Bulova Marine Star Men's Chronograph Watch Model 96B174 Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your Bulova Marine Star Men's Chronograph Watch, Model 96B174. This timepiece combines sophisticated design with robust functionality, featuring a six-hand quartz chronograph movement, a blue dial with red accents, and 100-meter water resistance. Please read this manual thoroughly to ensure proper use and care of your watch.

Front view of the Bulova Marine Star Chronograph Watch, Model 96B174, featuring a blue dial and stainless steel bracelet.

Setup

1. Unboxing and Initial Inspection

Upon receiving your Bulova Marine Star watch, carefully open the packaging. Inspect the watch for any visible damage and ensure all components are present. The watch should arrive in its original Bulova packaging.

The Bulova Marine Star watch presented in its black box.

2. Setting the Time

1. Pull the crown (center knob on the right side of the watch case) out to position 2. The second hand will stop.
2. Turn the crown to move the hour and minute hands clockwise until the desired time is set. Ensure the AM/PM is correctly set if your watch has a 24-hour indicator.
3. Push the crown back into position 0 (normal position). The second hand will resume movement.

3. Setting the Date

1. Pull the crown out to position 1.
2. Turn the crown clockwise or counter-clockwise (depending on the movement) until the correct date appears in the date window. Avoid setting the date between 9 PM and 3 AM, as this can interfere with the date change mechanism.
3. Push the crown back into position 0.

4. Bracelet Adjustment

The stainless steel bracelet may require adjustment to fit your wrist comfortably. It is recommended to have this adjustment performed by a qualified jeweler or watch technician to prevent damage to the bracelet or clasp. The watch features a safety fold-over clasp with push buttons for secure wearing.

Side view of the watch, illustrating the crown and chronograph pushers.

Back view of the watch, showing the case back and the fold-over clasp with push button.

Operating Your Watch

Your Bulova Marine Star watch is equipped with a six-hand quartz chronograph movement, offering precise timekeeping and stopwatch functionality. Refer to the diagram below for key components.

Annotated diagram highlighting key features of the Bulova Marine Star watch face, including the Tachymeter, 6-Hand Chronograph Quartz Movement, Blue Dial with Red Accents, Calendar Date Window, Stainless Steel Bracelet, and Safety Fold-Over Clasp with Push Button.

1. Basic Timekeeping

• The main hour, minute, and second hands indicate the current time.
• The date window displays the current day of the month.

2. Chronograph Function (Stopwatch)

The chronograph allows you to measure elapsed time. It features three sub-dials: a 24-hour display, a running seconds display, and a 60-minute chronograph display.

1. Start: Press the upper pusher (button A) to start the chronograph. The chronograph second hand will begin to move.
2. Stop: Press the upper pusher (button A) again to stop the chronograph. The elapsed time will be indicated by the chronograph hands.
3. Reset: After stopping the chronograph, press the lower pusher (button B) to reset all chronograph hands to their zero positions.
4. Split Time: Some chronographs allow for split time measurement. Consult the detailed movement manual if this feature is desired.

3. Tachymeter

The tachymeter scale on the bezel can be used to measure speed over a known distance (e.g., 1 kilometer or 1 mile). To use it:

1. Start the chronograph at the beginning of the measured distance.
2. Stop the chronograph when you reach the end of the distance.
3. The number on the tachymeter scale indicated by the chronograph second hand shows the average speed per hour.

4. Water Resistance (100M)

Your Bulova Marine Star watch is water resistant to 100 meters (330 feet), making it suitable for swimming, showering, and snorkeling. It is not designed for scuba diving. To maintain water resistance:

• Ensure the crown is fully pushed in to position 0 before exposing the watch to water.
• Do not operate the crown or pushers while the watch is wet or submerged.
• Avoid exposing the watch to extreme temperature changes, such as moving from a hot shower to cold water, as this can affect seals.

Maintenance and Care

1. Cleaning Your Watch

Regular cleaning helps maintain the appearance and longevity of your watch. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the case and bracelet. For stainless steel, a mild soap solution can be used, followed by rinsing with clean water and drying thoroughly. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

2. Battery Replacement

The quartz movement is powered by a battery. When the battery runs low, the watch may stop or the second hand may jump in irregular intervals (End-of-Life indicator). Battery replacement should be performed by a qualified watch technician to ensure proper sealing and maintain water resistance.

3. Water Resistance Seal Check

Over time, the gaskets that ensure water resistance can degrade. It is recommended to have the water resistance seals checked by a professional watch service center every 2-3 years, especially if the watch is frequently exposed to water.

4. Storage

When not wearing your watch, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and strong magnetic fields. The original watch box provides excellent protection.

Troubleshooting

• Watch Not Running: Check if the crown is fully pushed in. If the watch still does not run, the battery may need replacement. Contact a service center.
• Incorrect Time/Date: Follow the "Setting the Time" and "Setting the Date" instructions in the Setup section. Ensure the crown is fully pushed in after setting.
• Chronograph Hands Not Resetting to Zero: If the chronograph hands do not return to their 12 o'clock (zero) position after resetting, consult a professional watch technician for adjustment.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

1. Manufacturer's Warranty

Your Bulova Marine Star watch is covered by a 3-Year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage resulting from improper handling, accidents, unauthorized repairs, or normal wear and tear. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

2. Customer Support

For technical assistance, service, or warranty inquiries, please contact Bulova customer support. Visit the official Bulova website for contact information and authorized service centers. Visit Bulova's Official Website