Bulova Accutron 'Breguet' Stainless Steel Dress Watch, 1970s

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

In 1960, Bulova had a vision of the future. And in that future, there was humming. The Accutron was the world's first electronic watch. About a decade before the infamous Quartz Crisis, Bulova put into production a timepiece that did away with the traditional balance wheel, favoring instead a tuning fork design — a 360-hertz steel tuning fork powered by electromagnets attached to a battery-powered transistor oscillator circuit — as its timekeeper. Designed by Max Hetzel, the Accutron made waves, becoming the first wristwatch precise enough to be qualified for U.S. Railroad certification, guaranteed to be accurate to about one minute per month, or roughly two seconds per day. While Bulova had grand plans for their watch of the future, it never anticipated the success that the uniquely appointed Spaceview — a transparent Accutron with a view into the unique movement beneath — would generate. From this watch, the Accutron grew into a large collection. And while its cool technology was soon eclipsed by that of the quartz movement, it nevertheless represents a unique period in horological history, with collectors snapping up examples of vintage Accutrons whenever and wherever they can get their hands on them. This particular Accutron, dating to the 1970s, mixes its futuristic tech with vintage-inspired cues: Measuring 37mm in a brushed stainless steel 'C'-shaped case, it features a 4:30 crown, a polished bezel, an acrylic crystal, a screw-down caseback, and a silver dial with applied 'Breguet' indices, an outer 'dot' minute track, and a matching 'baton' handset. Powered by an electronic Accutron movement and paired to a blue saffiano leather strap, this nifty timekeeper is perfect for the collector who appreciates both futurism as well as horological history. Subtle and cool, it would make an excellent, casual addition to any watch roll. Accutron Factory Certified Pre-Owned Analog:Shift is proud to be partnered with Accutron as the exclusive retailer for Factory Certified Pre-Owned timepieces. Our longstanding relationship and shared passion for horological history and design have culminated in this unique offering. Each Accutron timepiece undergoes rigorous inspection and certification by expert watchmakers and is backed by the manufacture, ensuring unparalleled authenticity and quality.