Of all the watches manufactured by Bulova and they produced hundreds of different models over a span of more than half a century, the Accutron Tuning Fork electric watch is one of their most collectable and highly sought after models. With many variants produced, the Accutron was ahead of its time in both design and technology. When the Accutron was first introduced in 1960, the electric watch had only been released to the retail market three years earlier (by Hamilton in 1957) and it was to be another ten years before the quartz watch would be introduced and quickly dominate the market.
This watch is an extremely rare Railroad Approved dual time calendar model manufactured in 1974. What makes this watch rare and consequently highly sought after, is the dual time function. Notice that the watch has two crowns, not one, as with the majority of Accutrons. It also has two hour hands. The watch can be set to two time zones, using the upper crown which is turned to move the hour hand to show the difference between local time and the desired time zone. The movement is the cal. 2185, only used in dual time models including the highly collectable dual time Astronaut. This watch is also an approved railroad watch manufactured to chronometer standards of time accuracy. Before the American railroads used computers and electronically controlled timekeeping, until around the end of the 1970's, Bulova was one of the major approved railroad watchmakers. The Accutron 214 and 218 Accutron models were so accurate, that they were the obvious choice for the needs of the railroad. The design of the dial is similar to the the American railroad pocket watches used by railway personnel in the late 19th century and the early part of the twentieth century.
In completely original condition, the cosmetic appearance of this watch is stunning and having been serviced by an Accutron specialist last September (2015), which included replacing the battery, it runs beautifully and keeps time. This watch is signed five times, on the case, dial, two crowns and movement. Please note that replacement batteries are readily available for this watch.
If you are looking for one of these models you will be hard pressed to find a better example and it may be years before you come across another. It is only the second I have seen during the 12 years I have been selling watches, so do not let this watch pass you by.
I have been collecting vintage watches for over twenty five years and selling them as an enjoyable lifestyle occupation since 2003. I have consistently received excellent feedback and many repeat buyers. Customer satisfaction is very important to me so if you do have any problems please get in touch. I will always do my best to help. I often assist customers who ask for my help several years after they have purchased a watch from me; so once you have bought a watch, you will remain an important customer. You can email me at jackanpet123@gmail.com to ask any questions.
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Case: stainless steel in great condition with the expected light marks from careful use over forty one years but absolutely no signs of abuse, dents or scratches of significance that I could see to draw to your attention. It measures approximately 40 mm from lug to lug and 36 mm across excluding the signed crown. The outside of the rear cover is marked " Bulova " and "N4" which signifies the year of manufacture (1974).
Dial: original factory finish, in excellent condition, finished in antique white with black Arabic numerals marking the hours and an inner 24 hour track marked by red Arabic numerals. The dial is signed "Bulova Accutron Railroad Approved Mark IV". The date aperture is located at 3 o'clock.
Movement: cal. 2185 Accutron Tuning Fork movement, running strongly and keeping time. If you hold it to your ear you can hear it humming. The quick set date function operates correctly. The watch was serviced in September 2015.
Strap : fitted with a generic black leather strap which attached to the watch measures approximately 213mm from buckle tip to last hole.
POSTAGE AND PAYMENT DETAILS 3/2014
Postage within the
I can provide free postage in accordance with the eBay’s requirements for good business sellers but your package will not be insured against loss or damage and it will take up to five working days to arrive. If you choose the recommended method of postage, Royal Mail Special Delivery, this will insure your watch against loss or damage in transit. It also guarantees next working day delivery. The charge is £7.95
Postage Overseas.
The charge for watches sold for £500 or less will be 15.95 GBP by Royal Mail International Signed For. This provides a maximum insurance value of up to 500 GBP subject to Royal Mail conditions.
If you are purchasing an item at a price above £500 and pay using Paypal I must observe their rules by sending the watch by courier if Royal Mail do not provide a full tracking and signed for service for parcels sent to your country. In order to receive Paypal’s protection service, for which I pay a fee, they require me to send the watch to you with full on line tracking and a signature on delivery. The cost of using the courier service is £55-£60 GBP to most countries but I will shoulder part of the cost and charge you just 34.95 GBP. If you wish me to send the watch to by Royal Mail International Signed For at a cost of 15.95 GBP and you accept that insurance will be limited to 500 GBP I can, at your request do so, if you pay by direct bank to bank transfer.
ALL PACKAGES SENT TO
Payment
All buyers may pay using Paypal or bank to bank transfer.
Overseas buyers: At my discretion I will accept other forms of payment but accept STERLING only. Please contact me if you wish to do this before the auction ends.
Terms of
I pack my watches very well to avoid damage but very occasionally a problem may occur due to rough treatment in transit or the use of scanning equipment by Customs or the postal services which can magnetise the watch mechanism. I warrant that the watch you purchase will, when you receive it, be as described in the listing. If there is a problem when you receive your purchase I provide a no quibble full refund option. Alternatively I will undertake any repairs that are necessary if the watch is damaged or if in any other way differs significantly from the description. If I have not stated that the watch has been serviced, you may wish to have this work done, particularly if you intend to wear the watch on a daily basis. On request, I can provide you with details of independent watchmakers to whom you can send your watch for servicing.
I provide comprehensive details of my watches, including very clear photographs taken with a high resolution macro lens which shows detail not visible to the naked eye. I also invite you to ask questions if there is anything else you need to know. Please take care to consider the dimensions of the watch case as if it is a gentlemans’ Art Deco rectangular vintage watch, they were made significantly smaller than contemporary watches.
You are buying a used watch so there will be signs of use. Please do not expect quartz accuracy from a vintage watch. In the 1940’s/1950’s the accepted timekeeping tolerance for a new 17 jewel manual watch was within three minutes a day. All of my watches are professionally inspected and tested before sale and if they are not running smoothly and keeping reasonable time I have them serviced and/ or have any other work undertaken that is needed to ensure the watch is in running condition. However please bear in mind that a fault can develop unexpectedly at any time as with any used item so I am unable to provide any on-going warranty. Please also note that I provide no guarantee that my watches are waterproof. I would always strongly recommend keeping any vintage well away from moisture.
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