How To Open A Bulova Watch

Tools Needed

To open a Bulova watch, you will need a few essential tools to ensure a successful and smooth process. These tools will help you dismantle the watch without causing any damage. Here are the tools you will need:

Watchmaker’s Case Opener: This specialized tool is designed to open watch cases without scratching or denting them. It usually comes with interchangeable tips to fit different types of watch cases.
Tweezers: Tweezers with fine pointed tips are indispensable when handling small delicate parts in a watch. They make it easier to grasp and manipulate tiny screws, springs, and other components.
Watchmaker’s Screwdrivers: A set of precision watchmaker’s screwdrivers is necessary to unscrew and tighten various screws found in a Bulova watch. These screwdrivers are usually sized from 0.6mm to 2.0mm to accommodate different screw heads.
Case Holder: A case holder is used to securely hold the watch case in place while working on it. It prevents the case from slipping or getting damaged during the opening process.
Blower or Compressed Air: A blower or compressed air is useful for removing any dust or debris that may have accumulated inside the watch case during regular use. It ensures a clean working environment and prevents any contaminants from affecting the watch movement.
Magnifying Glass or Loupe: A magnifying glass or loupe with a high magnification helps you inspect the tiny details of the watch, such as dial markings, hands, and movement, making it easier to identify any issues or defects.
Anti-static Brush or Cloth: An anti-static brush or cloth is crucial for keeping the watch components clean and free from static electricity. It helps remove dust and lint from the watch parts without causing any scratches or damage.

Having these tools ready before starting the process of opening a Bulova watch ensures that you have everything you need to handle the delicate components with care and precision. Now that you have gathered your tools, let’s move on to the first step of inspecting the watch.

Step 1: Inspecting the Watch

Before you begin the process of opening a Bulova watch, it is important to carefully inspect the watch and assess its condition. This step is crucial as it helps you identify any potential issues or damage that may require special attention during the opening and repair process. Here’s how to inspect the watch:

Examine the Exterior: Start by observing the overall condition of the watch’s exterior. Look for any visible scratches, dents, or discoloration on the case, bezel, and bracelet. Pay attention to the condition of the crystal or glass covering the dial and check for any cracks or chips.
Check the Crown and Pushers: Inspect the crown (the small button on the side of the watch) and any pushers present on the case. Ensure that they are functioning smoothly and are not loose or damaged. This will be important when it comes time to remove the crown in later steps.
Observe the Dial and Hands: Carefully examine the dial and hands of the watch. Look for any signs of damage, such as loose or misaligned hands, faded or missing hour markers, or a discolored dial. Additionally, check if the hands are moving smoothly and indicate the correct time.
Inspect the Movement: Take a closer look at the movement, which is the internal mechanism that powers the watch. Observe if it is running smoothly and silently or if there are any unusual ticking sounds. Ensure that the movement is properly secured within the case.
Check the Back Case: Flip the watch over and examine the back case. Look for any engravings, markings, or logos that indicate the authenticity of the watch. Ensure that the back case is properly sealed and has not been tampered with or opened before.

By thoroughly inspecting the watch, you can gain valuable insight into its condition and any potential issues that may arise during the opening process. This step allows you to plan and prepare accordingly, ensuring a successful and efficient opening of your Bulova watch.

Step 2: Removing the Back Case

Once you have inspected the Bulova watch and identified any potential issues, it’s time to proceed with removing the back case. This step is necessary to gain access to the internal components of the watch for repair or maintenance. Follow these steps to remove the back case:

Choose the Correct Method: Bulova watches typically have two types of back cases: snap-on and screw-on. Determine the type of back case your watch has before proceeding. If it is a snap-on case, you will need a case opener tool with adjustable tips. If it is a screw-on case, you will require a case opener with notched tips.
Position the Watch: Place the watch face down on a soft cloth to prevent any scratching or damage to the crystal. Ensure that the watch is stable and will not roll or move during the process of removing the back case.
Align the Case Opener: Position the tips of the case opener tool into the small notches or slots located on the edge of the back case. In the case of a screw-on case, ensure that the notches on the case opener match the slots on the case back perfectly.
Apply Steady Pressure: Hold the watch firmly with one hand and apply steady pressure with the case opener tool using your other hand. For snap-on cases, gently twist or pry the back case upwards until it pops off. For screw-on cases, carefully turn the case opener counterclockwise to unscrew the back case from the watch.
Remove the Back Case: Once the back case starts to loosen, continue to apply pressure or twist until it comes off completely. Be cautious not to force it or use excessive pressure as it may cause damage to the case or the watch’s internal components.

By following these steps, you can successfully remove the back case from your Bulova watch. This will grant you access to the intricate inner workings of the watch, allowing you to proceed with further repairs or maintenance as necessary.

Step 3: Removing the Crown

After successfully removing the back case of your Bulova watch, the next step is to remove the crown. The crown is the small button on the side of the watch that is used to set the time and date. Removing the crown will allow you to detach the movement from the case. Here’s how to remove the crown:

Locate the Crown Position: Take a close look at the crown and identify its different positions. In most watches, there are typically three positions: the normal position (pushed all the way in), the date-setting position (pulled out halfway), and the time-setting position (pulled out completely).
Reach the Time-Setting Position: Gently pull the crown out until you reach the time-setting position. This is the furthest out that the crown can go. Be careful not to pull too hard or force it, as this can cause damage to the crown or the stem.
Release the Stem: On the side of the watch case, you will find a small button or lever near the crown. Press or slide this button to release the stem from the movement. As you press the button, you will feel the stem move slightly, indicating that it is releasing from the movement.
Remove the Crown: Once the stem is released, gently pull the crown away from the watch case. It should easily come off without much resistance. Take care not to apply excessive force or twist the crown, as this can damage the stem or the movement.
Set Aside the Crown: Place the removed crown in a safe and designated location to ensure it does not get misplaced or damaged during the rest of the watch servicing process.

With the crown successfully removed, you have now separated the movement from the case of your Bulova watch. This allows you to continue with the following steps, such as unscrewing the bezel and opening the case, to further disassemble and service the watch as needed.

Step 4: Unscrewing the Bezel

After removing the crown from your Bulova watch, the next step is to unscrew the bezel. The bezel is the ring-shaped component that surrounds the watch face and may have markings or numerals engraved on it. Unscrewing the bezel allows for the removal of the crystal, granting access to the watch movement. Here’s how to unscrew the bezel:

Identify the Type of Bezel: Bulova watches can have different types of bezels, such as those that rotate or those that are fixed in place. Determine the type of bezel your watch has before proceeding with this step.
Hold the Watch Securely: Ensure that the watch is held securely and the dial is facing up. Use a watch case holder or a soft cloth to avoid scratching the watch’s case or crystal during the process.
Locate the Notches or Screws: Look closely at the edge of the bezel and identify if it has notches or small screws holding it in place. The notches are usually found around the outer circumference of the bezel, while the screws can be seen on the sides or bottom of the bezel.
Unscrew the Bezel: Depending on the type of bezel, use the appropriate tool to unscrew it. For notched bezels, you can use a case opener tool with adjustable tips or a bezel removal tool specifically designed for this purpose. For screw-type bezels, use a suitable screwdriver to carefully loosen and unscrew the screws.
Remove the Bezel: Once the bezel is unscrewed, gently lift it away from the watch case. Be cautious not to apply excessive force or twist the bezel, as this can cause damage to the watch or the crystal.

By unscrewing the bezel, you have successfully removed the component that secures the crystal in place. This allows you to proceed with the next steps of opening the case and accessing the watch movement. Take care to keep the bezel and its screws or notches in a safe place during the servicing process to avoid misplacement or damage.

Step 5: Opening the Case

With the bezel removed, the next step in opening your Bulova watch is to actually open the case. This allows you to access the intricate inner workings of the watch and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance. Follow these steps to safely open the case:

Identify the Type of Case: Bulova watches can have different types of cases, such as snap-back cases or screw-back cases. Determine the type of case your watch has before proceeding with this step.
Locate the Case Seam: Inspect the edges of the watch case and look for a small groove or seam that indicates where the case can be opened. This seam is typically found between the main body of the case and the back cover.
Choose the Appropriate Tool: Depending on the type of case, you will need a specific tool to open it. For snap-back cases, a case opener tool with adjustable tips is typically used. For screw-back cases, a case opener tool with notched tips or a case wrench is required.
Position the Tool: Align the tips of the case opener tool with the notches or slots on the case. Ensure a firm grip on the tool and make sure it is securely positioned to prevent slipping during the opening process.
Apply Steady Pressure: Grasp the watch firmly with one hand and steadily apply pressure with the case opener tool in a counterclockwise direction (for snap-back cases) or by turning the case wrench counterclockwise (for screw-back cases). Use controlled force to avoid damaging the case or the watch movement.
Open the Case: As you apply pressure, the case should start to separate, allowing you to lift or pry open the case cover. Take care not to force it open or use excessive pressure, as this can cause damage to the case and the watch’s internal components.

By successfully opening the case, you have gained access to the inner workings of your Bulova watch. This provides you with the opportunity to perform necessary repairs, adjustments, or cleaning to help keep your watch in optimal condition. Remember to handle the case and its components with care to avoid any potential damage during the servicing process.

Step 6: Removing the Movement

After opening the case of your Bulova watch, the next step is to remove the movement. The movement is the intricate mechanism responsible for keeping time and powering the watch. Removing the movement allows for further examination, repairs, or adjustments. Follow these steps to safely remove the movement:

Secure the Watch: Ensure that the watch case is placed on a soft, non-slip surface to prevent any damage or movement during the process of removing the movement. A watch case holder or a soft cloth can provide stability and protection.
Locate the Movement: Identify and locate the movement within the watch case. The movement is typically held in place by small screws or clamps.
Inspect the Mounting Points: Take a closer look at the mounting points or screws that secure the movement in place. Depending on the specific Bulova watch model, there may be two or more mounting points that need to be removed.
Use the Correct Tools: Select the appropriate screwdriver or tool to fit the size and shape of the screws or clamps holding the movement. Ensure a stable grip on the tool to prevent slipping and potential damage to the watch.
Remove the Mounting Points: Carefully unscrew or release the mounting points that secure the movement. Each screw or clamp should be loosened gradually and removed completely before moving on to the next one.
Lift the Movement: Once all the mounting points are removed, gently lift the movement from the watch case. Take caution not to scrape or bump the movement against the case or any other components.

With the movement successfully removed from the case, you now have access to the intricate inner workings of your Bulova watch. This allows for further inspection, repairs, or adjustments to be performed as necessary. Handle the movement with care and ensure a clean and organized work area to prevent any damage or loss of small parts.

Step 7: Reassembling the Watch

After performing the necessary repairs, adjustments, or maintenance on your Bulova watch, it’s time to reassemble the various components and put the watch back together. Follow these steps to ensure a proper reassembly:

Inspect the Components: Before reassembling, carefully check all the components to ensure they are clean, free from any debris, and in good condition. This includes the movement, dial, hands, bezel, crown, and any other parts that were previously removed.
Align the Movement: Carefully place the movement back into the watch case, aligning it properly with the mounting points. Take care not to scrape or bump the movement against the case or other parts of the watch.
Secure the Movement: Reattach the mounting points or screws that hold the movement in place. Make sure they are tightened securely but not too tight to avoid damaging the components. Ensure that the movement is stable within the case.
Reinstall the Bezel: If you previously removed the bezel, carefully position it back onto the watch case. For screw-type bezels, use a screwdriver to carefully tighten the screws. For notched bezels, use a case opener tool to snap the bezel securely into place.
Attach the Crown: Reattach the crown to the stem by sliding it back onto the watch case. Ensure that it is securely attached and functions smoothly in its different positions, such as time-setting and date-setting.
Verify Proper Functioning: Once all the components have been reassembled, verify that the watch functions properly. Check if the hands move smoothly, the time and date can be set accurately, and any complications or features are working as they should.
Secure the Back Case: Place the back case back onto the watch and align it with the case body. For snap-back cases, apply gentle pressure and twist until it clicks into place. For screw-back cases, use a case wrench to securely tighten the case back.

By following these steps, you can successfully reassemble your Bulova watch and ensure that it is fully functional and ready to be worn. Take care to handle the components delicately and double-check each step to ensure proper alignment and functioning. Once the watch is reassembled, you can enjoy wearing it with confidence.