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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Doofus 3T WIS
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pacifichrono wrote: Doofus wrote: Oh yeah! ... We (GTO owners) used to smoke "Daddy's Oldsmobiles" every time one challenged us! But I digress! |
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KenC Admin
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pacifichrono wrote: Doofus wrote: Although........wasn't the automatic trans a 4-speed also........soecifically, a Hurst 4-speed? |
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oagaspar Site Founder
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KenC wrote: The Hurst Shifter was Used in the 442 and was a 4 speed manual tranny on the Floor....the 4spd automatic tranny didn't come along until the late 60's( luxury cars) to mid 70's...2/3 speed autos were all that were available :D The Hurst Shifter Was the Shifter of Choice By All Drag Racers Then :cool: pacifichrono wrote:Doofus wrote: |
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e.avery 3T WIS
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Was it a 400 auto trans. that was used in it 0? O.A. Gaspar wrote: KenC wrote: |
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KenC Admin
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But, the 442 was with us all through the 70's, and then some. It was originally a 330 cu block: Olds FAQ -- 442 Years of Production 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1985 1986 1987 1990 1991 Meaning(s) Definition of 4-4-2 from the Oldsmobile Factory Literature: 1964 (Original meaning) 4: Four Barrel Carburetion 4: Four On the Floor 2: Dual Exhausts 1965 (First year of automatic transmission option on 442) 4: 400 Cubic Inch Displacement 4: Four Barrel Carburetion 2: Dual Exhausts 1985 to 1987 (Last of RWD 442s) 4: Four speed automatic 4: Four barrel carburetor 2: Dual exhaust 1990 and 1991 (FWD 442) 4: Four cylinders 4: Four valves 2: Two camshafts O.A. Gaspar wrote: KenC wrote: |
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Zeb 3T WIS 
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It's kind of weird to me. It would have made a lot more sense if they called their quartz watches Accutrons and the mechanicals Bulova, or if they had come up with a new name for the mechanicals, like Accu-Mech. But a brand name's just a brand name, Dan:) |
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oagaspar Site Founder
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e.avery wrote: Eric...I believe the Hydra-Matic was used in 64-67 by Olds which would have been a D,1,2,...and in 68 with the Body Change and when the 455 cu.in was available in the 442's they Used a 400 Trans...D,1,2,3 or known as the 4spd automatic....the Engines in the Early 442's were a 400 cu.in. 350hp V-8 64-67'.The 455 cu.in was Short Lived due to Government Concerns and After 72' were No Longer Available in the Cutlass or 442...unless it was Built in Canada...later in the 73-75 Hurst Olds the 455 resurfaced but much detuned:dude:..see the 442 Link below for Trans available in the 442's... http://www.oldsmobility.com/transmission.htm Was it a 400 auto trans. that was used in it 0? |
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pacifichrono 3T WIS
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When the 4-4-2 was introduced in 1964, it was not available with an auto trans. In 1965 and 1966 Olds fitted it with their two-speed Jetaway automatic. In 1967, GM upgraded the offering to the "corporate" TH400 three-speed automatic. |
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