Bulova Accutron Safirglas Vintage Day-Date Watch – Circa 1970, Gold-Tone

Bulova Accutron Safirglas – Sculptural Vintage Style

Some watches capture their era without needing to shout about it. This Bulova Accutron Safirglas does exactly that, pairing a broad, sculptural gold-tone case with a softly textured silver-toned dial, dimensional hour markers and a neatly framed day-date display.

Dating to circa 1970, based on the supplied identification of its N0 caseback code, this is a distinctive vintage Accutron with plenty of character. Presented in very good vintage condition, it is working well with a new battery fitted and is offered at an honest market price for this model.

About Bulova Accutron

The Accutron name belongs to a particularly interesting chapter in watchmaking: the arrival of electronic tuning-fork timekeeping. Rather than relying on a conventional mechanical balance or a quartz oscillator, the original Accutron concept used an electrically driven tuning fork.

That engineering gave the range its distinctive identity, bringing a different sound and motion to the wrist. For collectors, the appeal goes beyond the technology. These watches also reflect a period when case and dial design became increasingly adventurous, and this Safirglas is a particularly expressive example.

Design & Dial

The gold-tone case has a broad, rounded outline with pronounced shoulders and an asymmetrical contour around the crown. Its sweeping surfaces catch the light beautifully, giving the watch a substantial visual presence without relying on an oversized dial.

The silver-toned dial has a fine texture that becomes more apparent in the close-up photographs. Raised gold-tone hour markers feature dark contrasting details, echoed by the dark inserts in the hour and minute hands. A fine minute track keeps the display orderly, while the Bulova name, Accutron lettering and tuning-fork emblem sit above the centre.

At 3 o’clock, the day-date window is surrounded by a contrasting rectangular frame. The “safirglas” wording appears above 6 o’clock, an attractive detail that forms part of this watch’s identity. The currently fitted crystal’s material and originality have not been independently verified.

The crown sits low on the right-hand side of the case and carries the tuning-fork emblem. Turning the watch over reveals a caseback marked “BULOVA”, “PATENTED” and “STAINLESS STEEL BACK”, together with 3-85183 and N0.

It is fitted with a non-original gold-tone metal bracelet with a folding clasp. The bracelet complements the case visually, but it is not represented as the watch’s original factory bracelet.

Movement & Running Condition

An electronic tuning-fork Accutron, reported to be working well, with a new battery fitted.

The exact movement calibre has not been verified from an internal movement photograph, so no specific calibre number is claimed. No measured daily accuracy figure is provided.

This watch has not been pressure tested. No assurance of water resistance is offered, and it should be kept away from water.

Condition

Very good vintage condition overall, with visible evidence of age and previous wear.

The photographs show surface scratches and small marks to the gold-tone case, including more noticeable marks on its broad outer surfaces and edges. The stainless steel caseback shows scratches, particularly around its perimeter. The bracelet and clasp also show surface wear and wear to the gold-tone finish.

The dial remains attractive and legible, with small age-related specks visible in the close-up photographs. This is a vintage watch, not a newly manufactured piece, and marks, scratches and wear may be present across its surfaces after decades of use.

As with all pre-loved watches, other small marks or imperfections may be visible upon close inspection of the photographs — please study every image carefully before purchasing.

Please study every photograph carefully before purchasing. The close-ups, side views and wrist photograph form an important part of the description. If you have any questions about condition or fit, please get in touch before buying.

What’s Included — Sold Naked

✅ Bulova Accutron Safirglas watch
✅ Non-original gold-tone bracelet fitted as photographed
❌ No original box
❌ No papers
❌ Photography display stand not included

International Buyers Please Note

Customs duties, import taxes, and fees may be applicable in your country and are payable upon delivery. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. If a parcel is refused due to customs charges, return shipping costs will be deducted from any refund issued. Please read our full Shipping Policy before purchasing.

Why Buy from Bezel & Hide?

We sell individual pre-loved watches, not anonymous warehouse stock. Every watch is personally inspected, photographed and accurately described before listing, with its character and imperfections given equal attention.

The watch shown in these photographs is the actual watch you will receive. Our approach is straightforward: interesting watches, honest descriptions and a warm welcome if you need more information before deciding.