[Magnetchief]

Hi,
I stumbled across this great forum whist researching a watch that was left to me.
I am not a watch 'collector' British Military medals is more my scene but I hope that you do not mind me asking for some help.

My father left me a Bulova Accutron Snorkel 666 some years ago.
At the time is was non functioning. I sent it to get serviced / repaired by a Accutron specialist and it seems to work very well.

My issue is that the band was missing a link and is too tight. I had a local watch smith install an expansion bar but it is uncomfortable to wear.
I was wondering if your forum members could identify the model for me, maybe an apx date of manufacture and a source for replacement links that would match.

I would rather not replace the whole band. This watch was given to my father by a Colonel John Blashford Snell, a UK explorer for assistance my father game him during an expedition to Belize in the late 70's and as such I would like to keep it in it's original condition.

Thank you in advance
Steve

 

[oliverb]

Very nice and rare watch! Love the green dial. Thanks for sharing. Is there a date code on the case back consisting of a letter followed by a number? Example: "N3", where the "N" represents the 1970s decade and the "3" represents the specific year of that decade. Sometimes these watches don't have the usual date code stamped into the back. Since it has a crown, it will have a 218 Accutron movement. I can't offer any advice about your band other than to watch eBay carefully for that band to show up. Could take some time.

 

[Magnetchief]

Thanks for the comment.
Upon closer inspection there is an 'N4' on the rear case.
So that means 1974.. That's great detail. My father received it in 1978 after an 'Operation Drake' i guess the Colonel didn't buy him a new watch I suppose it could have sat in a store for a few years.

You mention 218. Is this something that I can easily source a battery for?
Tis is all pretty interesting, I can see myself looking for other watches.

Again, thanks for the advice...

 

[oliverb]

Yes, the battery you want is a #344 and should be available most places that sell watch batteries. I usually buy off eBay. Lots of sellers offer packages of 2 batteries with free shipping for much cheaper than from a store. A battery should last between 12-15 months. You will need the special wrench and a very fine foint acrew driver to change out the battery. Tuning fork Accutrons were offered by Bulova from the Fall of 1960 through 1977. It is possible it sat for a while before being sold.

 

[Magnetchief]

Would you know the correct type of wrench? I see a few on eBay, hard to figure out the correct wrench needed.

 

[oliverb]

Would you know the correct type of wrench? I see a few on eBay, hard to figure out the correct wrench needed.

No, I don't have one of those watches. The wrenches were marked with alphabet letters. Perhaps someone else here has one and can tell you the proper size.

 

[Littleroger]

Lovely watch!

Can't help you with the bracelet question I'm afraid. Regarding the back - it's actually simpler than you may think. Any adjustable wrench for watch casebacks with various "bits" for various backs will do the job. I got mine for around €30. Works well for most watch brands with waterproof backs - and for 214 and 218 Accutrons too ;-)

 

[oliverb]

Personally, I prefer the wrenches from Bulova as they have lugs to fit in each notch reducing the chance of slippage and case back damage. I have one of the three-point adjustable wrenches and do use it on watches that take a different size wrench.

 

[akkatron]

I might have some spare links that look like that. I'll check and get back to you. If you search the band manufacturer (not bulova), you might be able to get a like band off of ebay. I have never seen a wide one like that, but the narrow links is all you need.

As for the watch. Very rare, I can't say I have ever seen a green one. Now I want one! Thanks for sharing, and take care of that painted bezel ring!

 

[akkatron]

I found some like pieces:

http://www.electric-watches.co.uk/m...a Accutron 2182 Snorkel 666 Feet Divers 1.jpg

 

[Magnetchief]

Thanks for checking to see if you have suitable links. Much appreciated.
The links are 15.8mm wide. Will attach a photo. Tried eBay. No joy yet. Band is marked 'Bulova' with small 1106 in a rectangular box. Cannot see any other makers marks.
Thanks again
Steve

 

[Magnetchief]

I found some like pieces:

http://www.electric-watches.co.uk/m...a Accutron 2182 Snorkel 666 Feet Divers 1.jpg

Nice watches. I want a blue one now. The top watch seems to have the same band as mine.

 

[oliverb]

Sometimes you do luck out and find the exact band you need. I needed 3 extra links for a ladies Accutron band and, after several months, found the exact band, NOS, for sale cheap. Sometimes you can find your band on another watch that is non-working and get it cheap.

 

[skypilot]

The opener you need for the back is a size L, I have one and it works much much better than my adjustable one. Nice watch.

 

[Magnetchief]

Thanks Skypilot. I will look out for one. Much appreciated.

 

[oliverb]

The opener you need for the back is a size L, I have one and it works much much better than my adjustable one. Nice watch.

Thanks Skypilot. Without having one of these watches I couldn't be certain.

 

[akkatron]

I have a similar band but it's not the same. I think the distance between your pins is shorter (my links are longer). Yeah, listen to oliver. I find used and new bands all the time. An Accutron-signed band will be a bit more expensive, but it will be easier to find. I'll keep an eye out for you though since I'm always looking at this kind of stuff already.

Also, the blue one is nice, too bad they are so rare.

 

[Magnetchief]

Thanks for looking. I will set up a search on eBay with notification. Then sit back and wait.
Hope it won't be too many years.