Bulova Accutron 'Masonic' Dial, 1976

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

In 1960, Bulova had a vision of the future. And in that future, there was humming. 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 to be precise enough to qualify for U.S. Railroad certification, guaranteed to be accurate to about one minute per month, or about two seconds per day. While Bulova had grand plans for its electric watch of the future, the company never anticipated the success that the uniquely-appointed Spaceview — which featured a transparent dial displaying its movement — would generate. Designed to be a salesman's tool and display watch only, the Spaceview 214 was never intended for retail purchase. But when demands for the watch spiked, Bulova responded, producing retail versions of the watch with the same unique characteristics of their display models. Though this particular reference isn't a Spaceview, it nevertheless boasts the exact same movement technology that made Accutron a household name in the 1960s. It dates to 1976, given its N6 caseback engraving. "N" representing production in the 1970s, and "6" being the specific year within that decade. Measuring 35mm in stainless steel with a 4 o'clock crown, a smooth bezel with brushed finishing, and an acrylic crystal, it features a cool silvered dial with 'Masonic' indices, an outer, open minute track and a luminous handset. These types of pieces were made often made for specific events or as special editions - making them even more desirable and collectable pieces! No matter your mechanical-movement inclinations, there's no denying that the Accutron is a one-of-a-kind piece of horological history. Oh, and the unique sound it makes? Hold this baby up to your ear and you'll hear that tuning fork humming away! 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.