Bulova Accurton 214 Waterproof
10 k gold filled bezel - Stainless steel
M9 is the date symbol M is 1960 and 9 is 9, 1969 watch.
Crystal changed out to look like spaceview.
Speidel expansion band
History: Purchased by my parent in 1969 for Christmas and Birthday. It would be my 21 birthday. Crystal was changed to look like a spaceview by the watcher/jeweler.
Do you still have the original dial? If so, you could have the watch restored to its original, factory issue state. If not, one could be sourced, perhaps. If you like it as it is, perhaps you could have the correct Spaceview crystal, with dots, installed - new old stock or repro.
Either way, nice watch and a nice family heirloom.
There were lots of SpaceView conversions. Some w/ the style of yours, some w/ correct spaceview crystals, etc.... I believe there's a way to "spot" those which came as spaceview- a retainer ring or something? ...and if that were placed in one like yours, how would one know/tell/care if it came that way or was "restored" to that state? Great family heirloom regardless!
In reply to There were lots of SpaceView by William Smith
All original Spaceviews had a Chapter ring which differs from a Dial spacer. Conversions utilize a spacer.
Some Spaceviews had only the crystal with markings while others had a chapter ring with the markings. There is a list of known case styles Bulova used to produce Spaceviews but even then you can't be absolutely certain. Additionally, Bulova converted some into Spaveviews at the request of the owners while others were converted by individual watchmakers. Those truly knowledgeable can spot most conversions but not all. Purists seek out those known to be factory originals while others embrace well done conversions. I have seen estimates that range as high as 90% of the Spaceviews now being sold are conversions.
You will need to find out what the original dial looked like to see if it is a 214 Rail Road Approved. If it is and you can get the original dial or a replacement of the original, it is IMO a much prettier watch with, again IMO, a far better look with it's 24 hour numbers and the labeling on the dial says it all. The space view was just a new gimic to sell more watches and I don't think is as appealing as looking at the time in a glance.
In reply to You will need to find out by JP
As stated, we all have different preferences but any Spaceview, converted or original, usually attracts more attention and commands higher prices than RR models. I have a '63 214 Spaceview and a '75 100th Anniv 214 Spaceview as well as a '72 214 RR. The Spaceviews ALWAYS attract more attention.
David If you got it this way as a Birthday gift, you may want to keep it just as gifted. Its cool looking, and if the crystal isn't as original to a spaceveiw-so what! Lots of options for this watch, and it's all up to you. It still pretty much looks "like new" the way it is now!