Bulova Accutron 214 Restoration - So Precise NASA Astronauts Used Them

In this video Mike takes on the iconic Bulova Accutron 214 tuning fork watch. One if his all time grail watches as it is a bit of horological history. Introduced in 1960 the watch uses a tuning fork for its regulation and boasted accuracy of 1 minute a month or better. All a decade before the quartz revolution in timekeeping. Accutron's were so accurate that NASA and the military used them and Bulova made a model called the Astronaut which as the name suggests was worn by astronauts in space! Will Mike be able to fix his dream watch? watch to find out.

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About me:
My name is Mike and I am a hobbyist watchmaker. I am completely self-taught in watch repair and restoration. My channel is all about my journey of hobbyist of watchmaking. I have watch repair tutorials, watch restorations and watch repair videos. Some of my content you can easily follow along to if you are working on the same watch movement. My main focus is to document my journey and inspire more people into this wonderful hobby and demonstrate that this hobby can be very rewarding. I do not profess to be a professional watchmaker and in my videos, I show all my mistakes, mishaps, highs and lows and keep everything as honest as possible. It is easy to edit all the mistakes out and make my videos look perfect but I believe that keeping it real reflects the true reality of this hobby. So what are you waiting for? please check out my watch repair and restoration videos, get inspired and start your own watchmaking journey.

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[bryanlaudermilch]

The stabilizer bar that you left in the movement goes over both the locking pawl and the index finger. It's to keep the pawl jewels from falling of the index wheel. If you have issues with centering everything so they don't hit try looking through your scope through the battery port. You will have to pull the seconds pinion out because it will block your view. If you need any help my name is Bryan. I'm not all knowledgeable but what knowledge I have I would love to share. My name is Bryan and you are the first person on utube I ever responded to. Love your show!!!

[michaelostassr.]

Got one of these for my 16th birthday. I’m 66 now. Still have it. Rebuilt several times, still working. It’s in the vintage side of my box along with my datejust. Semi retired as it were. Wear it in good health.
You look good as well.

[TradinTigerJohn]

I bought a gold-filled Accutron Spaceview in 1967 and lost it in Caracas, Venezuela in 1975. I had only the most vague concept of how the tuning fork vibrations were transmitted to that incredibly delicate index wheel until I saw your video. I had no idea of what a delicate balance had to be achieved to move that tiny 2mm wheel one tooth per vibration. To get those two jewels to neither bind up that wheel nor have it overshoot a tooth because of insufficient friction takes an amazing touch. That movement pushes the limits of what can be accomplished with small-scale mechanical engineering. I have a whole new appreciation for a watch I loved and lost under circumstances most people wouldn't believe. Thank you for sharing this!

[You_really-triedv]

This is just next level… excuse my limited language. You can say what you want about mechanical wonders in watches, but this is just a fine marriage of electrical and mechanical engineering, predating quartz. This is understated fine watchmaking, thank you mister !

[vincenzo.caserta]

Absolutely blown away by this restoration! The way you brought that vintage Bulova back to life is nothing short of masterful. Seeing your expertise applied to such a complex and unique piece, especially with the Accutron tuning fork mechanism, is awe-inspiring. You’ve truly outdone yourself with this one! I envy you—must be nice having an Accutron on your wrist 😄 I bet even time feels honored! ⏱⌚

[thomasgabriel]

You have more patience in one watch then I could muster in a month!! Love the watch and so glad you have one in your collection now!

[javierhernandez]

Accutron is my favorite vintage watch. Thank you!

[MikeB_UK]

Your videos on the unusual and historical watch restorations are so interesting to see how the things work. I was holding my breath every time you went near those pawl fingers - holy moley that's some crazy engineering. The mind boggles as to how they created those at all, let alone in a repeatable fashion in the factory. And when you think it was done the 1960's... unbelievable. So glad it worked and thank you for sharing insights into your hobby.

[steve]

Another Outstanding video Mike! I tried my hand several times at this movement about 20 years ago. Never got any of them back together successfully. The parts are so tiny and fragile plus I didn’t have proper magnification back then. You’ve inspired me to give it another try, as I have kept all the parts. And I have a few that hum but hands don’t move. I’ll let you know how it goes! Thanks for the inspiration!
Steve

[m.cigledy]

I remember walking through department stores as a kid and hearing all the Bulovas humming away in the display cases. Really cool watches.

[calebbell]

It is a beautiful watch, I love that you can see the innards, I think that is one of the best features!

[bobw]

I too, have one of these beautiful 214 Accutron watches. I purchased it new back in the early 1970's. I hadn't intended to buy a watch at the time, as I had originally gone into this jeweler's store so that my fiancee and I could pick out an engagement ring for her. Well about that time her family moved to Northern California (we all lived in L.A.) and she missed them so much she decided that we would continue the engagement long-distance until we actually got married. You can probably guess how that worked out because eventually I had to drive to Shingle Springs (in the Northern Sierra Nevada Mtns) to get the ring back. The jeweler listened quietly and then explained that they had a policy based on human nature, and so they would not refund my money. But he said, "We also have another policy: When human nature intervenes, they do allow for trades!" My eyes landed on my Accutron 214 and human nature intervened yet once again. It's been in my watch collection now for 51 years; still beautiful, still looks and runs like new, in its original Bulova clamshell box. Over the decades I've only worn it on special occasions, as the batteries have become almost impossible to find (and they're banned in California, I had to find a source in Nevada and sneak them in! Please, nobody rat on me, okay?). Great video, you're doing amazing work Mike and I'm loving watching all the work you've done. Keep it up!

[SpinStar]

Just floored by the period manufacturing expertise of the day. And hats-off for you going all the way into it!
Amazing the index-wheel with the two jewels suspended on those hairsprings!
I pretty well will venture into anything, even if small but this one takes the cake!
What I really wish is if Buova would have made a film showing how they made various components; but probably too proprietary for the time, to have them give anything away!

[Adrianization]

Congratulations with a new watch! Very clear explanation of repair and super final result!

[skify]

What a coincidence, I just bought one of these!! Had one in my hands a while ago and the sound it makes is just fantastic. Thanks for yet another awesome video.

[Leo-Crespi]

This one deserves a million views. You did a great and entertaining job, thank you!

[BryanO]

I've always wanted one of these, but I can tell you, given a hundred years, I would not have figured out the pawl was being fouled by that little piece. Incredible. You have an extraordinary gift of patience.

[patrickcarpenter]

One of the most pretty watches I have seen restored on this channel. Stunning watch.

[WilmingtonLutheran-up]

What a fantastic watch. Thank you for attempting the restoration and letting us come along on the journey. It was very interesting, enjoyable, and educational. Good job and thanks again.

[georuiz]

Great work as always. I found myself holding my breath at times ! Lovely watch !