Bulova 1976 Accutron

Submitted by JimDon5822 on
Manufacture Year
1976
Movement Model
214
Movement Serial No.
None
Case Serial No.
None
Case shape
Cushion
Case color
Yellow
Case Manufacturer
Bulova
Crystal details
Round Domed
Gender
Mens
Watch Description

Here is a real UNICORN and one that has me super excited.   It is a 1976 N6 Bulova Accutron 417 with a 214 movement and a custom dial for the WATCHMAKERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY INC 1939.   I know what you are thinking, a 1976 with a 214 movement?  This appears to be a specially constructed watch in 1976.  The movement and case have an N6 date code.  it is not an M.  It is 100% an N.   There are no serial numbers on this watch.  I suspect Bulova may have produced these from inventory specifically for the watchmakers group.  

Accutron 417
Accutron 417 2
Accutron 417 3
Accutron 417 Ad
Geoff Baker
Posted August 29, 2022 - 9:12pm

Jim - what's the source and date of the advert snip you added?

JimDon5822
Posted August 30, 2022 - 9:55pm

Yes.  I believe this to be a special production from Bulova.  The lack of serial number, special dial, and subject matter plus a 214 movement this late kind of makes sense.   We certainly have no way of knowing for sure but its my only theory.

JimDon5822
Posted August 30, 2022 - 9:59pm

I just checked the 214 movement and it says the max date was 214,  I thought they discontinued it in the 1960's.  So probably not special.

Astronaut M2
Posted September 3, 2022 - 4:49pm

Bulova continued to make Accutron 214's watches up to 1976 (but I have seen one 1977 214), though, after a point in the 70s, they mostly only continued the Astronauts and Railroad line of 214's, BUT as always never say never with Bulova... 

mybulova_admin
Posted August 31, 2022 - 5:52am

Might it have been a case of build your own watch whilst at the school and this is the result of one persons effort. Was there a date stamp on the movement\? The hands all look to be non standard for an Accutron. Pretty cool custom piece.

1976 Accutron "417" would be the bet I could do.

Geoff Baker
Posted August 31, 2022 - 9:08pm

I'd be more comfortable with just Accutron, I think that we have no mention in the  seventies line books of this case style I would not go with a 10 year old name. I agree that it's more likely something someone assembled and not 'factory'.

neetstuf-4-u
Posted September 1, 2022 - 9:06am

Sorry Jim; I am inclined to agree with Stephen and Geoff. It's plausible that this may have been a school "final test" or something similar. Assemble a working watch from Bulova supplied parts using the Association dial to gain certification. It might also have been assembled from Bulova donated parts to award a member at a meeting of the Watchmakers Association. That would help explain the lack of serial number. Old stock unused case, never numbered for factory production. Pure speculation. Perhaps contacting the group webmaster of their web page would shed some light on the origin of the watch.

In any event it's very cool and an Accutron all the way. I personally have never seen anything like it.

1976 Accutron (for now)

"The Watchmakers Association of NJ was founded in 1939 for the purpose of preserving and furthering the Art and Science of Watchmaking. For 79 years it has supported watchmakers, clockmakers and others in the field of horology. Its current membership consists of watchmakers, clockmakers, watch and clock collectors, hobbyists and members of the horological industry."

Kathy L.
Posted September 1, 2022 - 7:13pm

I really love all the special Bulova watches you pick up Jim.  This one is very cool indeed.

1976 Bulova Accutron