Bulova Accutron CK 'Exotic Dial'

In 1960, Bulova had a vision of the future—and in that future, there was humming.

The Accutron was the world's first electronic wristwatch, arriving nearly a decade before quartz would upend the watch industry. Designed by Swiss engineer Max Hetzel, it replaced the traditional balance wheel with a tiny steel tuning fork vibrating at 360 hertz and powered by a transistorized electronic circuit. The result was extraordinary accuracy for its era: roughly one minute per month, making the Accutron the first wristwatch precise enough to earn U.S. Railroad certification.

Today, most collectors associate tuning-fork technology with the famous Spaceview, the display watch that unexpectedly became one of Bulova's greatest successes. But the real story of the Accutron extends far beyond the Spaceview itself. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Bulova incorporated its revolutionary technology into an array of increasingly sophisticated designs, each carrying the unmistakable smooth sweep and distinctive hum that made the Accutron famous.

This example features the improved Caliber 218 movement, which relocated the setting crown to the more conventional 4 o'clock position rather than hiding it on the caseback, as on the earlier Caliber 214. Housed in a wonderfully period-correct 35mm stainless steel TV-shaped case beneath a dramatic top-hat acrylic crystal, it captures the bold optimism of 1970s design perfectly.

The multi-tone grey and silver dial is a standout, featuring applied baton markers, an inner railroad minute track, a subtle crosshair motif, luminous hands, a bright red central seconds hand, and a date display above 6 o'clock. Paired with a brown leather strap, it strikes a compelling balance between futuristic technology and classic styling.

The tuning-fork era was relatively brief, but its impact on watchmaking was enormous. Watches like this represent a fascinating alternate future—one where quartz never quite took over.

And yes, if you hold it up to your ear, you'll still hear that famous hum.

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.

The story of Bulova is deeply entwined with American manufacturing. Its founder, a Czech immigrant named Joseph Bulova, was inspired by the advances that Ford made in his factory in Highland Park, Michigan. In 1912, Bulova built a factory in Biel, Switzerland, using Ford’s principles of mass production.

The brand was among the first to offer a wide range of wristwatches for men, with a distinctive visual style that — thanks to its innovative adoption of advertising and a relocation to Astoria, Queens — became fixed in the American imagination. Bulova took over offices in a skyscraper on 5th Avenue in Manhattan and installed an observatory on the roof in order to measure universal time. In the workshop down below, watchmakers timed the watches they were working on against readings taken in the observatory.

The watches that Bulova produced were varied, from handsome three-handers to divers and even chronographs. Bulova produced its first chronographs in the 1940s — single-button affairs with screw-on bezels. Throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70's, Bulova honed its mastery of such watches.

However, perhaps the brand’s single most important innovation was 1960’s Accutron, a timepiece that used an electric tuning fork in place of a traditional balance wheel. Following on the heels of the Hamilton Electric of 1957, the Accutron featured a guaranteed accuracy of two seconds per day — much better accuracy than that of a contemporary mechanical watch. (The Accutron line was later spun off and relaunched as its own brand in 2020.)

In 1971 a Bulova chronograph accompanied the crew of Apollo 15 into space. When the crystal on astronaut David Scott’s Speedmaster popped off, he strapped on his Bulova, making it the only privately worn watch to ever have been worn on the Moon. (It was subsequently auctioned off for more than $1.625M.)

Currently owned by Citizen Group and headquartered in New York City, Bulova continues to make watches inspired by its long American heritage.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.