I don't own this watch but I'm considering buying it. The year is approximate based on some internet searching, indeed, that's how I found this site!
The crystal is incredibly scratched, it actually looks better in person than in the photos. The crystal is also cracked. The case in extremely scuffed. I don't mind the scuffed case but it needs a crystal replacement, if not some more cosmetic work. The strap is probably not original and looks cheap.
The watch runs and has been recently serviced. (I trust the seller on this, they are currently servicing my vintage Omega.)
At first, given the condition, it screams "walk away." But I'm wondering if replacing the crystal is worth it, and how much that would cost.
My big concern is that is a frankenwatch, a conversion. I browsed some dated movement pictures on this site and it didn't match up to any of them. But I've seen other Spaceviews with this movement.
The good news is that the asking price is about 40% lower than the cheapest Spaceviews I can find, considerably cheaper than the ebay ones. This could be the only way I could get a genuine Spaceview at a realistic price if in fact it is a genuine Spaceview.
Below the serial number on the case back is a letter/digit code, please advise what it is, that determines year of production. The Spaceview is easy to 'fake' because of the availability of standard / inter changeable parts. Inside the case bask is a stamped number that can help determine if this was and originally a spaceview or if it was converted. Again, depending on the case number you might be able to source a new crystal.
My question is this, If you're determined to wear a Spaceview and you can get one to refurbish at a reasonable price, what difference does it make if it's 100% factory original? What if it is a conversion? You'll still be wearing a Spaceview and that's pretty cool.
Based on the year you assigned, 1963, I would suggest this add tot he data base as a 1963 Bulova Accutron Spaceview, is the date code M3?
In reply to Below the serial number on… by Geoff Baker
Yes, it is M3. I didn't even see that there, it is almost illegible. But I have access to the full size image and it is M3.
I do not have physical access to the watch, but I'll be back at the jewelers in a week or two to pick up my Omega, I can have them pop the cover and get the number then. Good points about it being pretty cool even if it is a conversion, that's true.
You will need to open the case and look forthe case model number on the inner case back to match one of the below numbers that seem to be 'known' genuine Spaceview case numbers. Spaceview crystals are plentiful on eBay.
In reply to You will need to open the… by mybulova_admin
Good to know the crystal are still available. Thanks!
Please let us know if you can confirm the date code as M3 or something different.
I have purchased the watch but not picked it up. There is a thread on watchuseek.com about this watch. It certainly isn't correct as far as parts match and date codes are concerned. The first USA Chapter Ring was dated 1964ish so that is most likely a replacement caseback and if it was an M3, the pillar plate & component coil assy would be different. Pre-1968 Pillar plates would have been Zinc colored and not Gold so this pillar plate is a 1968+ replacement. And if this were a 1963 Chapter Ring watch the coil assy would have been a capacitor facing up 3 wire assy. This one is a 1965+ 2 wire assy. Possibly correct 2 wire for this watch dating 1964/65+ but the caseback date code does not match anything normal for this Chapter Ring. Chapter Ring Case 2531 (Gold Filled was the first USA Chapter Ring Spaceview in 1964) and Chapter Ring Case 2528 would have been around 1965/66 and would have been SS. There was a A2528 case also.
It's a real Chapter Ring watch but it has some mismatched parts on it and needs some TLC.
Another poster wonders if that is an M8, not an M3, which would be awesome. I'm really looking forward to picking this up!
The watch is back from Rob B in Bangkok. It looks wonderful. First, he confirmed it is an M8, not an M3.
[img]https://i.imgur.com/PWoatBv.jpeg[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/EF1hS9y.jpeg[/img]
Sorry, imgur doesn't allow direct linking, so you'll have click to see the watch, it is worth it!