Accutron Watches - Answered Questions & Fixed Issues

mcdevito75 here, The movement number tells all, but I would figure the yaer somewhere in the 80"s and value at $250----$350.-- Accutron very collectable watch. Look for a small watch repair shop in your area for more accurate info. Hope this hepls.

The year made cannot be determined from the SN. Since the '50s Bulova used a 2 character date code, usually below the SN. The letter is the decade, the number is the year. For example, M4 is 1964, N6 is 1976, O5 is 1985, etc. As to value, if it is from 1960 through 1976 (M0 thru N6) it is a "true" Accutron, with a tuning fork movement, is collecrible and valuable, and the actual value depends on which specific movement and which case. Some 1977 (N7) Accutrons are akso collectible rtuning fork watches, but some 1977s are Bulova's first quartz watches, and of no value. Bulova eventually went mostly automatic (self-winding mechanical movement) with their Accutron line. Those are well-made, mid to upper-mid level watches, and of no particular value beyond that of most any good used automatic. Note, however, that there have been numerous versions of the automatic Accutrons, some fancier and nmore expensive than others, and, s ith any good watch, original cost will have an effect on value as a used watch. For example, that retailed at, say, $500 new in 2009 will be worth more today than one that was $250 new in 2009 (assuming comparable condition). There are also now some Accutron IIs, which mimic, in looks and the sweep second hand, the original tuning fork Accutrons. However, while they are well-made watches, they are just another nice quartz watch.

Recently lost the 4 screws that fastens the back plate of my Accutron Breckenridge 26B29. Am looking for wrist band extensions for this watch too. I tried Bulova but they were of no help. Any ideas of where I could find these parts or even just the dimensions of the screws?

No matter what I do or however long I hold A the time will not change please help me

The name for your keepsake is accutron. The tuning fork represents the two coils. Having said that unfortunately if it no longer works their is little you can do. They have been out of production for some time now. But you can replace the entire movement, eBay will be the best place to start for a reasonable price. Your local jeweler will soak you. The most common battery replacement is a renata 394 although i cant be sure unless I see the movement.

A good way to get a realistic value for your watch is to search for it on eBay, having ticked the 'Sold Items' box. Be sure to get the spelling for your Bulova watch right!

could it possible a fake as the factory do not make mistakes like that

Not sure about the case code....but Bulova used a numeric code to 'date' their watches: "L" meant the 1950's; "M" was the 60's; "N" was the 70's....so your M7 means your watch was made in 1967....an N3, would be 1973. Get it?.

The M8 indicates this watch was produced in 1968 and probably sold for 250-350,this is a tuning fork watch and they are highly collectible and worth up to twice the value of the gold or more depending on the model and condition

No there is not

I'd need more info. First, is it a "real" Accutron, made from '60 to '77, or is it one of the things Bulova kept calling Accutrons after they stopped making the tuning fork movement watches? The quartz so-called Accutrons are just a nice old watch, not worth anything special. The self-wind "Accutrons", which Bulova is making now, are just a nice, mid-range aurtomatic watch. On the back of Bulova watches is a date code, usually right under the serial number (SNs themselves really mean nothing where Accutrons are concerned). The code is a letter and a number. If it begins with the letter M, or if it begins with the letter N and is followed with a 0, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. or 6, it is a "real" Accutron, and is collectible. Some with N7 (1977) are also, but it depends on the actual watch. Bulova did make some quartz so-called Accutrons in '77. If it's a '60 thru '76, and SOME '77s, it has value beyond the scrap gold price. SOME Accutrons are even worth thousands of dollars. White gold Accutrons, compared o yellow gold or stainless, are rarer. Next, WHICH Accutron is it? is it a 214, a 218, a 219, a 220, a 224, or a 230? If it's a man's watch, it is very unlikely to be a 220 or 230 series, If it does not have a winding stem on the side, it is a 214. 214s are the most valuable. If it has a setting stem at 3 o'clock or 4 o'clock, it is either a 218 or 219 (I'd have to open the back and look at the movement to say which ine). If it says "Accuquartz" on the face, it's a 224 (NOT a quartz - the 224 Accuquartz is a hybrid of tuning fork and quartz crystal). Once we know the movement series, we need the case type. Certain cases are much more valuable than others. Then there are the Spaceview, the Astronaut, and the Deep Sea, 3 specific models they made, which are more valuable than most (but not all) of the other cases. The best I can say right now is that, being white gold, there's a good chance it's one of the more desireable specific models. If it's a 214, ESPECIALLY if it's a 1960 (M0), it's worth quite a bit more than just the gold content. To be more specific, I'd have to see a picture of the watch, which I don't think can be posted here. Try looking up "Accutron" on Ebay and see if you can find one that, if yours has a stem, has it in the same place as yours, with the exact same case - same shape, and exact same lugs (the things on either end where the band or strap is attached). Read the description. The description will probably say the movement (214, 218, etc - in fact, the movement may even be in the listing title) and if it is niot just a plain round case, probbly will say the case type (Alpha, Asymmetric, Butterfly, etc.). If it's an Astronaut, a Spaceview, or a Deep Sea, it will certainly say that. Also, look at the Accutron section of the Bulova entry in Wikipedia. (Yeah, I wrote it, but it has info that just might help you pin down exactly what you have) When you find out more about which Accutron it is, post another question under Axcutron watches here. I'll check every couple of days for the next week or so, and if I see your post, I'll narrow down the value some more.

Click this link for instruction manualhttp://s3.amazonaws.com/bulova_production_assets/manuals/Bulova_Accutron_RETROGRADE_DAY_04.25.13.pdf?1371055063

Serial numbers are generally on the back of the watch.

You may be able to find two or three numbers on the watch.

A case number, a movement number and a serial number.Alternatively you might find a style number (which in your case is 26B44) and a serial number.

http://www.bulovaspecialmarkets.com/BulovaDynamicRepository/instructions/518.pdf

Took me a while, but I found the answer at the following link:(Who knows, maybe I'll need it again next time I change my battery)http://www.bulovaspecialmarkets.com/BulovaDynamicRepository/instructions/518.pdf

If you go to http://www.bulova.com/en_gb/watch/bulova-accutron, you will see what I think is the model you spak of.

I hope this helps.

It could be that it needs cleaning. (When a watch is described as "automatic", it means that it is a mechanical spring driven type which needs to be worn constantly to keep it wound up; I assume that yours is one of these.)

Most makers recommend regular servicing at intervals of 2-3 years and as your is older than this, then perhaps it is time for a trip to their nearest service center.

Go to bulova.com to find your local service center.

Is there an "A" on the back with a number next to it ? This is the date code, A1, A2, A3, etc. = 2001, 2002, 2003 and you know the rest.

Don't know what battery but a watchmaker will be able to help you for a very reasonable cost. He will also inspect the rest of your watch, case and band. Your watch will likely need the chronograph reset also.

Sorry, but with all due respect it's impossible to help you unless you state what the problem is.