Hands-On: Bulova Accu-Swiss Calibrator Review – ” Be your own Swiss Watchmaker”

Bulova Accutron Calibrator Watch 63B161 Video Review

In this quick video review of the Bulova Accutron (aka Accu-Swiss) Calibrator, we talk about the ability of being able to regulate your own watch with Bulova’s External Fine Adjustment System and the included tool. It is gimmicky or useful? You be the judge and comment below.

For centuries, adjusting an automatic timepiece was impossible without professional expertise. The Bulova Accu·Swiss Calibrator is the world’s first automatic timepiece that gives you the power to fine-tune its accuracy with our proprietary External Fine Adjustment System (EFAS). Featuring the finest in Swiss craftsmanship and personalised to deliver an average of 99.99% accuracy, the Calibrator Collection gives you the keys to take flawless timekeeping into your own hands. -Bulova Accu-Swiss website

Quick Specs:

  • Bulova Accutron reference 63B161
  • Swiss made automatic caliber ETA 2824-2 movement
  • 43mm stainless steel case
  • Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
  • Includes a Calibrator key to regulate time-accuracy
  • Water resistant up to 50m/165ft

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Music: Chad the Watch Guy playing the harmonica!

7 thoughts on “Hands-On: Bulova Accu-Swiss Calibrator Review – ” Be your own Swiss Watchmaker”

  1. I agree that it’s a gimmick, however it’s not as useless as you believe it to be. If its beat error is less than 1.0 mSec and it’s reasonably well adjusted to at least the three primary positions (dial up, 6 up and 9 up) out of the box, one could dial in the beat rate to match one’s typical daily activities, and how the watch is stored at night when it’s off the wrist.

    It’s not hard for me to imagine someone OCD continually fussing with it every day chasing perfect regulation, not realizing that even if you get daily rate down to less than 5 seconds, the beat rate will vary some each day, and what you strive for is a random walk around a perfect beat rate so that over a week or so the watch is still no more than 5 seconds error.

    It’s not a “feature” I find that desirable, not for the
    sizable additional price that’s tacked on for it compared to other Swiss Accutrons (now Accu-Swiss). I can do without it provided a
    watch is regulated to within 15 seconds daily error in normal use, 10
    seconds or less is a bonus. I’ve got a number of Bulovas from the Swiss mechanical Accutron line before the “Accu-Swiss” logo and label change last year. Most of them are 2008-2010 production years, and I’ve been impressed with all of them, with a mix of ETA 2824-2, 2893-2, 6498-1, and Sellita 200-1.

    John

    1. I’ve had this Bulova Calibrator for several months and have the accuracy down to less than 2 seconds a day. And the knowledge that in the future as the watch ages and the innards change, I can continue to keep the accuracy like an expensive Swiss Chronometer. Amazing for about $400 bucks. Watch snobs, eat your hearts out !!

  2. I too have the accuracy on this watch within Chronometer limits a Rolex would be proud of, but costing thousands less. Looks beautiful too. Easy to read. But if people are happier paying thousands more to get this accuracy, go for it and waste your money.

  3. I recently received my Bulova Accutron Calibrator – 63B161. I made a special effort to get the Accutron, not the AccuSwiss version. Something to be aware of . . . the Accutron version has a viewing window in the back, the AccuSwiss does not. Also a way to tell if your movement is an ETA or a Sellita . . . the 2824 ETA is a 25 jewel movement, the Sellita is a 26 jewel movement. Because my “Accutron version has a viewing window in back, I can see that mine is engraved 26 jewels.
    Also, I liked the fact that the leather band that I ordered fits the curve of the case. I believe I got the last leather band made specifically for the Accutron version.
    I have my watch adjusted to within a couple of seconds a day, usually exactly right on. I think both versions are amazing watches.I love mine. BTW, the case it came in is top flight.

    1. Good to know about the different movements. Thanks, Thomas. One thing I have noticed about both movements is that they seem to have a very low power reserve. It appears to be less than 30 hours.

  4. Glad to be of help. I just wind my watch each day whether it needs it or not. 🙂
    Since it is impossible to over-wind it, it is a no brainer. Most of the newer watches have a clutch that prevents over-winding.

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