Bulova accutron 2 years old stopped running after jeweler replaces battery. You could hear a hum but it quit working. Cost to fix?

The year made cannot be determined from the SN. Since the '50s Bulova used a 2 character date code, usually below the SN. The letter is the decade, the number is the year. For example, M4 is 1964, N6 is 1976, O5 is 1985, etc. As to value, if it is from 1960 through 1976 (M0 thru N6) it is a "true" Accutron, with a tuning fork movement, is collecrible and valuable, and the actual value depends on which specific movement and which case. Some 1977 (N7) Accutrons are akso collectible rtuning fork watches, but some 1977s are Bulova's first quartz watches, and of no value. Bulova eventually went mostly automatic (self-winding mechanical movement) with their Accutron line. Those are well-made, mid to upper-mid level watches, and of no particular value beyond that of most any good used automatic. Note, however, that there have been numerous versions of the automatic Accutrons, some fancier and nmore expensive than others, and, s ith any good watch, original cost will have an effect on value as a used watch. For example, that retailed at, say, $500 new in 2009 will be worth more today than one that was $250 new in 2009 (assuming comparable condition). There are also now some Accutron IIs, which mimic, in looks and the sweep second hand, the original tuning fork Accutrons. However, while they are well-made watches, they are just another nice quartz watch.

I'd need more info. First, is it a "real" Accutron, made from '60 to '77, or is it one of the things Bulova kept calling Accutrons after they stopped making the tuning fork movement watches? The quartz so-called Accutrons are just a nice old watch, not worth anything special. The self-wind "Accutrons", which Bulova is making now, are just a nice, mid-range aurtomatic watch. On the back of Bulova watches is a date code, usually right under the serial number (SNs themselves really mean nothing where Accutrons are concerned). The code is a letter and a number. If it begins with the letter M, or if it begins with the letter N and is followed with a 0, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. or 6, it is a "real" Accutron, and is collectible. Some with N7 (1977) are also, but it depends on the actual watch. Bulova did make some quartz so-called Accutrons in '77. If it's a '60 thru '76, and SOME '77s, it has value beyond the scrap gold price. SOME Accutrons are even worth thousands of dollars. White gold Accutrons, compared o yellow gold or stainless, are rarer. Next, WHICH Accutron is it? is it a 214, a 218, a 219, a 220, a 224, or a 230? If it's a man's watch, it is very unlikely to be a 220 or 230 series, If it does not have a winding stem on the side, it is a 214. 214s are the most valuable. If it has a setting stem at 3 o'clock or 4 o'clock, it is either a 218 or 219 (I'd have to open the back and look at the movement to say which ine). If it says "Accuquartz" on the face, it's a 224 (NOT a quartz - the 224 Accuquartz is a hybrid of tuning fork and quartz crystal). Once we know the movement series, we need the case type. Certain cases are much more valuable than others. Then there are the Spaceview, the Astronaut, and the Deep Sea, 3 specific models they made, which are more valuable than most (but not all) of the other cases. The best I can say right now is that, being white gold, there's a good chance it's one of the more desireable specific models. If it's a 214, ESPECIALLY if it's a 1960 (M0), it's worth quite a bit more than just the gold content. To be more specific, I'd have to see a picture of the watch, which I don't think can be posted here. Try looking up "Accutron" on Ebay and see if you can find one that, if yours has a stem, has it in the same place as yours, with the exact same case - same shape, and exact same lugs (the things on either end where the band or strap is attached). Read the description. The description will probably say the movement (214, 218, etc - in fact, the movement may even be in the listing title) and if it is niot just a plain round case, probbly will say the case type (Alpha, Asymmetric, Butterfly, etc.). If it's an Astronaut, a Spaceview, or a Deep Sea, it will certainly say that. Also, look at the Accutron section of the Bulova entry in Wikipedia. (Yeah, I wrote it, but it has info that just might help you pin down exactly what you have) When you find out more about which Accutron it is, post another question under Axcutron watches here. I'll check every couple of days for the next week or so, and if I see your post, I'll narrow down the value some more.

The name for your keepsake is accutron. The tuning fork represents the two coils. Having said that unfortunately if it no longer works their is little you can do. They have been out of production for some time now. But you can replace the entire movement, eBay will be the best place to start for a reasonable price. Your local jeweler will soak you. The most common battery replacement is a renata 394 although i cant be sure unless I see the movement.

Bulova Accutron watches were originally designed to use Mercury batteries of 1.35 volts, since they were the only type manufactured then. The pic (left) shows an original 214 all-metal "top hat" cell, before 387 cells with the plastic spacer became available. In most areas of the world, mercury-based batteries are no longer available, due to environmental concerns related to the safe disposal of them. The Tuning Fork watches manufactured by Esa (e.g the f300 Omega) were designed to run on either mercury or silver oxide batteries without any adjustment, provided the last repairer to work on the watch set up the index mechanism according to factory specifications.
It is strongly recommended that you do not replace batteries yourself, as special tools are required to open the watch case without damaging it. The only exception to this is the Accutron 214 model, which has a small battery hatch on the back.

mcdevito75 here, Bulova Accutron, nice watch, of course there are many, many factors that go into the value of any watch, depending on Maker, Model, Condition of the watch also. I would figure your Bulova Accutron is in the area of $125.00------- $200.00 range. Your best bet is to find a jeweler in your area or an appraiser, even online for the latest value of your watch.

Accutron is made by Bulova. Follow this link and click on Accutron: http://www.bulova.com/index.aspx At the bottom of page click on CONTACT US. Rate me, please.

I think it required cleaning for movement any expert watch maker will do it ,,, and if you are in chicago we can clean it.
From

Amfix Jewelry & Watch Repair
203 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60601
Ph : 312 641 7000
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.goamfix.com

Flashing Squares means battery going dead - time to replace. May take up to 3 months to stop.