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VINTAGE BULOVA chronographe & divers

Lancaster
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You're a well of information and I appreciate it! My confusion stems from knowing that Bulova made Accutrons, and my assumption that all crowns ordered from them having a particular part number would be identical. But I now understand (I think) that they sold Bulova branded crowns as well as Accutron branded crowns with the same part number, though they came in packages that either said "Accutron" or "Bulova", and they had different signatures on the crowns.
 
hmmmcamu
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Lancaster Lancaster
You're a well of information and I appreciate it! My confusion stems from knowing that Bulova made Accutrons, and my assumption that all crowns ordered from them having a particular part number would be identical. But I now understand (I think) that they sold Bulova branded crowns as well as Accutron branded crowns with the same part number, though they came in packages that either said "Accutron" or "Bulova", and they had different signatures on the crowns.

correct, and again they might be the same actual part or some minor cosmetic difference BUT one is meant to be paired with the mechanical movement and the other is meant to be paired with a tuning fork movement
 
hmmmcamu
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ACCUTRON Deep Sea Diver 666ft Case Ref# 702-1 with accutron 218.1 mvmnt.
[1970)

The Bulova Accutron was in the 60s the most popular $100+ timepiece in America, President Johnson declares it the White House’s official Gift of State.

misc.
Accutron is the first watch to keep time through electronics, it was a revolutionary timekeeping concept of a watch without springs or escapement operated by an electronically activated tuning fork. The movement was so accurate that the US Government asked Bulova to delay the release of the revolutionary movement for fear the technology may fall into the hands of the Russians, at the time US would be launching new satellites timed by the Accutron and they simply did not want the Russians to benefit from the same precision.

In 1960 NASA incorporate the Accutron into its computers for the space program which become an integral part of 46 missions of the U.S. Space Program.

The ACCUTRON 214HN hacking movement was used for all the timing devices for the Apollo spacecraft / program, and also used on the ACCUTRON ASTRONAUT wrist watch
Edited:
 
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Lancaster
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Is it also correct then that a crown having BULOVA on it and in factory packaging that says "Snorkel Crown 386-3 Genuine Bulova" as you show would also be correct for your Oceanographer Snorkel? So in spite of it not having the "W" it must also be watertite?
 
hmmmcamu
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Lancaster Lancaster
Is it also correct then that a crown having BULOVA on it and in factory packaging that says "Snorkel Crown 386-3 Genuine Bulova" as you show would also be correct for your Oceanographer Snorkel? So in spite of it not having the "W" it must also be watertite?

the W is stated on some packaging and charts if not the word SNORKEL is used
 
hmmmcamu
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Lancaster Lancaster
Ever seen this kind if mess in a Bulova? This is a 1970 Accutron.
001.jpg

yes, this means ur watch has not been cracked open in a very very long time, which in a way is a good thing, because in some instances this is a sign that ur timepiece is all original, or the gasket/seals did its job in keeping moisture out ... but it seems some of the (melted) gasket got on to the movement, is it still functioning ?
 
Lancaster
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It functions intermittently. Yes, the watch looks relatively untouched. It's going to be a real job trying to get this mess off. Sticks like glue to my skin and alcohol doesn't really affect it.
 
hmmmcamu
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Lancaster Lancaster
Happen to know what gasket I'll need?

O-Ring / Gasket for case ref# 702 uses --------- Case Back Gasket is # G799

other misc. parts info.

Crystal - 702AWD
Crown - 702W
Bezel ring - B150
Bezel spring - B.S. 150
Any Stem for the 2181 (218)
Edited:
 
Lancaster
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hmmmcamu hmmmcamu
O-Ring / Gasket for case ref# 702 uses --------- Case Back Gasket is # G799

other misc. parts info.

Crystal - 702AWD
Crown - 702W
Bezel ring - B150
Bezel spring - B.S. 150
Any Stem for the 2181 (218)

Fortunately the gaskets are still avail and just bought one. But as you know, the crystal and bezel are pretty much unobtainable.
 
hmmmcamu
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Lancaster Lancaster
Fortunately the gaskets are still avail and just bought one. But as you know, the crystal and bezel are pretty much unobtainable.


This is the OEM Bulova crystal 702AWD along with it's specs/details ...

U can also reach out to G-S Watch Crystals & Supplies and give them the specs and also mention it is for a DIVER and it also has a date magnifier ..... they have old new stock of their old parts inventory, they might be able to give u their equivalent replacement crystal

Link for - G-S Watch Crystals & Supplies
https://www.gssupplies.com/crystal-catalogs
 
Screenshot 2024-03-11 at 1.09.40 PM.png
hmmmcamu
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PSA ...

Are you interested in learning more about Veterans Watchmaker Initiative?

In 1945, after World War II, Arde Bulova, son of Joseph Bulova, founded the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking. The purpose of the tuition-free school was to offer disabled veterans a means of rehabilitation, combined with master watchmaking skills and dedicated job placement. In 1946, in front of a distinguished audience that included Veterans Administrator General Omar Bradley, the first class of veterans graduated from the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking and prepared to take their new place in the world as skilled watchmakers. The school operated for several decades before closing.


https://www.bulova.com/us/en/collec...vEET7KAwDvc7xS1NInVsOeR1Q_2v5snJSFxBaY3mqJEA0

https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/





 
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Lancaster
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Picked up this Accutron Deep Sea 666 that the seller said included the original bracelet. It's not, and I don't see a similar photo anywhere here. It has a Bulova clasp which only states ALL STAINLESS STEEL MADE IN HONG KONG on the back. About 17.8mm curved end links. Anyone recognize it?
002.jpg 003.jpg 004.jpg 007.jpg
Edited:
 
hmmmcamu
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Lancaster Lancaster
Picked up this Accutron Deep Sea 666 that the seller said included the original bracelet. It's not, and I don't see a similar photo anywhere here. It has a Bulova clasp which only states ALL STAINLESS STEEL MADE IN HONG KONG on the back. About 17.8mm curved end links. Anyone recognize it?
002.jpg 003.jpg 004.jpg 007.jpg


yupe, Bulova branded made in Hong Kong and or Japan SS bracelets would be something that would be offered as an option to a customer by the store owner back in the day instead of a JB Chamnpion USA bracelet
Edited:
 
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