Bulova 1965 Accutron

Submitted by Reverend Rob on August 22, 2013 - 11:45am
Manufacture Year
1965
Movement Model
214
Movement Jewels
14
Movement Serial No.
PAZ297L322
Case Serial No.
1-320224
Case shape
Round
Case color
White
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
33.5 mm armée
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

A nice example of a classic 214 Accutron. Apparently the word "Waterproof" was used initially and then changed to "Water Resistant" in 1969. Later in 1969, all reference to water resistance is removed. It was added again after 1971 to increase flagging sales, but I must make the following cautionary statement:

Accutrons are NOT waterproof, and never were. Even excessive wrist sweat can fog them up, and entry is provided, especially in the 214, at many points, not the least of which are the setting mechanism and battery hatch. If you have a nice old Accutron, treat it kindly, and keep in mind also that the stainless steel on these will also corrode over time when exposed to moisture, most commonly around the crystal, in the seat, where it cannot be seen unless the crystal is being changed. Your Accutron has survived all these years, it would be a shame to lose it to corrosion or water damage. 

Images used with kind permission of the original owner. 

Bulova 214 Accutron 1965
Bulova watch
Bulova watch
Bulova Watch
JP
Posted August 22, 2013 - 12:09pm

1965 Accutron 214 is my vote.

Nice looking example Rev.

Geoff Baker
Posted August 23, 2013 - 5:43am

Accutron.

mybulova_admin
Posted August 23, 2013 - 8:03pm

Generic Accutron for now. Hopefully we can find the model number oneday.

BlackbirdM3
Posted July 6, 2020 - 2:35am

Isn't this what is now known as a Swiss Railroad Approved? 

mybulova_admin
Posted July 8, 2020 - 5:04am

Bulova Line book suggests it's not part of the Railroad Approved series.

Whilst this example below is not the same watch (still looking), it is very close.

Bulova Accutron 422

BlackbirdM3
Posted July 10, 2020 - 10:58pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

This 422 is similar, but I believe its a different dial, case, and movement variation. I have one.  While the 422 is not railroad approved, the watch with the chapter ring is railroad approved. It says so on the dial. It might not be North American Railroad approved, but it is Swiss Railroad approved, since its a swiss movement, case, dial and is not a North American release. (As Astronaut M2 points out below.) 

mybulova_admin
Posted July 10, 2020 - 11:04pm

In reply to by BlackbirdM3

I'm confused, which watch are you talking about?

The subject watch does not have 'Railroad Approved' on the dial. 

BlackbirdM3
Posted July 10, 2020 - 11:51pm

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Sorry, you are right. I just noticed that the "Railroad Approved" was missing. Most of these say Railroad approved, and look identical aside from the RR approved. Interesting. I didn't realize there were two different versions that look nearly identical where one is Railroad Approved and one is not. 

 

Astronaut M2
Posted July 9, 2020 - 6:26pm

Swiss

Astronaut M2
Posted July 9, 2020 - 6:32pm

In reply to by Astronaut M2

It's a Swiss made Accutron 214HN Chapter Ring watch with a "Rail Road approved" dial...