Probably the ultimate Accutron collectable - the 114P prototype was where the final engineering on the release version 214 was done. This one is intact, I have not and will not try to make it run, the parts are too precious for me to bugger it up.. It's complete, no acid/battery damage (comes with the original, obviously dead, battery) and is in a 1962 case. The prototypes were sent out into the world in gold cases - and executives and probably sales-people wore them as a test for durability and practicality. Hansen's newest Accutron book has a fascinating history of the prototypes, and how they changed from one movement to another as engineering solutions evolved.
At the moment - this is the only one I know of on the market. The gold case was removed, probably in 1962, and it was installed in a stainless case (M2). I imagine the value of the gold had something to do with that. As far as I know it's been in this case since 1962.
What I'm looking for - an Accutron Astronaut - the original one with the 24 hour rotating bezel. Has to be complete. Has to be running. Very desirable if it has a service histroy. The one with the gold bezel would be nice, but I'd also consider any of the 24 hour bezel models. Despite what people think - according to Hansen's book, there were Astronauts that came with leather bands, they weren't all metal banded.. so I'd consider one with a leather band if it's a genuine Accutron band. I'd prefer a metal band. White face or black face - either is fine.
How I wish I had an Astronaut to trade you :-)
Do you know the serial number of the movement?
I didn't remove the grounding spring - and the SN is under that spring. I'm assuming it was a fairly late one since there aren't a lot of differences between it and the 214. Hansons book gives great detail on the changes Bulova made to the prototypes as they were being tested.
And I have to mark it as NLA - someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse today..
In reply to I didn't remove the… by don_e
Someone made a great swap/buy.