Bulova 1961 Accutron SpaceView

Submitted by Joseph Dunn on
Manufacture Year
1961
Movement Model
Unknown
Movement Serial No.
-
Case Serial No.
D28499
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Watch Description

Grandfather's watch, with the strap replaced and currently not in working order. Details on back of the case in clockwise order: 14KT. GOLD   WATERPROOF  PATENTED BULOVA. At the 6 o'clock position on the front, the number 8 is displayed.

1961 Bulova watch
1961 Bulova watch
1961 Bulova watch
Joseph Dunn
Posted August 21, 2018 - 3:43pm

Additionally, are there any reputable/reliable places near London where I can take the watch to be fixed?

Astronaut M2
Posted August 22, 2018 - 5:01pm

Nice spaceview conversion... Solid 14kt gold is always a good thing...

Astronaut M2
Posted September 5, 2018 - 1:24am

In reply to by mybulova_admin

Sorry I'm late, The hands, The coil, The fork, And the crystal all are incorrect for a USA M1 14kt and at the moment I don't believe that case was ever used as a factory spaceview but I can't find the case number for this watch to confirm that ...

Astronaut M2
Posted September 14, 2018 - 5:11pm

In reply to by Astronaut M2

Ok, This is everything I've dug up about this watch, It is a case number #2313 / Style #25004 / model #503... 

And Bulova did make a Spaceview watch with that case But the correct crystal for that case would be a 1222SL like this...

So this watch has the wrong crystal installed because that crystal is for a Swiss made spaceview case number #454...

Also, I can say that as an M1 watch this watches movement has the wrong fork and coil assembly, Here is three pictures to help identify what an early M0/M1/M2 movement should have if it is all original...

 
Also, I believe this watch has the wrong hands as well but I would have to research that some more, Sorry to be the bearer of bad news that this watch is a conversion and not a particularly good one BUT It is still a 14kt solid gold watch and that is great news... 
Geoff Baker
Posted August 25, 2018 - 6:28am

Hello Joseph, welcome to myBulova. Congratulations on having this wonderful keepsake from your grandfather, I think you are most fortunate to have it.

I can't say for sure that your watch was converted to a Spaceview model but it certainly seems to be one now. As always we recommend a professional service if you plan to wear it.

1961 Bulova Accutron Spaceview

Geoff Baker
Posted August 31, 2018 - 12:15am

Panel - are we all in agreement that we have a Spaceview here?

Reverend Rob
Posted August 31, 2018 - 10:45am

1961 Spaceview.

There are very few place that will properly service a vintage Accutron- You will have to utilize the services of an horological society or see what pops up in a Google search.

If you mean London UK, check with the BHI, they may have listings of places that specialize in old Accutrons, otherwise the NAWCC has listings for wtachmakers by region/location. 

Geoff Baker
Posted August 31, 2018 - 10:56am

In reply to by Reverend Rob

London UK as opposed to London, Ont. Rob - ha ha. I've been ot one of the two......