !!!!
Thanks.
Great video!
NW Arkansas where I live had a couple recently
Indeed you have. Hopefully this severe weather season will be over soon.
Excellent Video.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Vintage bulova and caravelles are favorites of mine. They're dated, attractive, and keep great time
I agree.
Nice work Adam. Do you work on radium-lumed dials? I know this was only water ingress, but whenever I see discoloration/browning on the dial, my first thought is radium.
I have before. I have a Geiger counter. I used to checkbeforehand.
@@WeekendWatchRepair Do you try to stay clear of radium dials?
@@WatchRestorationCottage I don't actively avoid them, but I don't come across them all too often. The alpha radiation that is primarily put out is stopped by the crystal or even your skin. For as rare as I see them, what tiny bit of exposure I may have is negligible. That being said, I still will take precautions when working on one. Radium dial and hands get stored in a separate container, proper ventilation when working with them, etc.
Well Done!
Thank you very much.
I learned on are Bulova, Croton, Elgin and Gruen. They are usually inexpensive and good quality. I like Hamilton, but they are a little more expensive and Wittnauer /Longines are even better quality but a little more expensive still.
I tend to stick to the more affordable side of things, as my budget will allow. This Bulova was a surprisingly great little watch. I am now a fan.
I have been thinking about buying a timing machine, Where did you find the "good deal" on the Timegrapher 1900?
I found a sale on Amazon.
When I use a loupe with a wire head band it fogs up pretty quick. Any tips on how to deal with that? Thank you!
I have the same issue. Loupes and I do not get along! That's why 95% of my work is done under a stereo microscope.
is there anyway of cleaning a fabric dial face ?
I lightly go over it with rodico, but otherwise I opted not to touch it. I figured I'd do more damage than good.
Misalignment bothers most people. Unless you work at Seiko, where it's a job requirement.
Haha, I may or may not have realigned a hand set or bezel on a couple brand new Seikos before. You know, that whole 'factory warranty' thing, haha!
As somoene else with "gorilla wrists", where do you source your watch straps? I have a Zodiac I inherited from my father, but the strap he put on it is too short. I can JUST wear it on the last button. All the straps I can find on Esslinger are suspiciously too cheap, and they don't have the right lug size in their "long" or "extra long" selection. The stuff on Amazon looks like junk.
I order a lot of straps from VGreenco.com They make custom leather straps - based out of Canada. They usually turn them around in about a week. You can order to a custom length, pick your leather type, lug width, taper width, stitching type and color, buckle type, etc. Really good folks there. I contacted them recently about a shipment that didn't come exactly as I had ordered it (first and only time that ever happened). They immediately made me a new strap and shipped it out. Their customer service couldn't have been better. After they quickly resolved the issue, I told them about this channel and asked if they'd mind if I mentioned their company since I was so impressed. They agreed and offered me a 'partnership', which I turned down (I've done that with a few companies, it's just something I'm trying to avoid). I instead asked if they'd just create a discount code for viewers of the channel. You can go to their website - Vgreenco.com - and use the code: WeekendWatchRepair - for a 15% discount. Their prices are very fair for hand-made leather straps to begin with, and the 15% off makes it a great deal. They'll send you a card with a QR code on it. If you upload a pic of your strap installed on your watch, they'll send you another code for 15% off your next order - and the cycle continues! Sorry for the long winded reply, but the question you asked just happened to be something that I recently put together with this strap company. The code mentioned earlier is good for another 60 days (or something close to that). I order straps made for an 8.5" wrist, and they fit me quite well. You can have them made even longer than that if you choose! There's more info in the video description, as well as a link if you'll find that helpful.
lovely movement to work on darn you sound like that guy from Wristwatch Revival??! lol
Both channels are excellent! Look forward to every upload
Haha, I've heard that a several times now. That's just what my voice sounds like. Thanks a bunch for watching.
@@WeekendWatchRepair haha you fooled me a couple of times haha love the channel
@@evilmrx5837 yepp like both channels
Thank you both very much.
Same exact watch as the vintage omega seamaster!? Is it not? Looks to be the same calibre
Both are non-automatic hand winding movements, but they are different. They share a lot of similarities though.
If you’re talking about the Claremore tornado, you must live right by me!😅
How many jewels? 15?
You live in OK too. Cool I am in the Tulsa area😂
Born and raised. Spent a little time in CO, but came back to OK 25 years ago.
My gasket looked the same wide flat like that I think it was original.
After further investigation, I think you are right and that was the original gasket. It was much wider than it needed to be though. With the movement out and the crystal removed, I test fit that gasket to the case back and installed it. From the front side of the case, it is very easy to tell where the gasket is making contact with the rear of the case, and how much that gasket is being compressed to make a proper seal. That original type wider gasket had more than 50% of the material overhanging the lip on the case. The thinner type gasket I installed fully sealed to the case, and was an excellent fit with only the absolute slightest amount of gasket material overhanging the case lip.
awesome
Glad you enjoyed it.
Do you check if the lum is radioactive?
Yes, I did.
@@WeekendWatchRepair how do you handel watches with radium?
I’ll show that in one of the upcoming videos. I have a few project watches that have some radium hands and another with radium hands and dial.
Howdy. I enjoy your videos and I watch probably a half dozen similar channels. This is not intended to be too critical, but I don’t think many are noticing or bothered by things like the shot getting slightly dark, or using a less desirable shot angle because your fingers were in the way, or other fairly insignificant things you feel you have to mention every time. Just saying…
That’s fair enough. I suppose we are all our own worst critic!
i know what you mean about this kind of weather...i have lived in Kan for 4 1/2 years... Go Cats...
From the time between recording the voice-over and uploading the video last night, we had another tornado come through. It was about 20 miles north of me, and went right by my mother and brother's properties. Crazy time of year. The tornado season this year has been pretty active. I see KS has had quite a bit of activity as well.
If the watch is valuable, I don't polish the case. Even though these Bulovas are a dime a dozen relatively speaking, I go ahead and polish my cases. Especially the stainless ones.
I like a polished case if it's done well. I decided to follow the suggestions of the Patreon members, and I think they were right on this watch. The unpolished case is growing on me!
@WeekendWatchRepair I totally agree. You can totally over polish off the crisp clean edges off a watch, and I think that really harms the look. BUT!! I really like your work and your channel. The watch looked great! Great choice of watchband.
👏👏👏👏
Thanks.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍