The Bulova Accutron 214 caliber was invented by a Swiss engineer Max Hetzel in the early 1950s. Production began in 1960. The most famous models are: the Spaceview and the Astronaut. The particularities of this movement are: the noise due to the vibration of the tuning fork and the continuous scrolling of the second hand due to the frequency of 360Hz

First watch without a balance wheel

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Bulova</strong> is an American watch brand founded in <strong>1875</strong> by Joseph Bulova, a Czech immigrant living in New York. Since its creation, the brand has stood out for its spirit of innovation, precision and commitment to quality. Over the decades, Bulova has made watchmaking history with many firsts and continues to influence the industry with iconic designs and advanced technologies.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Bulova's Beginnings</h3>
<p dir="ltr">In 1875, Joseph Bulova opened a small jewelry store on Maiden Lane, New York, specializing in the sale of watches and jewelry. A visionary, he quickly understood the importance of standardization and mass production to meet growing demand. In 1912, he inaugurated a factory dedicated to the manufacture of watches in Bienne, Switzerland, thus laying the foundations for high-quality watch production.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Pioneer of Advertising</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Bulova is also recognized for its innovative approach to marketing. In 1926, the brand broadcast the first radio advertisement, announcing: "At the tone, it's 8 PM, Bulova Watch Time". This bold initiative was followed in 1941 by the very first television commercial, broadcast before a baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies. These advertising strategies have largely contributed to establishing brand awareness in the United States.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">The Accutron Era</h3>
<p dir="ltr">One of Bulova's most significant contributions to watchmaking is the launch of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/bulova/accutron">Bulova Accutron</a> in 1960. This revolutionary model was the first electronic tuning fork watch, offering unequaled precision for the time. Thanks to its innovative mechanism, the Accutron is quickly becoming the preferred choice for applications requiring extreme accuracy, notably in NASA space programs. This technology has also been integrated into aircraft and spacecraft instrumentation, demonstrating Bulova's reliability and technological advancement.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Engagement in Space Exploration</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Bulova has played a notable role in the history of space exploration. During the Apollo 15 mission in 1971, astronaut David Scott wore a Bulova chronograph during his extravehicular activities on the Moon. This watch, specially designed to withstand the extreme conditions of space, is today known as the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/bulova/lunar_pilot"> Bulova Lunar Pilot</a>. In 2016, the brand re-released this iconic model, combining the original design with modern technologies for fans of watchmaking and space history.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Technological Innovations</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Beyond the Accutron, Bulova has constantly innovated to improve the precision and performance of its watches. In 2010, the brand introduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/bulova/precisionist">Accutron Precisionist</a>, a quartz watch with a crystal vibrating at a frequency of 262 kHz, eight times more than traditional quartz movements. This innovation allows exceptional precision, with a variation of only a few seconds per year, and offers a second hand with fluid movement, imitating the sweep of high-end mechanical watches.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Iconic Designs</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Bulova is also recognized for its distinctive designs that combine aesthetics and functionality.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Among the emblematic models, we find the Bulova Computron, launched in 1976, characterized by its digital LED display and futuristic trapezoidal housing. This model was re-released in 2019, testament to its timeless appeal. Additionally, the collection Frank Sinatra, introduced as a tribute to the legendary singer of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/bulova/fly_me_to_the_moon">Fly Me To The Moon</a>, reflects the classic style and elegance associated with the artist, with designs named after his famous songs.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Acquisition by Citizen</h3>
<p dir="ltr">In 2008, Bulova was acquired by the Japanese group Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. This strategic union allows Bulova to benefit from the technological advances and resources of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/citizen">Citizen</a>, while retaining its American identity and its heritage rich in innovations. Together, the two brands continue to develop watches that combine tradition and modernity, meeting the expectations of consumers around the world.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Commitment to Quality and Precision</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Since its inception, Bulova has been committed to offering high quality watches, combining precision and durability. The brand has implemented strict manufacturing and quality control standards, ensuring that each piece meets high consumer expectations. This commitment to excellence has allowed Bulova to maintain its reputation and build a loyal global customer base.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h3>
<p dir="ltr">With more than <strong>145 years of history</strong>, Bulova continues to distinguish itself with its spirit of innovation, its commitment to precision and its lasting influence in the world of watchmaking. From its humble beginnings in New York, to its pioneering role in space exploration, to its significant contributions to technological advancements in watchmaking, Bulova remains an iconic brand that combines tradition and modernity, meeting the needs of watch enthusiasts around the world.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated February 2025)</p>

I bought this watch during my vacation while strolling through the street of watch shops in Saint Martin without any specific goal. I came across this Ad by chance, whom I did not know and who was very friendly. He asked me what I was looking for. I told him that I did not have a model or brand in mind. Seeing what I was wearing on my arm, he told me that I must be a collector. And that's when he told me about a brand that I did not know and directed me to the Accutron display. He had just brought in the latest Casino models. It was a surprise and love at first sight. It was my first watch from the brand in tune.

Spectacular

Everything I like: a steel bracelet with flat links, a navy blue background, a screen-style dial and a pretty date. It is very comfortable to wear but I find it a little too light. Great precision. All my friends love it. But it is not easy to find and frankly that suits me.

A PRETTY AMERICAN GIRL

Watch from 1968 incredible to wear a unique sound a magnificent black anthracite gray dial a classy watch. Do not be afraid and do not denigrate the other movements the accutron megaquartz or electronic deserve that we linger so much. Classy fluid watch a multitude of models from the 70s this one from 1968.

Accutron megaquartz vintage electronics do not hesitate.

This Bulova watch - using the Accutron tuning fork movement and known to have been one of the most accurate movements of that period - was used in the 1960s by the North American railway industry to prevent train collisions during track changes. This official use by the train companies therefore gives it its name "RAILROAD" and also brings details that do not leave me indifferent such as the dial - inheriting the traditional aesthetics of pocket watches from the Canadian National Railway Company. Other details specific to the caliber 2181 - with which it is equipped - make it admirable (sliding seconds hand), original (crown located at 4 o'clock), soothing (its buzzing due to the vibrations of the tuning fork).

Accutron Railroad 1969

<p>La marque <strong>Ollech &amp; Wajs</strong> a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en <strong>1956</strong> par Joseph Ollech et Albert Wajs &agrave; Zurich en Suisse. Albert &eacute;tait charg&eacute; de la conception, de l&rsquo;ing&eacute;nierie et de la fabrication des montres, tandis que Joseph s&rsquo;occupait du marketing et de la vente au d&eacute;tail. Avant de cr&eacute;er leur propre montres sous la marque Ollech &amp; Wajs, ils ont commenc&eacute; leur activit&eacute; en 1954 en fabriquant des bracelets en acier pour d&rsquo;autres marques.</p>
<p>La marque est connue pour avoir distribu&eacute; des montres &agrave; des unit&eacute;s de l&rsquo;arm&eacute;e am&eacute;ricaine pendant la guerre du Vietnam et pour avoir gagn&eacute; sa renomm&eacute;e aupr&egrave;s des plongeurs et pilotes du monde entier.</p>
<p>Apr&egrave;s 12 ans de n&eacute;gociation et apr&egrave;s avoir &eacute;t&eacute; son distributeur pour le march&eacute; fran&ccedil;ais, en 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, un passionn&eacute; d&rsquo;horlogerie, rach&egrave;te la marque. La gamme actuelle comprend des mod&egrave;les comme la Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 et la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph">Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> et la Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.</p>
<h2>Combien co&ucirc;te une montre Ollech &amp; Wajs ?</h2>
<p>Les prix des montres Ollech &amp; Wajs &eacute;voluent et diff&egrave;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. <strong>La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre CHF 1,500 et CHF 2,000 selon les mod&egrave;les et les finitions</strong>. Comptez <strong>CHF 1,456</strong> pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI et pr&egrave;s de <strong>CHF 2,300</strong> pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronographe. Le march&eacute; de l'occasion est &eacute;galement une opportunit&eacute; &agrave; regarder pour acheter une Ollech &amp; Wajs moins ch&egrave;re. Les mod&egrave;les Vintage notamment les Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron et&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, sont tr&egrave;s pris&eacute;es des collectionneurs et ils convient de bien se renseigner sur le vendeur avant de franchir le pas de l'acquisition d'une vintage.</p>
<p><strong>Ollech &amp; Wajs</strong> est une marque de montres ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines de montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une Ollech &amp; Wajs qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;<strong>les avis clients Dialicious</strong> sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer chacun des diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_suisses"><span class="s2">Classement des meilleures marques de montres suisses</span></a> dont Ollech &amp; Wajs fait partie.</span></p>
<p class="p1">(Mise &agrave; jour Octobre 2024)</p>

<p dir="ltr">The brand <strong>Ollech &amp; Wajs</strong> was created in <strong>1956</strong> by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs in Zurich, Switzerland. Albert was responsible for the design, engineering and manufacturing of the watches, while Joseph handled marketing and retail sales. Before creating their own watches under the brand Ollech &amp; Wajs, they started their business in 1954 making steel bracelets for other brands.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The brand is known for distributing watches to units of the American army during the Vietnam War and for having earned its reputation among divers and pilots around the world.</p>
<p dir="ltr">After 12 years of negotiations and after having been its distributor for the French market, in 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, a watchmaking enthusiast, bought the brand. The current range includes models like the Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> and the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does an Ollech &amp; Wajs watch cost?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The prices of Ollech &amp; Wajs watches change and differ depending on the model. <strong>Most cost between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,000 depending on the models and finishes</strong>. Expect to pay <strong>CHF </strong><strong>1,456</strong> for an Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI and close to <strong>CHF </strong><strong>2,300</strong> for an Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronograph. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Ollech &amp; Wajs. Vintage models including the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, are very popular with collectors and they should find out about the seller before taking the step of purchasing a vintage one.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ollech &amp; Wajs is an independent watch brand and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an Ollech &amp; Wajs that best suits you, <strong>Dialicious owners' reviews</strong> are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Consult the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands">Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands</a> of which Ollech &amp; Wajs is part.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated October 2024)</p>

<p dir="ltr">The <strong>Bulova Accutron</strong> is an iconic watch that revolutionized the watch industry when it was launched in <strong>1960</strong>. 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.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Origins and Development</h3>
<p dir="ltr">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 &plusmn;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 &ldquo;Accuracy through Electronic&rdquo;. 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.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Technical Characteristics</h3>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Impact et Applications</h3>
<p dir="ltr">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 &ldquo;Spaceview&rdquo; model with its skeleton dial exposing the internal movement, also appealed to watch enthusiasts and became a symbol of watchmaking innovation.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Decline and Renaissance</h3>
<p dir="ltr">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 <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/bulova">Bulova</a> 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.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Bulova Accutron remains <strong>an icon</strong>, 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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated February 2025)</p>

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