{"product_id":"bulova-accutron-blue-fume-as12555","title":"Bulova Accutron 'Blue Fumé'","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the early 1970s, the future didn’t tick — it hummed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Bulova Accutron 218 Date, produced in 1974 (as confirmed by its “N4” caseback date code), represents one of the most fascinating chapters in American watchmaking history. Powered by the legendary Accutron Caliber 218 (Bulova’s legendary battery-driven tuning fork movement), this isn’t a traditional mechanical watch. There’s no balance wheel oscillating inside. Instead, an electronically powered tuning fork vibrates at 360 hertz, delivering a smooth, hypnotic sweep and an accuracy that Bulova claimed was within one minute per month, a staggering performance for its era.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eIntroduced as the successor to the iconic 214, the 218 series refined the formula. Most notably, it returned the crown to a more conventional position (often at 4 o’clock), making it easier to set and wear in everyday life. The example here houses the Caliber 2181, as indicated by its date display, cleanly framed against one of the era’s most charismatic dial treatments. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat dial! The deep blue fumé finish shifts dramatically from a saturated electric center to near-black edges, creating a moody, dimensional effect that perfectly complements the brushed stainless steel cushion case. It’s pure 1970s optimism, bold, modern, slightly space-age, yet surprisingly wearable today. The case proportions feel architectural, grounded, and substantial without veering into excess.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Accutron line famously found its way onto the wrists of astronauts, pilots, and even into cockpit instrumentation, cementing its reputation as the watch of the electronic age. This 218 Date captures that spirit in a form that feels both forward-thinking and distinctly vintage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe sound of 1974, still resonating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eACCUTRON FACTORY CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnalog:Shift is proud to be partnered with Accutron as the exclusive retailer for \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/pages\/factory-certified-pre-owned-accutron?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=a76a24743\u0026amp;_ss=r\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFactory Certified Pre-Owned\u003c\/a\u003e timepieces. Our longstanding relationship and shared passion for horological history and design have culminated in this unique offering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Accutron timepiece undergoes rigorous inspection and certification by expert watchmakers and is backed by the manufacture, ensuring unparalleled authenticity and quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Accutron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44127894569047,"sku":"40993412","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/files\/AS12555_40993412_ACCUTRON_BLUEFUME_N4-6.jpg?v=1787927097","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/bulova-accutron-blue-fume-as12555","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}