9 replies to this topic

[dancingter]

I collect Soviet/Russian watches so I spend most of my time at F10. Anything you want to know about Russian watches - I'll be happy to help

But, to the issue at hand - my younger brother has made "engineer" on the railroad and I'd like to buy him the Bulova watch (it's actually a very nice looking watch and I'd collect it myself if I wasn't collecting Russian watches).
I've done some research and this watch comes in a wide variety of styles and was made over many years. What do you think was the "classic" watch that was made?
From my research it looks like a nice example would be in the $200 to $300 range - is that right? Please help me make a good choice.

[ybatman]

Do you mean the Accutron? I believe the Accutron was the first wrist watch approved for RR use. There is a RR styled Accutron with a white dial, black numerals, and a red or orange seconds hand. They will say Railroad Approved on the dial.

[matte18]

That's the one. Comes in steel and gold plated. 12-hour markings and 24-hour markings. Any idea which is the "classic" for this model?

[Mark.D]

I would guess it's the early 60s steel model with the white dial and the 214 movement because that one came first.

[jasmineep]

The first wrist watch approved for railroad use was actually a Ball with a Swiss movement. In addition, the Elgin BW Raymond Railroad Wrist Chronometer was approved for use before the Accutron. However, the Accutron was a better watch, and I say that as an Elgin collector. Also, really, really cool.

[matte18]

Also be aware that both Seiko and Citizen currently manufacture wristwatches marked Railroad Approved for very affordable prices.

[Debbie]

Thanks - I'll start looking for a 214 on the sales sites.

[hideom]

The Bulova Accutron Railroad Approved models came in caliber's 214, 218, 219 and quartz. The dials will be either 12 hour or 12/24 hour depending on the caliber and year of the watch. The 218, 219 and quartz may also have a day feature, but not the caliber 214 models. Since you also have an interest in Russian watches, you will reccognize this recent purchase I made to add to my collection of tuning fork watches.

[joshuar]

NOS I'm on love Matt Brought to you by HYPNOTOAD

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