1960s Bulver Diver watch restore advice

[RyanGreerMcGilloway]

Hello there,

 

ive recently brought a bulver divers watch from the circa 60s i believe, in order to restore it.

 

However, for the love of me I cannot seem to open up the case. It’s either a pop off or a screw back. There is no lip or notch to pry up. I have no idea. Can someone please advise on how to get this open.

 

Also, does anyone know where I can get a replacement bezel from? 

[watchweasol]

Hi   Its quite likley a pop off I have had a tissot like that no notches and no removal point. You need to lift it enough to get a tool in to pry off.  First try a sticky ball to unscrew as it yet may be a screw back. 

[oldhippy]

That will have a two piece stem. You will need to remove the glass. Pull the button out, you will need some thing to get behind the button and pull. I always used this type of tool like this.

 

[RyanGreerMcGilloway]

Okay,, I have clarified that it is a two piece stem. I got frustrated and bit the bullet the ripped that crown out. 

 

I am still stumped as to getting the glass / case back off though. 

Thsnks, 

[jdrichard]

I worked on a similar watch and had asked for advice. With a two-piece stem, the face(bezel) is removed and the movement comes out from the front. My guess.


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[matabog]

6 hours ago, RyanGreerMcGilloway said:

Okay,, I have clarified that it is a two piece stem. I got frustrated and bit the bullet the ripped that crown out. 

 

I am still stumped as to getting the glass / case back off though. 

Thsnks, 

use a seringe to blow air into it through the case tube.

[matabog]

 

[Nucejoe]

Front loaders normally got removable bezel. I would try to insert a safety razor, work your way around to gradually enlarge the bezel/ case  gap, next go to thicker utility knife.

Good luck.

 

 

[oldhippy]

I forgot to mention the bezel. Do as Nucejoe says, when bezel is removed the movement should just drop out. 

[RyanGreerMcGilloway]

Okay thanks very much to all.

 

I will source a large syringe tonight and give it a go. 

It just seems like such a inconvenient way to open it, compared to modern divers.

Does anyon know where i can source a replacement Glass and Rotation Bezel from?

 

[Nucejoe]

The crystal in the pic you posted shows some cracks, the syringe technique requires  airtightness. Even if you manage to pop the crystal out, you may still need the bezel removed to release the movement, I would check if the outer circumference of the dial is beneath the bezel.  

Regards joe

[RyanGreerMcGilloway]

I dont think there will be an issue with removing the movement with the glass off, the dial seems to be within the glass dome, therefore should just drop out. The whole case seems flush and solid, no gaps, except for the glass.

However, looking at other pics of these, i seem to be missing the rotating divers bezel. Does anyone know where i can get one and a replacement glass? See attached a below pic from the internet of what i mean. 

[watchweasol]

HI  cousins uk   are the place to start as they cover most bases, It is possible that the glass will need to be removed using a bergeon  glass lifter usually reasonable cost on the bay.

[RyanGreerMcGilloway]

Hello there, I have acquired a rotating bezel from another donor watch. 

 

I have just brought a replacement acrylic screen because the other was perished, I had no luck in doing this as it broke and snapped on the press.

 

does anyone know if I can swap an acrylic screen with a glass one and how to install them? 

[jdm]

14 hours ago, RyanGreerMcGilloway said:

does anyone know if I can swap an acrylic screen with a glass one and how to install them? 

To begin with measure the crystal and look for a suitable replacement in the material you like.