Bulova Accutron Question

[50 target]

Timepieces are one of my interests and this watch in particular. I have several, one a 1961 out of a pawn shop, a 1964 Spaceview(214 movement) off of Ebay a few years ago and another 1976 out of a pawn shop. All are nice and work with the "hum" and the sweep second hand. Well, I saw one on Ebay that interested me and it was an N4 which is 1974 with a 218 movement that has the crown at 4 o'clock. I am high bidder and receive the watch and it is in the condition noted in the ad. Only problem is there is no "hum" and the second hand "ticks" as in a regular mechanical movement. Take it to my watch guy and when he takes the back off of it, it has a Swiss movement. Heck, I thought those did not come around to like 1977-78 somewhere in that time frame, not 1974. I advised the Seller that I was returning the watch and the reasons about no "hum" and no sweep second hand. He was nice about it but said "the watch is right as rain". Anyone else here have an interest and or knowledge about these watches and movements. I have some knowledge gleaned off the internet but would like other input if I was right or misinformed.
Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[vrichard]

Buova Accutron

I bought one in the 1960`s and keep it for a time ,then gave it to the boy,then I bought another one in the later 60`s or early 70.The one I have now it has the golden case and on the dial it has railroad approved.
i need a battery for it.
Dick

 

[Fred_P]

Unfortunately, I can't give you specific information about transitions from movement to movement, but I can tell you that I have a 218 movement, and it's definitely a tuning fork (hums). It also has a sweep second hand. Crown is at 4 o'clock and date window is at 3 o'clock.

My movement is loose (long story about getting my Dad's watch movement replaced about a decade ago), so it's easy to examine with a loupe. The movement is actually marked 2181, which indicates a 218 model with a date window. It was made in USA, has a patent number on it, and was date coded N3.

I examined another watch (case with a bad movement), and find no external indication of country of origin. It was externally date coded N3.

Although my examples are a year older, I doubt (as you do) that N4 dated watches would have a Swiss movement.


Good luck.... I hope this info helps.


Fred