Bulova Accutron 214 Restoration - So Precise NASA Astronauts Used Them

[@MyRetroWatches]

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[@tonyrocco8976]

BS, To this day American astronauts still rely on the Omega Speedmaster and this is at least in part, because Omega remains the only watch officially certified by NASA to be able to handle spacewalks. In1964 NASA started searching for a watch for the astronauts, and from all the watches sent to NASA from the best brands, Omega was the only one that passed the (10) tests that NASA designed. The others couldn't even pass the first test. Omega is the only watch certified for use in space, and it was the one that went to the moon. And 0ne of NASA’s requirements was that the watch had to be mechanical, not battery-powered. I'm an old watchmaker and I know what I'm talking about, and the watch that is always in my wrist since 2007 is the George Daniels Co-Axial Omega Cal. 8500, which is without doubt a dramatic step in the evolution of timepiece movements.

[@moondo60]

I will get some merch just because that’s so inspiring. Could you give us reminiscent guys any advice on buying a used 214? What do we look for thanks a bunch that was wonderful 0:15

[@bryanlaudermilch8526]

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!!!

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@bryanlaudermilch8526 thanks I feel honoured to be the first person you have commented to. Thanks. The stabiliser bar?? Is this the guard thing that was at first touching the pawl finger? I just saw that as a guard to prevent damage rather than it doing anything constructive. I figured it would not to touch either finger. It’s ran 5 seconds a day all week which had me thinking I could regulate that in better by the coil regulators. It’s now suddenly started running fast, 2 hours in 8 hours !

[@jozsefizsak]

Hey, Bryan. I want to express my gratitude and admiration for your desire to keep these wonderful devices working. These are a special piece of technological and timekeeping history that more people should appreciate. 😊

[@f75gunslinger]

You might get some Evaporust and try it on that wheel ( can't hurt right ? ) . It should clean any rust that's on it , and help it stay that way until you happen to need it .

[@jozsefizsak]

@@f75gunslinger Good idea.

[@Nbomber]

what was your name again?

[@Watchdoc65]

So I restore these watches. A few tips: 1. Before disassembly put a fresh battery in (positive side down with fat side of spacer on top for a 214) and listen for any humming while in the case or remove movement and place movement in special holder and using the “Watchmaster” tester to ensure the coils hum. Otherwise, you could go through the whole reassembly process and find out later the coils need to be replaced necessitating more work. Basically, check the functions of the unit prior to disassembly so you can spot areas that will need more attention on the reassembly. 2. Be careful not to bend the index guard as it is very difficult to adjust so that pawl finger and index finger does not touch the guard as you move it into place. 3. Be careful with tweezers and screwdrivers near the coil lead wires as a slip could render the coils useless. 4. Brass tweezers like the AM size work well with servicing the 214 movement. I noticed the crystal replacement in your video was an incorrect crystal as the replacement crystal should not have index markings on a chapter ring Spaceview model. The correct crystal (either 1270 AWS or 1271 AWS depending on the case size 32.7 or 31.1 mm size respectively). The crystal should only have the Accutron tuning fork logo and wording! Anyway, hope this helps! Great vid and congrats on the restoration!

[@aussieriky]

Pretty sure that’s a Swiss spaceview and they had the index markers on the crystal. Not sure that crystal is still as it should be anyway.

[@michaelostassr.2771]

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.

[@MyRetroWatches]

What a great story. I wish I had something this amazing at 16. That said it was 1988 so I had a Casio digital which was incredible for me as a youngster

[@Fusako8]

I got mine around my 16th birthday. Or more to the point in inherited it during my parents divorce. My dad turned his nose up at the watch my mom had gifted him when they were first married, so it ended up with me. Personally I love it. I love the history of the design, the craftsmanship that went into it, and the care the various repair folk have shown it when it has been serviced. Anywhoo, I ended up with a very cool watch that was 3 years older than I was.

[@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!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Pleased you enjoyed seeing how they work. They are truly fascinating and remarkable how this was made back then. To this day there is still nothing else like it that’s so innovative. Perhaps all these years later you should consider buying one. They can still be found

[@owen-trombone]

Aww man you can’t leave us hanging! You have to share the story of how you lost your watch in South America in the ‘70s. My guess is CIA antics? 😅

[@neon-john]

In the mid-60s, my parents bought me an Astronaut for Christmas. Somewhat faded memory but I think I remember them paying around $600 for the watch. I don't recall the year but I was in High School. That was the finest gift I've ever received. I vividly remember going to sleep with my left arm under the pillow, listening to that hum as I drifted off to sleep. I wore it for about 10 years and then it started losing time. So I took it to Mom's jeweler who was an Acutron dealer and had a certified Acutron watchsmith working for him to have it cleaned and calibrated. My work took me TDY for about a year. When I returned, the jeweler knew nothing about my watch. I had my claim ticket but he claimed not to recognize it. He had stolen my watch. I still grieve losing that watch and your video brought that back to the front of my mind. Thank you so much for making this video. I always wondered about the particulars of that watch. Now I know. John

[@You_really-triedv20]

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 !

[@MyRetroWatches]

You are welcome. They are truly fascinating. I have another recent video on the Citizen Hisonic which uses the the successor to this movement. The Bulova 218 movement, also tuning fork with a few design improvements to make it a bit easier to work on. If you liked this video please go check that one out. Thumbnail is unmistakable with a rotten battery in the movement!

[@Philip_Taylor]

You did watch enthusiasts worldwide a favour by restoring this. Great piece, I am going to buy one in the future.

[@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! ⏱⌚

[@WatchWiseUS]

Completely blown away over this video mate. What a watch! I was nervous for you all the way through the rebuild.

[@bobw52]

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!

[@SonicKiwi123]

That's quite a story, I'm sorry things didn't work out but human nature is human nature... You mentioned you hardly wear the watch due to how difficult it is to find the correct batteries... You'll be delighted to know that despite the original mercury-containing batteries being so difficult to find, there exists such a thing as an "Accucell-1" battery, specifically made to be used in Accutron 214 watches just like yours. It is a modified 1.55v silver oxide battery with an internal diode added to drop the voltage by a quarter volt down to the 1.3v that the watch requires. They're much easier to get ahold of. They're about $10, and they last *almost* as long as the original mercury ones. There is also a modification you can make to the movement by filing down the divots near the base of the tuning fork, called "re-phasing", that allows the watch to use a normal 1.55c silver oxide battery. But, seeing as you've had this one as long as you have and still have the original box... You probably want to keep it as close to how it came from the factory as possible. The Accucell-1 battery will allow you to do just that and get some more wear out of the watch without feeling like you need to limit yourself due to the scarcity of the 1.3v mercury batteries. Hope this helps!

[@owen-trombone]

That’s an amazing story. So funny how life goes sometimes. Thanks for sharing.

[@bobw52]

Thank you so much for pointing me to the "Accucell-1" batteries for these great old watches! I immediately checked online and found them readily available; even the watch parts supplier I use sells them! I'm putting an order in today. Thanks again, and looking forward to seeing what you're working on next!

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@bobw52 pleased to have helped. Remember Accutron batteries go in positive down . Here’s a spoiler next watch is the famous Seiko Turtle. In production as we speak

[@m.cigledy6769]

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

[@thegrailhunter]

I just got my Bulova Lunar Pilot out so I can wear it tomorrow and this video popped up in my feed 😊. Amazing watch with amazing movement. I have talked about it with my watchmaker several times and he has explained how difficult it is to repair. Great job 👏

[@calebbell5018]

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

[@MyRetroWatches]

And it was by accident! Bulova advertised them in shops with the dial off to see the workings. People liked them that much the “spaceview” was born.

[@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.

[@patrickcarpenter6258]

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

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@patrickcarpenter6258 thanks

[@javierhernandez1390]

Accutron is my favorite vintage watch. Thank you!

[@clockworkbike]

Wow, a very 'on the edge of my seat' video. Well done on a fantastic movement.

[@owen-trombone]

I literally gasped when I saw how small that tiny 2mm wheel really is. 😮

[@steve922]

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

[@NoahSpurrier]

Beautiful watches. I love the quiet little humm they make.

[@thomasgabriel2213]

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!

[@Adrian2000ization]

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

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you very much! Much welcome feedback.

[@netkill]

first off great video, when i was a kid my dad had this watch and thought it was the coolest thing ever. i would never believe how small the gears in it are. amazing you got it working again

[@LesterLovesWatches]

1988, Bermondsey market, just as dawn was breaking and the less salubrious sellers were melting into the shadows. A non-running spaceview winked at me from a cabinet. £30 and beautiful. A trip to Croydon and £100 later and I was hooked on the hum. Great explanation and superb-looking watch.

[@SpinStar1956]

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!

[@MyRetroWatches]

They never really gave away the secret. Some of the design was then on licence to Citizen with the later 218 movement (I have a recent video on that one for you to check out) Omega I think also had the technology licensed.

[@SpinStar1956]

@@MyRetroWatches first off, thank you very much for replying. I am indeed looking for videos that would show how some of these super small parts were made; other than something like click spring. Especially interested in films that might’ve been made showing these things… thanks again

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@SpinStar1956 I don’t think you will find anything on these . It was all a trade secret at the time

[@sk387ify]

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.

[@MyRetroWatches]

There is something magical about them hence why it’s been on my bucket list for years.

[@goldkatt2685]

Im so happy you made this video, cuz im about to venture into this movement myself, but I`ve been postponing the project due to lacking knowledge. It`s actually a Zenith XL-tronic, but its the same movement. Now it`ll be nice to have some reference of knowing what to do in what order :)

[@NoteDiSvapo]

Really BRAVE ! Excellent video !

[@Leo-Crespi]

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

[@MyRetroWatches]

That would be a dream but my videos never really get much past 10-30k for a good video anyway. Here is hoping this one goes viral.

[@zusclhz]

This is absolutely amazing attention to detail

[@BryanO92]

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.

[@WilmingtonLutheran-u9p]

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.

[@MyRetroWatches]

My pleasure! This watch deserves being in the spotlight.

[@jamesluciani3284]

Nice job! I have a few 214 models and been lucky with the accuracy. Thanks!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Good to hear!

[@jexmatex]

i have to say, i'm amazed by this video, and the engineering behind this watch, and how "ballsy" it is to dive in it, absolute level of crazyness is the "angel hair / palet fork" as for the tiny wheel with so small dentures. thanks for sharing !

[@visualtrigger2469]

What a great job! Beautiful watch, too!

[@dtroutmann]

I hope you're feeling great Mike I know you were dealing with some stuff last year I hope you're healthy and everything's going well keep the videos up man they're freaking awesome

[@0dbm]

First time is always the most memorable, Thanks for taking us along , l love it when people say they don’t really know what to do , uncharted territory is always the best Thanks again

[@flymachine]

That’s a gorgeous watch

[@Antiqueexcavator]

I completely agree with replacing the index wheel. It would be pretty aggravating breaking everything back down. Great foresight in the preemptive purchasing of the wheel!!

[@joelhenry2527]

Really enjoying this video - I have one of these watches myself - it’s my favourite

[@MyRetroWatches]

Glad you’re enjoying it. Was a tough video to make but very enjoyable.

[@pokrec]

Thank you for this video. I have always wanted to see how a tuning fork watches work. Now tuning forks are made with quartz and electric Lavet motors are propelling the hands. But this Bulova was (and still is) a masterpiece.

[@georuiz74]

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

[@dtroutmann]

Man it turned out amazing

[@MarvinBarclay]

Really enjoyed watching you repair this watch. I had no idea how fascinating Belova watches were or that they used a tuning fork. Thank you now I have another watch to shop for lol.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Just note that not all Accutrons are tuning forks. They made the 214 like this video. Improved it to a 218 movement and then the final throw of the dice was a 219. It’s the 214 that people desire most. 218 is my personal favourite. Check out my citizen Hisonic video (recent) it’s running the 218 movement in it.

[@placebomandingo2095]

I don't often have palpable desire for objects, but this watch gave me feelings..

[@garnetnewton-wade4091]

It doesn't seem that long ago I watched your early steps in watch restoration. You have gone from being like a bull with a sixpence to a very capable technician. Very well done ❤

[@MyRetroWatches]

This is a nice comment to read. I still consider myself a complete amateur but now with a bit more skill with tweezers! Kind of you to say and I will take your compliment happily.

[@hughmowat7550]

I remember the ad on the TV saying it kept perfect time due to using a tuning fork but that's all I knew about this watch. That minute index wheel with its 360 tiny teeth is an absolute marvel as is the two little vibrating "hairs". This watch is the perfect union of mechanical and electrical technology in a watch.

[@skidmarksnm]

Fantastic video. I am fortunate enough to own one and I love it.. well done 👍👍👍

[@babelman1]

amazing watch, the skill of the watch maker is unbelievable. Loved the video, more please..

[@MyRetroWatches]

Coming soon!

[@clivewiddall3430]

He’s back and he’s got my “wish I had one watch”!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Haha! sorry about that

[@andrewmcdonald9279]

Absolutely fantastic video. Love the watch I want one your skill and patience is amazing

[@jeromejj1274]

Congratulation! I can see it took a lot of perseverance to get it working and it is beautiful indeed. I have a GS Spring drive and it reminds me of it. Well Done!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Those spring drives are incredible but I don’t expect to be taking one of those apart!

[@michaelford4460]

Brilliant video Mike , well done.

[@izalman]

Superb video of a superb watch. Owning one was on my bucket list from the day I saw one in my local jewellers window back when I was 17, now 71. They also had a Timeon 2000 clock with Nixi tubes, another one for my bucket list. As a retired heavy equipment mechanic, love to see the same skills used albeit at the other end of the universe in size. Great job.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Glad you enjoyed it. These watches are still out there in the wild so perhaps you should scratch that itch sir.

[@SteveBetton]

Great video, you have my admiration sir. Read this at an opportune time, as I have just sent my Father's 70's Accutron retirement gift off to be rehabilitated. I am excited to get it back.

[@darrencheshire8546]

What an amazing watch and a challenge to service, what a fabulous job you have done. Keep the great content coming and stay safe 😊

[@tonymaiettasr.7340]

That’s a very beautiful watch. And a very well done service. From an electrical point of view what if the resistors degraded? Would you be able to find replacements? Nice video. Thanks. Tony from Chicago, USA

[@muddysuzuki992]

Amazing bravery, patience and skill 🏆 Well done mate

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks 👍

[@MrGrentch]

When I heard "I had to get my big tool out" I wondered what link did I click... 😲😄 Great job sir. Not an easy mechanism by all accounts, but you did it. A true innovation and a real bit of history. I've had a couple in my time. These days I have the mid 70's Accuquartz, basically one of these with a quartz module cleverly attached, and a Longines Ultronic, a slightly "fancier" looking movement licenced from Bulova by the Swiss(runs but sadly needs a service).

[@WristwatchMedic1953]

A really beautiful watch. You did a great job on it Mike. Thanks for the video

[@MyRetroWatches]

I'm glad you like it

[@markspence3295]

I’ve got a tissot with an f300 movement that my father, who was a watchmaker, built up from scratch as he came across parts for it.

[@robertjames1306]

Thank you for posting this , great looking watch.

[@marcepedro]

Great video! Absolute art. Thank you for sharing

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you very much!

[@martinkavanagh196]

That was SO well done Mike - Way back then/when was a time that 'Swiss Watches' had their parts made in Switzerland eh .. not 60-7-% imported for assembly. - And this one has unique style too, while now 9/10 seem to be "Dive Watches". Thank You for sharing.

[@Watcheyes]

This is also one of my dream watches, well done Mike! Have a great day.

[@MyRetroWatches]

How you doing my friend? Anyone into watches needs one of these. You can find the 218 much easier. I have plenty of them and now some ESA versions too.

[@Watcheyes]

@MyRetroWatches It's alright, thanks for asking :) How are you? Aha interesting. Maybe I'll have a chat with you if there is any for sale further along 😀

[@MJM0000]

Well done, enjoy it, I've been after one of them for a while as well, love em!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Well worth picking a tuning fork watch up there are many different ones to choose from!

[@OnnieKoski]

Great video! Such a beautiful watch!

[@simonmellor781]

Great video Mike and well done - I hope you finally get it running spot on, and wear it in good health.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you Simon. Some of this is down to you my friend.

[@dodgydruid]

I'm glad I watched this and your other Accutron videos as I am thinking these are way above my skillset right now and I think its important for folks to realise their limitations and thus my 218 is safe from poking hands of mine. I've got two 242's running and will do me fine and I am quite used to kicking cans long down the road so to speak.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Sometimes putting things off builds more tension and anxiety on actually doing them. I find to just dive in, know your limits and just be really careful. The 218 is not that big of a deal once you get the train wheels in. Granted setup after is a bit long winded but equally that’s some of the fun to get them a few seconds a day.

[@lmwlmw4468]

Great work.

[@corwin881]

Dear Michael, thanks a lot for sharing, that was amazing 🎉

[@MyRetroWatches]

Absolute pleasure

[@DavidBennett-hh1tz]

Brilliant as always. Thank you Mike.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Very welcome

[@darrentabor4839]

Great video. I have a 214 and I see now I was right to be afraid to do anything on it. 🙂

[@MyRetroWatches]

Never.... what could go wrong!

[@johnnyo3fan]

I have wanted one of these since I first saw them on display in the PX on Torrejon AFB in 1968.

[@payson1]

Many decades ago my father-in-law gave me his Accutron Bulova to try and repair it. He had given it to his son to replace the battery, and his son put the battery in backwards. I discovered after taking it apart that the coil had burnt out. At that time no parts were available. After several decades I'll have to give it a go and see if I can't find that coil. Great video!

[@MyRetroWatches]

a working coil will only come from a donor as long as the donor has working coils. I do believe there is a guy within the Accutron community that is rewinding them but I dont know who he is sadly.

[@johnhudson333]

Tremendous work! Enjoy your watch 😅

[@MrRoundel]

You were smarter than I in not removing those shock springs. That's a mistake I'll only make once. It was the fight you were expecting. I hope your success is more long-term than mine was, as my 214 started stopping not long after I serviced it. I suspect it has something to do with the depthing of the stem, which can be an issue. Thanks for the video. Too bad for me that it wasn't up 3 months ago, before I did mine. Cheers.

[@MyRetroWatches]

I made this video because I always wanted this watch but as there were no modern videos on YT that show it accurately enough that I should be the one to fly the flag! The shock springs dont frighten me as they are the same on Seiko and I have done 100s of them but I dont have spares for the Accutron which worried me. I have a method and it works for me anyway. Equally if you are very persistent with your cleaning then you can get them good enough for oiling without removal which I demonstrated here. Regulating and setting up the fingers has been a chore but luckily I am well used to this from the 218 movement so I have a good idea how they should be and just put that experience into practice here. Sadly did not film that but all you would have seen is my fingernails and heard some very bad language!

[@deeman1643]

The sweep second hand on a Grand Seiko spring drive is fantastic!

[@time_keep]

Awesome work Mike. Really loved the video. I've been meaning to work on one of these and I can definitely use your video as a guide 🙂Thank you!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Go for it!

[@tcwhite0104]

Great video I still have one in the box.... just wore it last week. 1962 model. All I had to do was put a new battery in it. I removed the battery the day I purchased it years ago.

[@serhiishynkaruk6752]

Perfect watch, nice job, sir.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you kindly

[@abtelco9748]

Lovely video. Enjoy the watch! Omega has licensed the design, the f 300 Hz series which can be found reasonably cheap. There even is a chronograph version, the Speedsonic. My favourite (not cheap)

[@MyRetroWatches]

I have a Certina and an Imado with an ESA movement in my drawer of to do repairs. Maybe I will film one of those soon.

[@JackAranda-u8p]

Fantastic! Loved it!

[@AwakenFromTheMatrix-m2m]

Fantastic watch to own, I've got two of them. It was my grail at one stage but honestly they're just amazing watches to have. Great video and great to see you working on an Accutron

[@MyRetroWatches]

I have to agree. That being said I have 3 Accutron 218s and 4 Citizen Hisonic which also have 218 in them. The 214 Spaceview was always the grail. This one I have is I believe a Swiss 316 model rather than an American one. Funnily enough I bought it in Japan!

[@AwakenFromTheMatrix-m2m]

@@MyRetroWatches It's great to find another Accutron collector. Maybe one day I'll get my hands on a Citizen Histonic as well

[@AwakenFromTheMatrix-m2m]

Hisonic**

[@jonnyevans9877]

good timing, just about to service mine again, and its been a while

[@markusallport1276]

What a fantastic job, I only wish I had the patience to do this. I'm going to say something that is out of line, but I found interesting... I noticed that the minute hand does not synchronize with the second hand. When the second hand tops off at 12, the minute hand is slightly under the minute indicator on the dial. As technical and tedious as this work is, I have to go and notice that. I loved watching, I too was holding my breath when you were placing the movements and wheels in place. Very nice work.

[@PaulGs-Stuff]

I definitely want one now but not sure I am up to restoring it as it looks like a load of experience is needed to make them run correctly. Great video and I just hope there is a lack of wrecked ones on ebay over the next weeks or I may bit off more than I can cope with !

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@PaulGs-Stuff it’s taken me years to find one that’s cheap and needs work to fix it. I rolled the dice because condition was unknown. If they don’t hum to start with there is a good chance the coils are toast. They are almost impossible to find other than out of a working watch. Similar with the index wheel.

[@CALLEPALAZ]

Superb, well done sir.

[@Antiqueexcavator]

Absolutely awesome video!! I’ll need to change my shirt and take a shower as I was sweating throughout it! Love that watch. It’s now on my bucket list!!

[@yewsengcheong1637]

How cool is it that you taught Lee Mack watchmaking! WILTY is my fav show!!

[@dtroutmann]

Space view is definitely on the short list of Grail watches Also really like the original that you repaired

[@walkerrevels9274]

yes there a few of us that work on these all the time, keep at it theres a lot more to learn congrats on your first one and remember the more you do the easier it will get

[@geoffreyjenkins4086]

Loverly video, I love these watches and have one that is no longer working, but you've inspired me to get it fixed! One question; what accuracy is it now running at?

[@greendomeno6]

Great work mate, love those watches!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks 👍

[@amphibiousone7972]

That was a good catch with the index wheel. I'd still keep it as a spare. Outstanding work Boss. 👍💪🤝

[@MyRetroWatches]

Don’t worry that wheel it staying in the spares as I have a feeling I will be owning more of these in the future.

[@dbaider9467]

Amazing engineering. Think about it. The movement is pioneering and tiny, and gorgeous, and still aesthetically pleasing to the eye. A great documenting video of this marvel.

[@MyRetroWatches]

I think you say it very well there. It would not have been designed to be pretty either was it was supposed to have a dial on ( many models do) Bulova took the dial off to show the workings as advertisements in the shops to sell them. Customers were so taken by it they wanted that one. Bulova ended up then producing them and the spaceview was born!

[@dbaider9467]

@@MyRetroWatches It's the symmetry of the electro magnets at 12, the copper and the copper colour contrasted with the deep turquoise plastic that makes it attractive. These are contrasting colours on the colour wheel - yellow and blue are similar. The architecture of the watch whether accidental or not is what makes it so appealing. Getting it running is a major bonus. :)

[@Mrb00st]

Absolute stunner, oh my goodness.

[@johncashwell1024]

Very interesting movement!

[@EdwinJungman]

nice work, mesmerizing