Bulova 1968 Accutron

Submitted by JPutt on October 1, 2021 - 5:48pm
412
Manufacture Year
1968
Movement Model
214
Case Serial No.
B36635
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
29.5 mm
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

My father-in-law bought this watch new in the late 1960's. The case and movement date codes, M8, indicate 1968. He wore the watch for about 5 years and then switched to Quartz. I had the watch cleaned and repaired in mid-2020 and it has been working well.

The movement is a 214. I am curious if you know what the ink stamp on the inside of the case back means: 2527; 9-6?

The dial is nice light gold with what almost looks like a "sunburst" radiating from the center. I could not find an example of the exact dial. The markers at 3, 6 and 9:00 appear to be 2 bars with a groove down the middle of each bar. There are small, luminous dots/squares above each hour marker. The 12:00 position has the trademark tuning fork. The hour and minute hands are also luminous. The bezel is 10k gold filled. Case back is stainless.

I am looking for Bulova ads from the 1960s that show a similar watch dial. It seems like the model 412 or 413 are close but there is not enough detail in the online pictures to tell.

Looking forward to your comments.

John

Front
Movement
Case Back
Inside Case Back
Andersok
Posted October 1, 2021 - 7:05pm

Very nice watch to have in the family since new.

I believe it to be the Accutron "412", as seen in this 1964 linebook.

Other ad photos seem to show a silver dial, which yours seems to be. The 411 variant also used this case, but had numerals on the dial 3,6,9.

LB1964_Accutron412

The inside stamp 2527 is the case#; the other stamp I am not sure, possibly from a Bulova service center.

Kathy L.
Posted October 1, 2021 - 9:01pm

I am so glad to hear you had this serviced and are keeping this fine watch in the family.

1968 Bulova Accutron "412"

Geoff Baker
Posted October 1, 2021 - 9:42pm

I was told by a watchmaker (a member here) who worked 25 years for a Bulova Service Center that a watch would have a month / year ink stamp when it left the service department. I suspect this watch was in for service in September 1976, maybe for a quartz movement.....

Spot on with ID Ken - 1968 Bulova Accutron 412 - amazing heirloom

JPutt
Posted October 1, 2021 - 10:04pm

This is super interesting. I appreciate all the help and comments.

John

mybulova_admin
Posted October 1, 2021 - 10:05pm

Here is a closer image of the Accutron 412

Accutron "412"

JEV1A
Posted October 3, 2021 - 11:34am

Excellent example of a 214 "412" 

Just a simple tip, check your battery cover O-Ring.. its probably bad. 

I have o-rings and service if you need it. 

JV TIME & AGAIN

JPutt
Posted October 3, 2021 - 12:15pm

Thanks for the heads-up. Much appreciated.

John