Date:

23 Apr 2002

Reply

Hello George,

Thanks for your message. I really enjoyed reading it. Your Accutron's history is something that can never be replaced by mere money but to a collector who needs to score the value of one watch against another the main factors of condition and rarity are supreme. Your watch seems to be at the top of the condition scale but I have no way of knowing which set of features your Accutron possesses or how many of that model are available today. I suggest that you monitor the eBay auction pages for a month or so to get an idea of what your watch is worth on the open market. Once you determine an average auction value for a similar watch you can add approximately $200 to arrive at a fair retail value. Keep in mind that a watch with the original boxes, papers, and coin will be worth another $100. You can buy a box and papers on eBay to make your Accutron complete again. Click the link and bookmark the page so you can re-visit often.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&query=accutron+&ht=1&itemtimedisp=1&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&BasicSearch=

Would it be OK to put your message on my bulletin board?

Best, Martin Marcus

Date:

24 Apr 2002

Comments

Martin

I am really impressed at your quick and informative reply. My watch is the same watch that is depicted in your photo gallery [stainless w/ reflector ring] and looks just as pristine as the picture. I checked the rear and the grain lines are very visible -even to my old eyes. There is absolutely no rust in the small groves or even dirt buildup. If I remember correctly I have not worn this watch more then a half dozen times. I am somewhat of a watch hog and have piles of watches but none mean as much as this one does to me.

Needless to say I am real proud to own this watch. It is in pristine condition -you would have to see it to believe it -no kidding. Add to the watch it's history and it is value to me. Like I said I do not want to sell it -only treasure it. How many Accutron's kept the time on Marine Recon Patrols in Vietnam!!!

Now here is another true story - when we were aboard ship in the West Pac -the ships store sold Rolex Watches - at 175.00, My friend and I each had one -mine disappeared in a pawn shop in Okinawa - how's that for a sad story.

In case you would like to see who you are emailing go to this website - I am the webmaster and you'll see my name at bottom of opening page and throughout the site.

http://www.georgeneville.com/alpha.htm

Again thanks for the comm's and yes please put my messages up on the message board. Could be interesting eh!

George

Date:

24 Apr 2002

Comments

George,

That particular model is very much in demand because it can easily be converted into a factory correct Chapter Ring Spaceview by simply replacing the dial with a spacer ring and adding a Spaceview crystal. In today's market, with the Accutron band and in mint condition it's worth approximately $300 at auction and I would offer it at $500 after servicing with a one year warranty. The best thing anyone who has one of these dial w/reflector ring models can do is to hang on to them even without the history because they are very distinctive and once converted they can always be put back to their original configuration by re-installing the dial and plain crystal. It's sort of like having two watches in one. Thanks for the link to your web site. Very interesting and well done.

Martin

Date:

07 May 2002

Comments

Hi, I have a Bulova L3 watch w/ 5561820 on the back. It has a small dial inside w/sweeping hand. The band is gold. Also, I have a Dugena and a Longiness Weems Swiss watch. How can I find the values and a possible buyer? Karen kbland21044@yahoo.com

Date:

07 May 2002

Comments

Hi can you tell me what years Bulova produced the alpha 214 model and what years they produced the alpha 214 Spaceview model. Thank You.

Jay Reynolds, Anoka MN.

Date:

08 May 2002

Reply

I don't pretend to be an Accutron historian but I believe that the Alpha (photo) was one of only two models produced as both dial and Spaceview from the very beginning of Accutron in November of 1960. The other is a 14kt. round case with scalloped lugs (photo). Both models are shown in early adds. It was an advertising gimmick intended to introduce the new technology and a novelty at the time. Making them in solid gold added to the upscale image that Bulova wanted to cultivate for Accutron but I think that Bulova was surprised at how wildly popular the concept would become. As a result of the continuing demand Bulova made Spaceview models in a number of different cases over the years.  Alpha's dated M0 (1960) show up occasionally but the great majority of them bear the date code M1 for 1961. The unique case style of both models was discontinued within a few years and both  are highly prized by collectors today.

Date:

09 May 2002

Comments

May 9th, 200 8:25 Eastern Standard Time. What was the first year the Doctor's dial was available on the 214 Accutron model?

Date:

10 May 2002

Reply

I don't know when the Pulsation Dial first appeared. I don't remember seeing any from the very early sixties. I think we need the help of a true horologist on this one. 

Martin

Date:

10 May 2002

Comments

May 10th, Thanx! for the response about the Doctor's Dial. I have been polling people and have concluded '65 to '67 seem to be the common response. I have found a watch with the pulsation dial that is a 1961. The owner wants a lot of money for it and I believe the dial is not original. So, he still owns it. Thanx! again for the input......Buyer Be Ware!

Date:

10 May 2002

Reply

Good advice. Dealers are wise to the fact that they can sell a 214 Accutron for twice as much if they either toss the dial away and install a Spaceview crystal or replace the dial with one that has the pulsation markings and Caduceus emblem added to it. As a result there are a lot of fake Spaceview and Pulsation 214's out there lately. If the dealer does a proper and correct conversion so that the end result is identical to the factory version, then for all intents and purposes the watch can be considered to be the real article. Some dealers do skillful conversions of cases that were never issued as either Spaceview or Pulsation models and they advertise these watches as such but others do neither. Knowledge is the best defense against getting taken so as with any purchase that seems too good to be true, trust but verify.

Martin

Date:

21 May 2002

Comments

Martin, I AM THANKFUL THAT I FOUND YOUR WEB SITE, YOU DID AN OUTSTANDING JOB REPAIRING MY 214 THAT I PURCHASED FROM EBAY, THAT HAD MAJOR PROBLEMS, IT LOOKS GREAT, HUMM'S AND KEEPS PERFECT TIME. YOU TURNED A BAD DEAL, INTO A REAL JEWEL. THANK YOU AGAIN. LANCE PARRISH SILVER LAKES CA.

Date:

22 May 2002

Comments

I am looking for a 1970 Accutron 214 with a tealish green or turquoise face. My grandpa had one and I am extremely interested in purchasing one just like his. jimmylicorice@hotmail.com

Date:

29 May 2002

Comments

29 May 02, Thanks, Martin, for your quick service. As you know, I've had that old Spaceview since 1967, and I'm so glad that it is fixed and running like new. I also enjoyed our discussion on lug width. I get a kick out of learning about these old watches. Please feel free to use me as a reference for your repair service. I am truly impressed. Regards, John Rogers Burleson, TX

Date:

31 May 2002

Comments

Bulova watch model 1429789 n6 for sale. asking $50,000. Contact Art Sharp 614.231.8296

Date:

07 Jun 2002

Comments

I have the Accutron Astronaut and lost the 24 hour bezel, and am looking for the 24 hour bezel and retaining ring. Any suggestions as to where I may obtain one.

Date:

07 Jun 2002

Comments

RE: Astronaut Bezel Ring: The only fairly reliable source is eBay. Click http://www.ebay.com and enter "accutron astronaut" in the search window. They don't come up often and when they do the are always hotly contested. 

Date:

07 Jun 2002

Comments

RE Doctors Dial: I recently remembered an event that happened in 1963 at the Boston Lying-In Maternity Hospital as they called it at that time. My daughter was being born and a doctor came out to talk to me about how everything was fine etc. I was wearing a Spaceview that I had just bought and he noticed it right away. In those days it was the only green faced watch in existence. He proudly held up an Accutron with a Physicians "Pulsation" dial and I remember thinking that it was really ugly. I don't know why I didn't remember the incident earlier so I plead the Altimers defense. I talked with someone who says that Pulsation dial watches were available on special order through dealers as early as 1962 and possibly earlier. 

Martin

Date:

09 Jun 2002

Comments

Where can I buy a 218 battery for my accutron?

Date:

09 Jun 2002

Comments

RE Battery: You can get a #344 silver oxide battery for your 218 at most watch dealers. Click here for battery information.

Date:

14 Jun 2002

Comments

Just saw your great site. I have a Stainless Spaceview bought in 1967 in Philadelphia. Numbers are "M7" and "G11211" the latter I don't recognize from the numbers on your page? The watch has run beautifully for these 35 odd years ..and still does...worn every day. Gerald Huth, Ojai, CA

Date:

14 Jun 2002

Comments

RE Serial Numbers: The serial number contains no useful information about the watch. Inside of the back cover there is a 4 digit case number either ink-printed or stamped into the metal. That number is the key to all information about the model. Many of the watches that I open these days have no case number at all because the ink-printed number has been accidentally removed during a previous cleaning. Unfortunately, the printed numbers can come off when cleaned with an overly strong cleaning solution. 

Date:

07 Jul 2002

Comments

Hi folks, I recently acquired a 214 Asymmetric Accutron stainless steel with inlaid 14K gold. It has the letters M0 for a 1960 date. I read somewhere that Bulova started producing Accutrons in Oct 1960. Is there any way that I might be able to narrow down the month on mine? The serial number on the case is 115477. Any help would be greatly appreciated. My e-mail is watchdoc2@cox.net. Thanks Again

Date:

22 Jul 2002

Comments

Hello: I have been tasked with purchasing a doctor's dial accutron for a family friend. Not being a doctor I never had a desire to own one myself. I would assume it was available in solid gold. Would you know where I might find one? I am also concerned about getting taken on fake. Frankly, if the watch is nice and the copy is nice, I would consider a copy but would with the appropriate discount. I would prefer an original. Thanks!  Kmeyer. kameyer@execpc.com

Date:

04 Aug 2002

Comments

How much would a 1967 Bulova Accutron 214 in pristine condition with the battery key still in the bag be worth. The watch also has the original gold band and works flawlessly.

Date:

04 Aug 2002

Comments

For information about the value of Accutron 214's please see the "Frequently Asked Questions Page"

http://antiqueadvertiser.com/accutron/AccutronQ&A.htm

Date:

07 Aug 2002

Comments

I inherited an Accutron watch with the #741-1 stamped in the inside of the back cover. It has a Swiss movement and gold plated bezel with black face. Can any one tell me about it? Value?

Thanks.
Gary Kent, Boise Id.

Date:

10 Aug 2002

Comments

I received as a Christmas gift what is, I believe, a 218 N4 (serial number still legible) in December 1974. Still runs well, even with a different battery of some kind in it. I need to find a replacement crystal. Can anybody make a suggestion on how to identify the model, find the proper crystal and where to purchase one?

Alan Metcalfe akmetcalfepm@hotmail.com Delta, Colorado

Date:

12 Aug 2002

Comments

Dear Martin,

You did a great job restoring and repairing my 1970 Spaceview. I just wanted to leave a note to thank you and to let others considering your services know that the quality of your work is outstanding! An honest professional person is hard to find these days.

Jimmy Wilshere, Long Island, N.Y.

Date:

17 Aug 2002

Comments

I am a new Accutron owner. I have a 214 RR approved, date M9. What is the expected gain/loss rate on these watches? Mine will gain about 15 seconds a day. It seems to lose about the same amount at night. Is this acceptable?

Date:

18 Aug 2002

Comments

It's not uncommon for an Accutron 214 to run perfectly when held in a horizontal position and at a slightly different rate when it's position is changed to vertical. They will also behave differently when in motion during the day as opposed to sitting still on a dresser at night. The Bulova manual suggests that the rate will be different if the watch is worn on the inside of the wrist than if it is worn on the outside as most people do.

When the watch was new with no wear on any of it's parts it was routine for the watch to hold +/- 1 minute a month. That was the Bulova guarantee. Most 30+ year old watches will not perform the same as new but I continue to be impressed with the large percentage of 214's that will still hold 1 minute per month. I have also struggled with 214's that could do no better than 4 minutes per month without having to replace several expensive parts. This translates to an error of 8 seconds a day.

Some folks don't mind resetting their Accutrons occasionally and see no need for the additional expense to reduce the error while others can't sleep at night unless their Accutron is holding it's rate like a new watch. I personally wouldn't worry about an error which cancels itself out overnight.

You should do the following: Set your 214 to an accurate standard, wear the watch as you normally would and don't touch the setting stem again for 30 days. At the end of the test period determine the monthly gain or loss and if it is within 4 minutes ask yourself "When was the last time the watch was serviced?". If the answer is less than 4 years, I personally would live with it. If the answer is more than 4 years the watch should be serviced and you will most likely be pleasantly surprised at the improvement in your Accutron's accuracy when  it comes back to you.

Martin

Date:

21 Aug 2002

Comments

Date:

04 Sep 2002

Comments

How can I find out how much my Accutron Spaceview is worth? It's from 1964 with a gold plated case in excellent condition.

Date:

05 Sep 2002

Comments

For information about the value of Accutron 214's please see the "Frequently Asked Questions Page" http://antiqueadvertiser.com/accutron/AccutronQ&A.htm

Date:

08 Oct 2002

Comments

I have an Accutron watch from maybe the 1970's. It has a red face with the day and date on the face of the watch. My father tells me it should be worth some money because there were not too many made. Is this true?

Date:

08 Oct 2002

Comments

Actually there were millions of the 218 and it's variants made during the 60's and 70's. My guess is that a basic 218 in good condition is worth around $125 retail. 

Date:

09 Oct 2002

Comments

from gpd718@hotmail.com Hello ...I have a ladies Bulova bracelet style watch from my mothers estate ..on the back it says Bulova 14k gold L3 the serial number is 1112277 the band is woven silver or white gold with pave diamonds at the top and bottom of the watch. it does not work however it seems as if it was over wound ....any idea of the value of this watch?....thank you for your help

Date:

14 Oct 2002

Comments

My name is Frank and reside in Georgia now. I purchased my Accutron in Toledo, Ohio, between 1968 / 1970 and I don't remember what I paid for it. It is not running and has not been running for maybe 20 years. The face is satin brushed gold with raised markings. 12,6,9 are two parallel bars and the other hour marks are a single bar. 3 o'clock has a date window. On the outer most edge of the face there are tiny round dots that glow in the dark. The hands are gold and also glow. The back has a notched retainer ring of stainless steel. The back is gold. Written on the back: at the top, Bulova; at about position "2" it says patented; at the "10" position it says waterproof; at the bottom it says 14k gold filled case. Above that on two lines it says C90403 and the other line says M7. The band is a champion stainless steel made in U.S.A. and says 14k gold filled trim. Also on the band there is a triangle with the letters "JL" or 'JB" inside the triangle. There is one pin missing from the web/link band and there is some scratching on the crystal. Please respond via e-mail with any information as to age, rarity, or value, and if this watch is worth fixing. Thank you, Frank fcr0406@cs.com

Date:

19 Oct 2002

Comments

I AM LOOKING FOR SOME PARTS FOR A ACCUTRON 218 DAY/DATE @3:00 POSITION. I.D. ON CASE IS I155406 (N4) I NEED: 1. NEW CRYSTAL 2. CASE BACK SCREWDOWN RING 3. CASE BACK GASKET 4. CRYSTAL GASKET IF APPLICABLE (NOT SURE) ** WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW WHERE I COULD GET "TUNING FORK" LOGO SECOND HAND ALSO. ANY HELP ON THESE PARTS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. CONTACT LMAYNARD@COLUMBUS.RR.COM THANKS!

Date:

20 Oct 2002

Comments

Hello, I have inherited a 1972-1973 Bulova Accutron 3-Dial watch. This incredible timepiece runs on a tuning fork like the other accutrons. I have just had it serviced and it is incredible!! A few years ago, the watch band broke, and does not have the original on it. The crystal is perfect and has only been worked on by certified Bulova repair persons. It is gold tone on the case and is very very accurate on time. The story I received with the watch is that Bulova made this watch for the astronauts in space. Unfortunately, it did not win the bid and because of that, not a lot were made. I have not seen another like this. I am curious about the value and possibly selling to a serious collector. Any comments e-mailed would be appreciated. Steven wyomingnurse@hotmail.com

Date:

27 Oct 2002

Comments

I have a Ladies 18ct yellow gold Bulova Accutron that was made in 1974 (N4). I would dearly like to purchase the "white gold" version. I last saw one in a jewellers shop in Oldham , Greater Manchester, UK about 15 years ago. It did not work, but the jeweller was asking £500 for it then. I would dearly like to find a white gold version of my watch . The bracelet is a gold mesh and the face is a champagne square dial with markers. Any reasonable offers considered. Regards, Jane jane.mcferran@ntlworld.com

Date:

06 Nov 2002

Comments

I own the Railroad Approved (24 hour red letter inner numbering) white faced Accutron, stainless steel bezel. I have been unable to find the right battery. I have need for a bracelet (band) for it and would like an original Accutron one. Can you advise me on who is best to send it too for fitting the correct battery (with or without transistor modification) and where to find an original band? dbeddoe@directvinternet.com

Date:

06 Nov 2002

Comments

Battery information at: http://antiqueadvertiser.com/accutron/AccutronBattery.htm

Date:

08 Nov 2002

Comments

Martin Firstly...do you have any idea how difficult it is to find any information on Spaceview watches here in England? Nobody seems to know a thing about them so perhaps you can help me. During the summer of 1979 ( I know its a long time ago ), I was passing a local Jewelry Store that was having a closing down sale. There in the window I saw this remarkable looking watch and having seen nothing like it before I immediately went in and purchased it for the grand sum of £19. This watch was my pride and joy until a couple of years later when it was stolen in a robbery. I have never been able to find a replacement for this watch, having searched now for 20 years. It is only recently on surfing the net that I have found out the importance and originality of my lost watch. I have no idea of the model although having looked at many photo's on sites like yours I think it may have been an Anniversary Model. It had a steel case and a leather band and though I think it could have been an anniversary model I may be wrong. Casting my mind back through the mists of time is no easy job but I seem to feel that the shape of the case, though angular, was more of an "upright oblong " rather than Squarish. So now its up to you. Can you identify the model from my description and roughly how much would a replacement cost to purchase. I would be most grateful if you or any body reading this on your site could let me know e-mail on andyworth41@aol.com

Date:

08 Nov 2002

Comments

Andy,

You don't have much to go on. By the late 70's (1979 was the last year of Accutron production) Bulova had introduced a number of variations on its oval case styles. They were available in stainless steel as well as gold plated models in both dial and Spaceview versions. I never try to estimate prices. To find out why click here. 

Date:

15 Nov 2002

Comments

Hello: I recently received an Accutron from an inheritance. I didn't think much of it at first but I brought it out to take a closer look. It turns out it was sold by Tiffany & Co., in an 18k gold case. I would like to find a nice Accutron band to match as the current band is a plated Spiedel flex band. Back to the watch, is this one somewhat rare? Or don't you know? I am somewhat of a watch enthusiast and have books in the house on both wrist and pocket watches and my reading has yielded me nothing about Tiffany sold Accutrons. The dial does not have the tuning fork symbol on it. It is a 214, the watch shop which installed the new batter told me it is an early one. The only marking on the case itself besides the stamp which indicates what kind of metal the case is made from is the number 809. What are your thoughts? My email is LRJarm@aol.com if you would like to contact me directly. Best regards, Lee

Date:

15 Nov 2002

Comments

Bulova branded a limited number of 18k gold Accutron 214's for Tiffany. All of the markings including the Accutron serial number and date code should be in the usual place on the back cover and in addition there should be a 3 or 4 digit Tiffany serial number.

Nobody throws away 18k gold watches so I'm sure that they are all still around but there were a relative few of them to begin with and over the years some have probably been converted (Spaceviewed). Tiffany branded 214 dials are occasionally offered for sale on eBay but they could be fakes (plain old 214 dials with a newly painted logo).

Date:

26 Nov 2002

Comments

I have an Accutron Astronaut stainless steel watch and am in need of a bezel for the watch. If anyone can locate a bezel for this watch, e-mail pwlfla@aol.com. Thanks, Pwl

Date:

11 Dec 2002

Comments

I have a Bulova Spaceview 1964 model and am interested in finding out if it has any value. It is not in a box or case, it was my uncles watch. It is in a 10kt gold filled bezel. I believe it is an original.

Date:

05 Sep 2002

Comments

For information about the value of Accutron 214's please see the "Frequently Asked Questions Page" http://antiqueadvertiser.com/accutron/AccutronQ&A.htm

Date:

17 Dec 2002

Comments

The second hand of my M9 Spaceview stops for a while every time it reaches the position between 12 and 1 o'clock and then it keeps running as usual. But it keeps time, what is wrong? Thanks

Date:

18 Dec 2002

Comments

The magnets on the tuning fork are located at 1 and 2 o'clock. The hands are made of steel. If the second hand is not securely pressed onto the shaft the second hand will be slowed or stopped by the magnets but the shaft will continue to turn. The shaft is apparently catching the hand after turning a few degrees. This could go on indefinitely or the second hand could fall off tomorrow. Your local watch repairer can fix it.

Date:

19 Dec 2002

Comments

I am looking for the model/year information for my Accutron (Formerly my father's). The Watch, which is beautiful, has a leather band and a Stainless Steal Case. There are Three hands. The Hour and Minute Hands are rectangular (not tapered) and have glow in the dark areas at the ends. The Watch Displays the Day of the Week below the 12 spot, and the day of the month where the 6 would be. The other positions are indicated with silver squares with black borders, except the 12, 3, and 9 positions, which are indicated with rectangles. The Face has a pearly glow and color. I ask only because I am a curious and prideful. Please email me at spizel1@yahoo.com

Date:

19 Dec 2002

Comments

Date:

21 Dec 2002

Comments

Hi Martin, I have a lovely mint 1964 reflector dial 214, but the setting stem does not work, how serious is this likely to be? Does the back remove in the usual way? In the UK there is a reluctance to tamper with these watches. Many Thanks, Steve Baker

Date:

21 Dec 2002

Comments

The great majority of setting problems are caused either by over-tightening the back cover, or by a dried out case gasket which has lost it's elasticity and has been compressed until it has become too thin. To diagnose/fix this problem the back cover should be loosened until it backs out of the bezel enough for the setting gear to engage.

The 214 back cover is held on by a threaded ring. The ring has 6 evenly spaced slots for a spanner wrench to engage. If you have a wrench that works properly, back off the ring a few degrees and test the setting stem. Repeat this process until the hands move. If the case gasket is old it should be replaced in order to insure a good seal. GasketSets