Accutron Watches Sell for Good Money on eBay

What it is:

Introduced by Bulova in 1960, the Accutron was revolutionary. It used a tuning fork instead of mechanical works to keep time and is incredibly accurate. Bulova called it, "The Watch that Hums." They were even worn by the astronauts! Vintage Accutrons are in great demand from collectors. How do you know that a Bulova watch is an Accutron? It says so on the face.


What to Look For:

First a note on dating Accutron watches. Bulova used a code on the back of each watch to denote its year of manufacture. The letter M was for the decade if the 1960s and the letter N was for the 1970s. Therefore an Accutron marked M9 was made in 1969. One marked N4 was made in 1974.

Any Accutron made before 1978 is worth listing on eBay (1977 was the last year the tuning fork mechanism was used). Particularly popular are Astronaut models(just like the ones worn by the astronauts) and Space View models (they have a clear face so the mechanism is visible). For Accutron collectors, it seem the wilder the style, the more interested they are. This means you should salivate at the site some a groovy looking Accutron with a textured face and a blue or pink crystal!

It does not matter if your Accutron is running or damaged. They are bought for parts, or to repair. I sold an average looking, non-running Accutron with heavy scratches to case and crystal last year for $56. It cost me twenty-five cents at a garage sale.


Selling Strategies:

Auction Title:

Include the following in your title:

• Accutron
• The year it was made.
• The model if you know it.
• The word "Vintage".
  

Category:

Jewelry & Watches > Watches > Wristwatches

Pricing:

Start it at $1 and WATCH the bidders do the rest.

Highlights:

Here are some recent auction prices. These highlights do not include any sterling silver or gold Accutrons, which sell even higher.

• $300 for a vintage Spaceview in its box.
• $274 for and Accutron Astronaut watch with rotary bezel.
• $231 for a 1960s Accutron with Goodyear logo.
• $127 for a 1970s Accutron with a brown dial.
• $124 for a 1970s Railroad Approved Accutron.
• $122 for a 1960s stainless steel Accutron.
  
• $116 for a vintage Accutron with gold-toned face.

Ease of Shipping:

Watches are easy to ship. Place it in a plastic bag, wrap it in bubble wrap and place in a small, sturdy box. Fill any air spaces with foam peanuts or newsprint.


Avoid:

Nothing to avoid as long as the price is low enough. This is a strong area of collecting and getting stronger.


Target Selling Range (Profit Potential):

Just about any old Accutron will sell for $50, with most hovering in the $75 range. I have sold severely worn pieces that look like absolute junk for over $30.


See For Yourself:

Go see for yourself on eBay. Click Here to see what these items have been selling for.