Bulova Accuquartz?

[rjp605]

Can anyone identify this watch?

[skypilot]

It's pretty much impossible to tell much about the watch from that picture. I see that you headed the thread "Accuquartz" but that does not appear to be a picture of an Accuquartz.
Good pix of the front and back would help.

[oliverb]

As skypilot said, we must have a good, close and in-focus pic of the front and back of the watch. The date code on the case back, consisting of a letter and number - ex N4 - will also help.

[rjp605]

Thanks for replying, I will post new pics in 10 minutes.

[rjp605]

Here are the pics. The back is inscribed Bulova Accuquartz 18Kt 220452 N1

[skypilot]

OK, I'm officially intrigued. The N1 tells us that it dates to 1971 which is a bit early for an Accuquartz. The serial number tells us that it was made in Switzerland. The crown at 3:00 is interesting but I have never seen or heard of an Accuquartz with a back that didn't screw on.
I suspect this one is going to keep Sam2 busy a while.

[rjp605]

I have paperwork indicating that there were 200 of these watches produced as a limited collection. I also have a type written letter on Bulova letterhead that describes the method for setting time and date.

[oliverb]

Like skypiolt said, VERY INTERESTING! Earliest I know of also is N2 or N3. Now we need a view of the movement. If you don't feel comfortable opening the watch, I understand. That is really the only way we can know for certain if it is an Accuquartz movement inside. Should be a date on the movement as well. The second hand does sweep, not jump (assuming it is running)? So far, I have 7 Accuquartz watches and all have the typical screw-on back, although one is different than the typical screw-on size/style. The crown being in the 3 o'clock position is different but is found on some 218/219 & 224 cases. The case back is quite unusual but Bulova did some strange things on a few Accutron cases. Also unusual to have "Accuquartz" stamped on the case back.

[rjp605]

I am not sure I would feel comfortable taking the back off. I have owned this watch for 38 years and it has never been worn, would hate to put a scratch on it. I might take it to a professional and have the back removed and then take a pic, I will keep you posted. I saw a picture of a Beta 21 (first accuquartz) stamped N0 which was released in 1971.

[skypilot]

I think OliverB has raised the issues that have occurred to me.
How did you acquire the watch RJP605 ?
The only Beta 21 I ever heard of wasn't made by Bulova, it was a joint effort of some European watchmakers to make something to compete with the Accutron.
Sam2 is going to wear out a computer on this one !