The Bulova Accutron Watch- originally posted 9-10-2007
Date Code = M8 =
1968 (=8 years before John Doe found)
Serial Code =
H918803 = made in the USA ____________________________________________________
The Bulova Accutron was first sold to the public in November of 1960.
During the Accutron’s
heyday from 1960 to about 1970, only about two million units were sold.
The two (of six total) model considered most collectible are the model 214 and 218.
The 214, which came out first, has the set mechanism in the back of the watch. It is a small semi-circular lever that is lifted with a fingernail.
The 218 is distinguished by a conventional crown along the side of the watch, located at the 4 o’clock position.
Bulova introduced the 218 in 1965 and gradually phased out the 214 for several reasons.
Various models of the 218 were produced until 1977.
Bulova provided a unique
dating system on their cases beginning in 1949 which allows accurate dating of any Accutron. The codes were used as follows:
A9 = 1949 (this was the first dating done)
L0-L9 - 1950's. L2 = 1952, etc.
M0-M9 - 1960's. M6 = 1966, etc.
N0-N9 - 1970's. N3 = 1973, etc.
The
date code can be found at the bottom of the case back. It will be a two digit alpha/numeric code, not to be confused with the longer alpha/numeric case reference above it.
Serial numbers that begin with a letter were made in the USA.
The serial number contains no other useful information about the watch. Inside of the back cover there is a
4 digit case number printed or stamped. That number is the key to all information about the model.
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A Reply regarding the Watch - originally posted 9-11-2007
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Just received this...and I've answered back with a LOT of questions (*I had
contacted an expert on Bulova watches)
I'm afraid that the serial number contains no useful information. This is thanks to the lack of foresight on the part of Bulova when they trashed virtually everything associated with early Accutron watches.
I do keep very good records and a computer search for H918803 turned up nothing. It's my habit to add a dash and then the date code after the serial number on all of my invoices so I tried H918803-M8 but again, no luck. I would have been pleased to contribute to your search but unfortunately, I have nothing for you.
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More from the gentleman I emailed about the watch: originally posted 9-12-2007
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The Accutron watch was a high tech instrument in its day. It had a connection to the space program and was very popular with young people. It was cool, and relatively expensive starting at $125. Most of the ones that I repair were originally gifts from parents, wives, or friends.
Bulova was a world class manufacturer at the time, with manufacturing facilities in New York and Switzerland. Components were made in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. The total number of watches made during the 17 years of production (1960 to 1977) has been variously put at anywhere between 17 and 24 million.
They were marketed everywhere and sold with a sizeable discount to GI's at military PX's all over the world.
Finally, when an old watch is opened to reveal the works, you can often find the initials and date of the various repairers who had worked on it scratched somewhere on the case or movement. (*this was later checked by the coroner and no information was found inside the watch)