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
mybulova_admin
Posted July 10, 2020 - 11:30pm

In reply to by Astronaut M2

The subject watch does not have a 214H....just a generic 214 as seen above in the photo provided by the owner.

Just to confirm that a 'Railroad Approved' watch needed the hack feature and as such needed a 214H movement (or 218 which has this feature built in or even a 2141/2142 movement).

Also the 21260 shown above does not have a 214HN movement as there is no second hour hand, which is what the 214HN provided and was commonly used in the Astronaut models as shown above.

mybulova_admin
Posted July 11, 2020 - 12:20am

One for Rev....found this advert detailing that the Accutron (at least the one shown) was 'waterproof'. I'm not sure how this plays into what you said above.

1967 NC The Cherokee Scout - Accutron '202', Calendar 'X' 'AD' 'L'