Jump to content

Bulova 23, L8 Crystal Replacement

Benny64

By Benny64
in Watch Repairs Help & Advice

 Share

Recommended Posts

Benny64 New Member

Benny64

Posted
Posted

Hello all, I am new to watches and have a beginners question. I have a Bulova 23, L8 witch needs a new crystal... I can’t find a parts or maintenance Manuel on line anywhere and was hoping someone might know which crystal I need purchase and perhaps a reputable vender. And weather or not it needs a gasket as well. Thanks in advance, Benny64

4C968244-D1FF-4F84-A9EE-15B48C42A542.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Chopin Super WRT Addict

Chopin

Posted
Posted

Although I know that there are genuine vintage Bulova acrylic crystals out there a generic acrylic crystal will fit and if you get it right I have a feeling that it'll be similar or maybe even identical to the real one.

I can't tell however which type of crystal you need. Maybe a domed acrylic crystal with a tension ring, or one without...

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Deggsie WRT Addict

Deggsie

Posted
Posted

Lovely watch, would look cracking with a brown leather strap... IMHO.   

Benny, have you tried polywatch?   I've had really good results and no need to worry if the replacement crystal is the correct geometry / diameter.   For really deep scratches use very fine wet-n-dry first with a drop of washing up liquid.   Then polish with polywatch until crystal clear again.  The longer you polish with original application, the better the result.

Regards

Deggsie.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
azkid Watch Enthusiast

azkid

Posted
Posted

I have the same model/year. It should be possible to find crystals on eBay if patient.

 

If crystal isn't cracked buffing works for sure. I have been using a Dremel with cloth buffing wheels and dialux compounds, usually starting with red, then white, and green. I keep speeds low and keep moving to avoid melting. Even by the time I do green significantly better and the whole watch looks better but sometimes I do blue as a final step.

 

Hope this helps.

 

224b430d4d7e01bbcb97d8ce8eb35703.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 3 weeks later...
azkid Watch Enthusiast

azkid

Posted
Posted

If the crystal just pulls out then you can use a cheap crystal lift tool with the multiple teeth. (Note: the cheap ones have roughly machined teeth with very sharp edges so you may need to dress them with a little sanding to avoid scratching crystals).

I also have an Electro-Vise but the threads on it's shaft are stripped so it barely works. When it does work it is brilliant.

If the crystal doesn't pop out fairly easily it may be cemented. Maybe a little heat (under the melting point of the crystal!) Around the bezel might do it? It did for me once... Experience with that is limited...

Good luck...

Link to comment
Share on other sites
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Similar Content

  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • VWatchie
      Epilame / Fixodrop

      By VWatchie · Posted

      Yes and no. I use Moebius 9501 synthetic grease and it is significantly runnier than the Moebius 9504 synthetic grease (and I assume Molykote DX) that I previously used. I haven't seen 9504 spread and it is in my opinion the best grease money can buy. However, my current method of cleaning doesn't remove it from the parts, so that's why I have decided to use the 9501 instead. I believe I read somewhere that Molykote DX too is difficult to clean off. Thinking about it, I'm pretty sure my 9501 grease which expired in June 2022 is runnier now than it was when it was new, but whether new or old it always needs to be stirred before use. So, that's why I treat the parts of the keyless works, cannon pinion, etc. with epilame. That was very thoughtful of you and something that had completely passed me by. Not sure what the epilame will do when it wears off in a non-oiled hole. Anyone?
    • watchweasol
      Seiko 6601 Tech Sheet?

      By watchweasol · Posted

      Hi not found one either yet,  close relative is the 436 and 4361 according to ranff.db.   It gives quire a lot of detail but not as good as the old site.      RANFF.DB.
    • nevenbekriev
      Rolex 2235 escape wheel jewel setting replacement

      By nevenbekriev · Posted

      No problem to replace the setting with the staking set. Press the new setting from inside, use flat face punch with hole. The punch must be wider than the setting, the hole to be as not to press at the stone, but only on the bush. Press by hand until the setting gets flush with the plate surface, so the punch must rest on it.
    • nevenbekriev
      Quarter repeater mainspring thickness

      By nevenbekriev · Posted

      Yes, the arbor usually makes about 3 to 3.5 turns. But usually spring takes 2/3 to 3/4 of the free space in barrel, not 1/2, so take it for the calcullations. This way the change in torque is smaller. I have a picture for You, this one is little older, but no mater
    • noirrac1j
      Rolex 2235 escape wheel jewel setting replacement

      By noirrac1j · Posted

      I overhauled a ladies Rolex and noticed erratic performance so I stripped in down again and did fault finding. This is what I saw. The lower jewel (the one in the plate) is cracked and the hole is too big. Before discovering this, I stripped down and re-cleaned the main-plate (and parts) by hand with a fine natural fiber brush. I somehow missed the fault the first time and cannot understand how it was still running. Perhaps re-cleaning it dislodged some pieces of the jewel widening the hole? I don't know. Now I need to replace the jewel but don't have a Seitz tool. The Rolex part is 2130-0913 and the top and bottom are the same. The part comes complete in brass setting with KIF elastor spring and cap jewel. Note: I have never replaced a jewel. I do have a good vintage stacking set that I've used quite a bit.  Can I replace using a stacking set? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  
×
×
  • Create New...