Disassembly of a 1955 Vintage Bulova Watch - 23 Jewels, Selfwinding, 10BPAC

Hi, I'm Vincent, and in this video, I'll be taking apart a vintage Bulova wristwatch from 1955. The "Bulova 23", named for the 23 jewels in the movement, was a popular line of watches from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s. The 10BPAC movement inside this one was running when purchased, but the crown and stem were stuck, so the time couldn't be set, and there were several cosmetic issues with the case, crystal, and bracelet.
This is my first video on this channel, and I hope you enjoy. I am very much a beginner and a novice at watch repair, and I'm sure I made mistakes in the process. I'm always learning and would love to hear your feedback! Like, comment and subscribe for more!

[@naeimreset]

Great video! Not only you show how to disassemble, but you also explained how each part works and their purpose

[@tantaluss68]

man the guys back before machined gears and spring that made watches had to be amazing

[@bjw4859]

What a great video, can't wait to see the re assembly.

[@green122s]

Really enjoyed your work and the accompanying explanation! Thanks so much. Hope you are going to continue making videos and realize how much goes into this effort!

[@jayruggiero1315]

For anyone new to this video, there is a small screw near the stem. A few turns to loosen it and the crown and stem should slide out. Great first video tho, keep it up!

[@realdaybreaker8013]

That's truly insightful, the video deserves a million views, appreciate u putting in all the effort

[@gregblack6312]

Very nice work. I’m always looking for a good teacher. I’ll definitely be watching your videos.

[@vkvintage3206]

Thanks Greg, appreciate the kind words. I'm still just starting my watch repair journey, we can learn together! All the best for 2021.

[@gregblack6312]

@@vkvintage3206 same to you, and good luck!

[@M167A1]

I'm wearing a watch just like that right now. I had no idea it was that old. It was my father's and I thought it was from the 90's.

[@timk.1395]

Excellent video! I enjoyed it very much.

[@psehunter3525]

Love watching watch making videos but one small suggestion. A super close up view is a must have, it makes these videos much more enjoyable 😎👍

[@johnhannon]

I would remove the balance and put it safely away before disassembling. Thanks for posting this video. I have a 1956 on it's way and this will help.

[@stellaknows8548]

Hello Vincent. I was so excited to see this video. I have a 1957 version of this watch. Is the crystal glass? I'm interested in repairing the crystal. In your video and other information I've read,no one has stated that is is anything other than glass, but id like confirmation. Your input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[@EDDIEPIRRERA]

This is truly an amazing video, and you are quite the craftsman! I have an identical watch, a 1956 Bulova 23, that belonged to my dad. I got it when he passed away 9 years ago (in desperate need of repair) and so I had it rebuilt. This was about 7 or 8 years ago. Even thought I spent a crazy amount of money to have it fixed (it was more about the sentimental value than anything else) it only worked for about one year and then stopped - of course at that point in time the gentleman I brought it to had retired and was no longer in the business watch repair. Are you in the business of watch repair? And if so how would I be able to discuss this with you. I'd appreciate any advice you could offer on the subject because your video has inspired me to once again get Dad's watch working again. Thanks for posting such an interesting video.

[@loydpfink]

Working on 11afc right now and couldn’t remember how to reassemble the keyless works. Thanh you!!

[@devon2337]

Yeah, I have serviced an 11afac. I enjoyed the frustration of the 50’s creative engineering.

[@devon2337]

If those crystal scratches are too much, you can get padded sanding sticks from Amazon that range from 400 to 7000 grit. Along with polywatch as the final polish , they work great. 20 minutes of sanding and polishing will produce a like new crystal.

[@vkvintage3206]

Thanks for the suggestion! I haven't gotten to the point where I'm ready to really chew into the materials of the watch yet, but I'll keep it in mind :)

[@AlexanderTeno]

Gotta be honest, I'm looking forward to the re-assembly :D

[@jonathanwick8887]

Great video! I guess what I want to know is what is that watch that you're showing me is 14 karat solid gold what would be the value of that?

[@ARTUROFEDERICOGARZA-zw5ok]

Tengo un L8 funcionando bien, el cristal tiene una fisura pero no sé si cambiarlo, solo en espera de ponerle una correa de cuero

[@briandd27]

I have my late father-in-law's 1966 Bulova watch. It's currently not running but the stem does pull out and you can set the time on it.

[@christmastavares8120]

Where does one get parts for these watches?

[@kurtisacevedo5911]

Does anyone know where I can get one of the circular shock absorbing springs that surrounds the movement in the case?

[@garyhayden2358]

Well done. If your anything like me your would say, I know it, let's move on. I was looking at your video because I now have the same watch from a friend who ask me to service it. The one I am doing is much better shape so I get lucky once in a while. Just a note for you. I purchase some trays that have magnets built into them so when I do watches of this caliber. Simply put all those parts in them . A must have item is a de-magnetizer to pull magnetism back out. Pretty cool. Anyway tip to a fellow watch guy. Thanks G1. In Arizona

[@enriqueamador2075]

excelent!!!

[@chriss4365]

Even after winding this watch randomly stops any idea why. Shaking my wrist usually gets it going again. What does 6 adjustments mean?

[@EriAustgen]

The watch is adjusted to three positions, heat, cold, and isochronism, which means the movement has been checked to make sure that as the mainspring runs down all other parts run down at the same speed. These are the same type of adjustments found on railroad grade pocket watch movements.

[@chris-builds]

Were you able to find a replacement crystal since this video was shot?

[@maxsand1]

I thought I had my Bulova back together, but now the second hand is moving along with the minute hand. Any thoughts?

[@tyt5216]

Wonderful video! I've recently bought a 1957 Bulova 23 series, and the movement seems to be wobbling (not held in place). Is it normal for these watches since they don't seem to have case screws or something?

[@alexbaker9967]

I have that exact same watch only mine is silver with the black sunburst dial and radium hands and dots around the dial and mine is a L8 which =1958

[@professorredfox]

Hi Vincent! I'm about to work on a Bulova 23 from 1954. Do you have the mainspring dimensions by any chance?

[@apexvadeor3670]

I have a bulova oceanographer 333 automatic day date I need the crystal repalced I have a plastic face in it can you do it? Idk the year of it probably 70s something

[@christmastavares8120]

Where can I get parts for these watches?

[@maxsand1]

I'm trying to put together a Bulova 11BLAC. The watch is running and running strong. Balance and the Escape wheel both chugging along. The problem is none of the hands are moving? Do you have a probable cause for this happening?

[@tycutting2351]

My guess is your cannon pinion is loss and not engageing with the 4th wheel. Just a guess good luck

[@Renagerda]

Wow! It’s scary to watch(!) this ! How do you remember to put all those tiny parts back properly? I’m getting nervous!

[@Renagerda]

It’s almost like killing something and bringing it back to life!

[@manwhale5320]

Does anyone know what kind of glass these have or perhaps acrylic?

[@BeckVMH]

Most vintage watches to include Bulova have acrylic.

[@homie-gtv322]

Can I send you my grandpa's (RIP) watch for repair and cleaning? It's not in bad shape.

[@JEviston]

I wonder how the old timers got latex gloves? I venture to say thay is a modern addition to watch making.

[@xonor13]

How much did you pay for the watch?

[@rommelborja4697]

I have 3 vintage watches from 1950's ( Hamilton,longiness and timex) anybody here interested?

[@solstar4778]

Rechrome required on case , that’s brass not gold 🤔

[@vkvintage3206]

Hi Sol Star, this watch is gold filled, not gold plated, so there’s actually a full layer of gold on the outside, more than 100x thicker than plating. It’s definitely gold, just dull. Thanks for watching!

[@AceSky01]

M5?

[@AceSky01]

Sorry it say m4* what year is that? I have 30 jewel self-winding

[@kurtleyendecker134]

@@AceSky01 1964

[@methevas2]

i got one for 10$ at a thrift store :)

[@vkvintage3206]

Great find! Is it running well?

[@methevas2]

@@vkvintage3206 it actually isn't running however the dial has the numbers instead of the markings, it seemed to go for a bit value wise online so I though I got a decent deal haha, This video I was glad to come across !

[@steveblake8766]

#135 Thumbs uP

[@gilbertogonzalez3238]

bad camera angles

[@panther105]

If you are going to make your watch (ahem) "repair" videos public then I would advise watching some of the channels of people who actually know what they are doing before you start fumbling around. I can't learn anything here...