Waltham / Bulova Double Header

[noirrac1j]

Hello,

I've been busy taking stuff apart and running around like a maniac as usual and I wanted to post my two latest teardowns and rebuilds.  I have been doing about 3-4 watches a week, so I promise I will slow down the posts atfter these two. First is the Black dialed Bulova Sea King all original:

 

I did a complete tear down and noticed how nice and shiny the movement looked. I have step by step pictures but won't post them all:

 

I unwound, cleaned the the mainspring  by hand (again), and  cleaned everything in naptha except the balance and pallet--those I cleaned in One-Dip. The pallet is very hard replace after removal because the plate is huge and difficult to balance with tweezers--almost said forceps..oops.

Bulova has an unusual layout  for the train wheel...well, I find them unusual:

 

Reassembled:

 

Dial and Hands back on:

And ready for close up:

 

Next is a non-running  Waltham with a PUW 1463 automatic with day and date complication---and I mean it... This thing has parts!

after removing the dial I saw what I was up against:

I continued taking stuff off...looks like it was over oiled!

When I get to the rotor I unscrew before letting the power down ( I couldn't figure out how!) and it flies off the movement:

Parts are no longer in order!

 

I break the mainspring while winding and it flies off (no picture). I buy another and continue to rebuild

Now I slowly reference the parts carefully and everything falls in place:

 

I  put the rotor back on and it works!!!

 

Now for the dial side:

 

And replace the dial and hands--

Recase the movement, the strap goes on...some soft light for the right effect and....ready for action! 

Hope you guys enjoy. The Waltham was a non-worker but its running strong and keeping good time. Got it on ebay for $20.00. 

Edited October 17, 2014 by noirrac1j

[bobm12]

Excellent job JC, those are really nice watches. I wonder if you will refinish the Bulova dial? The Waltham looks amazing!

Edited October 17, 2014 by bobm12

[Geo]

Couple of good jobs there Joe. You now have great watch for the money with the Waltham, and if you pick up another dial for the Bulova, it would be my preferred watch.

Keep the posts coming, that's what makes this forum!

[WillFly]

It's interesting to see a Swiss Waltham movement. I'd like to compare it with a US Waltham movement, but I don't have one in my collection at the moment. Mmm...

[Vich]

I'm with George on this one the NOS Bulova dials are relatively cheap to pick up and will have an immediate effect. 

 

Are you a collector yet Joe or do you intend putting them up for sale to fund something else.  I have all sorts of things  in boxes but have yet to put one up for sale - funny that, my intention was to always keep track of outgoing and income, I even have spreadsheets but somehow, as my lovely wife pointed out, I lost track and just kept everything.  I think you have slotted in amongst the Senior's - run for the door now ! ;)

[noirrac1j]

Hello fellas,

Refinishing a dial? I don't know about replacing or refinishing the dial--it just seems wrong, you know? I don't know...maybe a NOS dial. I have to think about it. I am considering selling both the nut other things, but I'm resistant especially with the Waltham because it is modern in size and very nicely understated. The movement is actually German-made, you can see the plate markings in the photo. I am a collector but seem to be maturing at a rapid pace as a hobbyist watchmaker! I think I will try an Omega next.

 

JC

Edited October 17, 2014 by noirrac1j

[Gary]

Great job and watches are beauties ! I can't speak for everyone but I say keep the post and photos coming. As I'm learning they are very beneficial to us newcomers.

Thanks for sharing!