7166_Bulova Calibre 2562.10

The Bulova Caliber 2562.10 is an advanced mechanical movement produced during the brand's transitionary period in the 1970s, often featured in higher-end and technically refined watches. As a member of the 25xx movement family, this caliber is known for its high beat rate, hacking feature, and quickset date mechanism, which made it a standout among contemporaries.


Core Specifications

  • Movement Type: Automatic (self-winding)

  • Jewels: 17 (sometimes 25 in other versions)

  • Beat Rate: 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph)

  • Functions: Hours, minutes, center seconds, date

  • Diameter: Approximately 11.5 ligne (~25.6 mm)

  • Height: Roughly 5.7 mm

  • Quickset Date: Yes

  • Hacking Seconds: Yes (stops when crown is pulled out)

  • Shock Protection: Typically Incabloc

  • Rotor System: Unidirectional automatic winding

This movement is considered robust and reliable, combining high-frequency operation for better accuracy with user-friendly features like quick date adjustment.


Movement Design and Features

  • The Caliber 2562.10 includes a balance wheel optimized for high-speed oscillation, providing smoother sweep of the seconds hand and better timekeeping stability.

  • The rotor winds in one direction, feeding energy into a mainspring housed in a reinforced barrel assembly.

  • The calendar mechanism is modular, making it easier to service separately from the train gear.

  • Its hacking feature aids precise time-setting, especially important for watches aimed at professionals or enthusiasts.


Servicing and Repair

Disassembly Tips:

  • Remove the oscillating weight (rotor) to access the automatic winding gear train.

  • Carefully disassemble the date mechanism, as springs and cams are small and tightly placed.

  • Use non-magnetic screwdrivers and anti-static tweezers due to the sensitivity of the hairspring and balance assembly.

Lubrication Points:

  • Train wheel pivots: Moebius 9010

  • Escapement: Moebius 941

  • Automatic module gears: Grease such as 8217

  • Keyless works and calendar cam: Grease or light oil, depending on part surface

Common Service Issues:

  • Dry lubrication at the high-beat escapement can cause amplitude drop.

  • Calendar malfunction is often traced to worn or dirty jumper springs.

  • The balance staff pivots may wear down due to the higher frequency; careful inspection under magnification is advised.


Parts Availability

Although the Cal. 2562.10 is no longer in production, spare parts can be sourced through vintage Bulova parts suppliers or movement donors. Watchmakers often repurpose compatible parts from sister calibers like the 2562 or 2566.

Available parts may include:

  • Mainspring barrels

  • Calendar wheels and cams

  • Balance assemblies

  • Rotor axles and automatic bridges


Summary

The Bulova Caliber 2562.10 is a high-performance automatic movement with features tailored to precision and convenience. Its high beat rate, quickset calendar, and hack mechanism make it both technically interesting and desirable to collectors. Despite its age, the movement remains serviceable, with many parts still available on the secondary market. It represents a significant moment in Bulova’s mechanical watch innovation history, bridging tradition with modern function.

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