Today I am presenting for review another very nice early Bulova Accutron 214. This is the 1960 Bulova Accutron Model '204' Style# 21010. It is Stainless Steel with 14kt Gold Chevrons. This accutron Model is the Black Dial variant. This watch does have the correct 1960 (M0) movement (no date stamp) and correct caseback.
This unique case is also known to sport a Cream Dial and is known as Model 203 Style #21009. It seems the Black Dial version may be a bit more rare. Consensus seems to agree that this case was only dated 1960 which puts it in a small group of limited production date Accutrons. This accutron has the unique feature of the stamping (Star Watch Case Company) inside the caseback. Overall a very unique Bulova watch. It just so happens I own two of them as pictured below. Both are identical Model 204s with 1960 (M0) movements. If I am not mistaken, one of them was purchased from a myBulova Panel member. These watches are not for sale and will be staying in my collection. I do have some reference material to present but haven't seen a specific Line Catalog image of this particular early Model watch but it does appear on both the 1961 & 1964 Bulova Price Lists ($175.00). I am curious if this panel can find a Line Catalog image and description. Thanks and Enjoy!
Hmmmmm.... That image and numerical info sure makes it interesting and now a bit confusing. The Model 201 Style#21000 and the Model 202 Style# 21001 (Blk) are both shown in the 1964 Cumulative Price list, as is the Model 203 Style# 21009 & 204 Style#21010(Blk). But the Model 201 & 202 aren't in the 1961 Price List (The 203&204 are). I'm now wondering if the leather strap 201/202 line image and metal bracelet 203/204 (ad below) have anything to do with the Model/Style variant? I didn't see this new conflicting info coming. Very interesting.
1964 Clip from Price List
One of the Model 203 Advertisements (with a metal Bracelet.
In reply to Hmmmmm.... That image and… by SpaceviewM2
In reply to Yes I think you may be onto… by Kathy L.
My goodness. I don't think I have heard or read about anybody mentioning that watch or selling that watch on any watch forum, Facebook group or eBay ever call it anything but a Model 203 or 204. I am a bit shocked we may have stumbled on a long-standing incorrect Identification. Talk about a can of worms...... On a leather strap, it's a 201/202, and on a correct metal bracelet, it's a 203/204? Not sure what to think now.
Since it appears we have uncovered additional info through that Line catalog showing this watch case and dial/hand combo on a leather strap is designated as a Model 201 or 202(Blk), do any of your Line catalog reference images show the Metal bracelet variant as Model 203/204(Blk)? The more tech info to back up a 'new conversation' on this watch and the new found variant designations would no doubt help. Thanks
Even the current Bulova Accutron Legacy watch Cream Dial on a leather strap is called a 203. I guess this head-scratching info put out on some of these vintage generic accutrons advertisements and Bulova line images and new model names is par for the coarse. It can get complicated and not follow a consistent pattern.
In reply to Even the current Bulova… by SpaceviewM2
Well, I will let it up to you guys on how you handle this watch review. I can say I was shocked to see that a previously unknown Model/Style was assigned to this watch. Going forward, I can't imagine trying to have a conversation with anyone that what they think is a 203 really isn't. And I guess the (4) Model 203s in your database on leather straps need to be Changed? Sometimes finding new info about your accutrons can be both helpful and great and also a can of worms. This one through me for a loop. Regards!!!
