Bulova Accutron - References, Prices and Owners' Reviews

The Bulova Accutron is an iconic watch that revolutionized the watch industry when it was launched in 1960. As the world's first electronic tuning fork watch, it marked a major technological advancement, offering unrivaled precision at the time. Its history is rich in innovations and significant contributions to modern watchmaking.

Origins and Development

The story of the Accutron began in the 1950s, when Swiss engineer Max Hetzel joined Bulova in 1950. In 1954, Hetzel developed an electronic watch using a tuning fork vibrating at 360 Hz as a regulating element, thus replacing the traditional balance wheel. This innovation made it possible to achieve a precision of ±1 minute per month, a remarkable performance for the time. The first prototypes were produced in Switzerland in 1955, and development continued at Bulova headquarters in New York under the direction of Hetzel and William Bennett. On October 25, 1960, Bulova officially launched the Accutron, an acronym for “Accuracy through Electronic”. This watch is distinguished by the absence of traditional ticking, replaced by a slight buzzing due to the vibration of the tuning fork. It is also recognized for its exceptional precision, surpassing mechanical watches of the time.

Technical Characteristics

The heart of the Accutron is its tuning fork vibrating at 360 Hz, powered by a transistor electronic circuit. This tuning fork drives a system of gears that moves the watch hands with unprecedented regularity. The coils of the tuning fork each have 8,000 turns of wire with a diameter of 15 microns, demonstrating the complexity and precision of its manufacturing. The index wheel has 320 teeth, each measuring 10 microns deep, ensuring smooth and precise movement of the hands. This innovative design eliminates variations in precision caused by variable positions and temperature changes, common problems in traditional mechanical watches.

Impact et Applications

The Accutron quickly gained popularity, not only among the general public, but also in areas requiring extreme precision. It was adopted as a timing instrument for NASA space programs, notably for the Apollo missions, where Accutron movements were used in the spacecraft instrument panels. Additionally, the Accutron was used to map Greenland with unprecedented precision, demonstrating its reliability in extreme conditions. Its distinctive design, notably the “Spaceview” model with its skeleton dial exposing the internal movement, also appealed to watch enthusiasts and became a symbol of watchmaking innovation.

Decline and Renaissance

With the advent of quartz watches in the 1970s, offering even greater accuracy at lower cost, the Accutron experienced a decline in popularity. However, its legacy lives on, and Bulova relaunched the Accutron brand in 2020 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the original model. New models, such as the Bulova Accutron Spaceview 2020 and Accutron DNA, feature innovative electrostatic induction technology, marking a new era of innovation while paying homage to the iconic design of the original. These modern watches combine retro aesthetics with technological advancements, offering watch enthusiasts a unique experience that connects the past with the present.

Conclusion

The Bulova Accutron remains an icon, symbolizing innovation and the incessant quest for precision. Its introduction not only transformed the way watches were designed, but also left an indelible mark on fields as diverse as space exploration and cartography. Today, the Bulova Accutron continues to inspire and captivate, testament to Bulova's enduring legacy in the art of timekeeping.

(Updated February 2025)