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TimeTechTalk.com > Time Tech Talk > Time Talk > Accutron: should they be associated with mechanical watches? |
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TimeTechTalk.com > Time Tech Talk > Time Talk > Accutron: should they be associated with mechanical watches? |
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| Accutron: should they be associated with mechanical watches? | Rating: 
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| Posted: Thu Jun 22nd, 2006 11:01 pm |
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1st Post |
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pacifichrono 3T WIS 
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To me, AccuTRON has always meant elecTRONic watches, originally based on the elecTRONic-powered vibrations of a tuning fork. Bulova created the AccuTRON brand specifically to sell elecTRONic watches, leaving the mechanicals to the parent Bulova. Seems to me an AccuTRON "automatic" is a non sequitur. Anyone else see this "unnatural" evolution of the AccuTRON brand?       HERE'S A BIT OF ACCUTRON HISTORY (thanks to thewatchguy.com): 1952 Bulova begins developing Accutron, the first breakthrough in timekeeping technology in over 300 years. Accutron, the first fully electronic watch, promises to keep time to within 2 seconds a day. 1960 NASA asks Bulova to incorporate Accutron into its computers for the space program. Bulova timing mechanisms eventually become an integral part of 46 missions of the U.S. Space Program. Also in 1960, Bulova reintroduces its redeveloped Phototimer clock, improved with updated photographic and electronic technologies. It features an infrared sensing element patterned after those used on heat-seeking missiles. Mounted on the starter's pistol, the Phototimer senses the flash of the gun and starts a timer clock at the same instant that the runners leave their marks.
1961 Accutron, the first watch to keep time through electronics, is introduced. It is the most spectacular breakthrough in timekeeping since the invention of the wrist watch. This revolutionary timekeeping concept of a watch without springs or escapement is operated by an electronically activated tuning fork. The Accutron watch goes on to become a presidential gift to world leaders and other dignitaries. President Johnson declares it the White House's official "Gift of State."
1962 The Accutron Tuning-fork watch becomes the first wristwatch certified for use by railroad personnel. 1962 is also the year that Bulova introduces its Caravelle line of jeweled watches. Designed to retail at $10.95 to $29.95, Caravelle competes with non-jeweled watches in the same price range.
1967 Accutron clocks are the only clocks aboard Air Force One.
1968 The Bulova Satellite Clock, the world's first public clock to display time controlled by time signals broadcast by orbiting satellites, is inaugurated by Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, President of Mexico. The clock is installed atop the Torre Latino Americana, Mexico's tallest skyscraper. 1968 also marks the year that Caravelle becomes the largest selling jeweled-movement watch in the United States. 1969 An Accutron watch movement is part of the equipment placed on the moon by Apollo 11 astronauts, the first men on the moon. A Bulova timer is placed in the moon's "Sea of Tranquility" to control the transmissions of vital data through the years.
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| Posted: Thu Jun 22nd, 2006 11:44 pm |
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2nd Post |
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Doofus 3T WIS 
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I agree, Tom! ...  An "Accutron" IS DEFINITELY an "Electronic" Hybrid! ...  IMHO, it's akin to saying that a "Hybrid" Auto ...  ... Runs on an Internal Combustion Engine! ...  Last edited on Thu Jun 22nd, 2006 11:53 pm by Doofus |
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| Posted: Fri Jun 23rd, 2006 12:04 am |
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3rd Post |
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KenC Admin 
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I think that Accutron is now just another brand name now, far removed from the electronic movement that originally originated the name!:shock: Last edited on Fri Jun 23rd, 2006 12:05 am by KenC |
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| Posted: Fri Jun 23rd, 2006 12:10 am |
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4th Post |
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pacifichrono 3T WIS
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Doofus wrote:
Remember the Olds 4-4-2?  400 cu.in., 4 speed*, 2 (dual) exhausts. Maybe GM could produce a special commemorative edition, equipped with a 3.8 litre V6, auto trans, and a nice big single pipe! * Later changed to mean 4bbl carb when they realized they couldn't sell enough manual trans models. Oops!
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| Posted: Fri Jun 23rd, 2006 12:24 am |
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5th Post |
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pacifichrono 3T WIS
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How about a new Miller Lite "Dark?" Full-bodied and only 280 calories! Or perhaps Porsche will unveil a Boxster sporting an inline-6 powerplant rather than the existing "boxer" six.  Last edited on Fri Jun 23rd, 2006 01:08 am by pacifichrono |
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| Posted: Fri Jun 23rd, 2006 09:16 am |
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6th Post |
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oagaspar Site Founder 
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My Opinion would be No it is Not a Mecahnical Timepiece for the Simple Reason that the Accutron has No Internal Lubricated Parts(as far as I know) as a Mechanical Watch or Car for that Matter....Electronic Was and Is the Name Given the Accutron and until it doesn't need a Battery to Run it ....it Just doesn't fit the Mechanical category to me...:D...jmho
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| Posted: Fri Jun 23rd, 2006 10:08 am |
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7th Post |
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Foster 3T WIS 
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I wouldn't go as far as you guys. A lot of fine watchmaking went into the original Accutron movements...jeweling, plates, etc, and the pawl wheel that turns the second hand is a marvel of minaturization. Yes that is a toothed gear that turns the hand in such a smooth motion. They are not mechanical, per se, but they are one hell of a lot more interesting and watchlike than any quartz movement. They were pretty darned expensive back in the day too, and I think Bulova is still trying to use that cache for their upscale line these days.
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| Posted: Fri Jun 23rd, 2006 11:12 am |
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8th Post |
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pacifichrono 3T WIS
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Foster wrote: I think Bulova is still trying to use that cache for their upscale line these days. Exactly, but an AccuTRON without the TRON is like a hamburger without the pattie!
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| Posted: Fri Jun 23rd, 2006 11:33 am |
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9th Post |
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oagaspar Site Founder
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Here is One of the Best webpages I have on the Accutron Watches:) I Cherish the 214/218's I own and am always looking for different models...I have a Certina Certronic NOS Case and Dial sitting with OldeCrow that used the Bulova/Accutron Movement...still Looking for the right Size Movement though :( http://members.iinet.com.au/~fotoplot/acc.htm
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| Posted: Fri Jun 23rd, 2006 11:50 am |
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10th Post |
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KenC Admin
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O.A. Gaspar wrote: Here is One of the Best webpages I have on the Accutron Watches:) I Cherish the 214/218's I own and am always looking for different models...I have a Certina Certronic NOS Case and Dial sitting with OldeCrow that used the Bulova/Accutron Movement...still Looking for the right Size Movement though :( Hey.......isn't that old Bulova factory in Bienne, Switzerland the one that Invicta now owns??? 
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| Posted: Fri Jun 23rd, 2006 02:01 pm |
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11th Post |
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e.avery 3T WIS 
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I thought that was a Swiss Budgetel that is the Inv. Swiss factory. They are hot racking Mexicans to get the work out.
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| Posted: Fri Jun 23rd, 2006 05:51 pm |
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12th Post |
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KenC Admin
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e.avery wrote: I thought that was a Swiss Budgetel that is the Inv. Swiss factory. They are hot racking Mexicans to get the work out. Can you say Motel 6? ..................We'll leave the
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