[PaulB]

What a great site for Accutron information! I inherited my father's Spaceview 214 which has not been run or serviced since his death in 1984. At least I had the idea at the time to remove the battery from the watch when he died. I had forgotten the watch until a few weeks ago when I came across it when I was cleaning a cupboard. Seeing my father's watch made me remember how much my father loved and cherished this watch and I would like to have it serviced and refurbished.

My questions are: The watch is a 14kt gold model with Kreisler 10kt gold interlocking band. The serial number starts with the letter D which would indicate a U.S watch but there is no date code underneath the serial number. As best as I can remember, my father purchased the watch in the 60's but I'm concerned as to why there is not a date code on the case? I know the watch was purchased new from a reputable jeweler and has always been in our family.

My other question is: Any information as to a good service person or company in the Chicago area? I'm nervous about sending the watch out of state to an internet repair business but have located a person, Martin Marcus in Marblehead, MA that I'm thinking about using. Any experience with or ideas for a service person.
Oh well, at the moment, my father's beautiful watch is accurate two times a day.
Hoping to improve on its current accuracy!

[Boomertime]

What a great site for Accutron information! I inherited my father's Spaceview 214 which has not been run or serviced since his death in 1984. At least I had the idea at the time to remove the battery from the watch when he died. I had forgotten the watch until a few weeks ago when I came across it when I was cleaning a cupboard. Seeing my father's watch made me remember how much my father loved and cherished this watch and I would like to have it serviced and refurbished.

My questions are: The watch is a 14kt gold model with Kreisler 10kt gold interlocking band. The serial number starts with the letter D which would indicate a U.S watch but there is no date code underneath the serial number. As best as I can remember, my father purchased the watch in the 60's but I'm concerned as to why there is not a date code on the case? I know the watch was purchased new from a reputable jeweler and has always been in our family.

My other question is: Any information as to a good service person or company in the Chicago area? I'm nervous about sending the watch out of state to an internet repair business but have located a person, Martin Marcus in Marblehead, MA that I'm thinking about using. Any experience with or ideas for a service person.
Oh well, at the moment, my father's beautiful watch is accurate two times a day.
Hoping to improve on its current accuracy!

PaulB,
First,,, welcome to the Watch & Clock Forum. I trust that your joining our forum will be a lot of fun, educational, and beneficial. I am Moderator of the Accutron Forum, the Pocket Watch Forum and the Vintage Watches Forum. I might be able to shed some light on your Accutron date code question. The "D" letter and serial number are the case manufacturer ID numbers. The actual "Date Code" is only a two space number consisting of either an "M" and a number or an "N" and a number.
Bulova started date coding their watches in 1950 with an "LO". 1951 was L1. 1957 was L7 and so on. When 1960 came around, the next letter in the alphabet was used. 1960 was M0. 1966 was M6. 1968 was M8. The same holds true for the 1970's 1974 was N4. 1977 was N7 and so forth.
So,,,, if you look at the letter & number under your case serial number and see (for example) M4, your Accutron was built in 1964.
Hopefully that explains how to date code your Accutron. As far as having the watch serviced, I can not speak for any other company besides my own. We have been in the watch and jewelry industry for over 36 years. We specialize in vintage, rare and collectible timepieces. 99% of all watchmakers that do work on antique watches state that they do NOT work on Accutron watches. Our shop however does have an Accutron specialist. If you would like to have us service your watch, feel free to ask Thomas Carey or the other Watch and Clock Forum members that we have serviced their watches if they feel that our work is good and we are a trustworthy source.

Respectfully, Boomer

[Thomas Carey]

I highly suggest you send your watch to Boomer. I know I would. He is the man when it comes to Accutrons.

[Boomertime]

I highly suggest you send your watch to Boomer. I know I would. He is the man when it comes to Accutrons.

Thanks for the testimonial Thomas, I appreciate it!
Boomer

[M. Cross]

Hello! Yet another newbie here.

I, too, own my late fathers 218 from 1978, as well as my own 214 from 1976.

Both run great, and keep fine time.

I look forward to reading info here in order to learn how to keep my watches operational and singing away.

Thanks!

Regards !Mark

[Boomertime]

M. Cross,
Welcome to the Watch & Clock Forum. Congratulations on not only having your own "Hummer", but also having one that is part of your family heritage. The personal and sentimental value always outweighs the intrinsic or re-sale value.
Boomer

[M. Cross]

Thank you, sir.

I was fortunate Dad kept his 218 in it's original box, so I have that as well. It's interesting to hear it humming in that plastic box, as it's amplified quite a bit. If you don't remember it's in there, you wander around trying to figure out what the heck that whistling sound is. (grins)

Regards! Mark

[Boomertime]

M. Cross,
"Exactly"!! Having the Accutron watches in those resin and plastic boxes actually make sort of a small "sound chamber" that will deepen and sometimes echo the vibrating or humming sound of the tuning fork escapement. On the other hand however, some of the earlier velvet lined wooded boxes and the velvet lined and leatherette covered Accutron boxes actually muffled or deadened the humming sound.

From "Hummer Headquarters", Boomer