Bulova 1966 Accutron SpaceView

Submitted by MinnesotaHeathen on
H
Manufacture Year
1966
Movement Jewels
Unknown
Case Serial No.
J92619
Case shape
Round
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

1966 Bulova Accutron Spaceview 214, date code M6, purchased by my great-grandfather. The custom accents on the band was done by a jeweler in his hometown of Osage, Iowa that he had done a good amount of business and become quite good friends with. The watch no longer operates, unfortunately. I had recently had it sent in to Bulova for possible repair, but was informed that they no longer manufacture the parts necessary to make the needed repairs.

1966 custom Bulova Accutron Spaceview
1966 custom Bulova Accutron Spaceview back of case
MinnesotaHeathen
Posted August 22, 2021 - 5:38pm

I forgot to mention that the band is a stretch-fit style with no clasp, which explains the rather poor quality of the photo of the back of the case, as I do not have the proper tools to detach the case from the band and don't dare attempt to reverse the band in order to get a more clear picture.

mybulova_admin
Posted August 22, 2021 - 7:39pm

Interesting that Bulova would say that they cannot repair. There are still plenty of parts available online. I know they don't repair inhouse, but am surprised they didn't point you to Bulova Authorised Service Centre.

There are a number of member on site that also repair Accutron. Watch Links | myBulova.com

MinnesotaHeathen
Posted August 22, 2021 - 8:04pm

I also thought it strange that they declined to repair it, but if they don't offer repair in house, that would explain it. Thanks for the links, however.

Geoff Baker
Posted August 23, 2021 - 5:03am

Hi Heathen - I just sent you contact information for the fellow that ran the Accutron Service Center for Bulova. He's probably the best guy to work on the watch.

PS - I assume you know the tips on that band are 24k gold nuggets.

MinnesotaHeathen
Posted August 23, 2021 - 10:17am

I appreciate it, Geoff. I've also sent an email to the Veteran's Watchmaker Initiative about possible repair, but I'll definitely get in contact with Henry as well. As for the band tips, I had assumed that they were gold, but not 24K. As for the green accents, the jewelry store that I brought it to who had originally sent it to Bulova assumed they were jade. Interestingly, they also claimed that it was not real gold.

Geoff Baker
Posted August 23, 2021 - 9:16pm

These bands were very popular during the building of the Alaska Oil Pipeline, which began in the early 70's. Many of the fellows that came back from working on the job came back with similar items. Jade was often included. I would take it to a couple places that buy and sell gold and ask them to test the nuggets. There might be a nominal charge but I think it would be worth looking into.

Good luck on the restore, as an family heirloom this is is an amazing piece.

JimDon5822
Posted August 23, 2021 - 12:37am

1966 Bulova Spaceview is an easy ID. It's a very nice watch and love the personal touches.  Service will definitely have to be aftermarket with a specialist in vintage accutrons.  There are a few that still do this.  

mybulova_admin
Posted August 23, 2021 - 11:46pm

Does the caseback indicate what the bezel gold content is? Is it gold filled or solid?

plainsmen
Posted August 24, 2021 - 1:24am

Man I love to hear Grandpa's watch stories.  I'm sure you'll get it up and humming (that's the sound they make).  Thanks for sharing man.