====== Bulova Accutron ======
{{wst>image_r|Bulova_Accutron_Werkansicht|Bulova Accutron\\ tuning fork watch}}
The **Bulova Accutron** was the first electronic watch.

===== History =====
Swiss engineer Max Hetzel developed the [[tuning fork]] concept after joining [[Bulova]] in [[1950]]. He created a working model in [[1953]], moving it to prototype stage in [[1955]]. It was developed in secret, even as [[electric watch]]es gained acclaim.

It was an important step in the development of electronic and [[quartz watch]]es. Where [[quartz movement]]s excite a vibration in quartz crystal for timing, the Accutron instead used electromagnets acting on a [[tuning fork]]. This tuned vibrating member oscillates at 360 oscillations per second (Hz), much faster than the [[balance wheel]] found in a mechanical watch (2.5-5.0 Hz). This increases the accuracy of the movement, allowing Bulova to guarantee a maximum deviation of +/- 60 seconds per month. This was far better than competing mechanical watches, causing a sales and publicity surge.

Bulova launched the Accutron to worldwide acclaim on October 25, [[1960]]. At the [[Basel Fair]] in [[1971]], Bulova exhibited the first production models. By [[1963]], the company claimed production over 100,000, over US$30 million in sales the next year, and over 350,000 sales by [[1965]].

Experimental Accutron timers were used in early spacecraft in [[1959]], and in communications satellites starting in [[1961]]. Astronaut Gordon Cooper wore a Bulova Accutron in orbit in May, [[1963]], the first of many uses in space. The best-known model of the Accutron line was the Spaceview, which set a new standard of technology and design. NASA used Accutron watches in the Gemini program, including models with [[24 hour dial]]s. The Apollo program watch included a 60 hour dial.

The second-generation Accutron movement, [[Accutron 218|Cal. 218]], was released in [[1968]]. This was available with and without a date complication. A day/date model appeared the next year.

Bulova eventually licensed the technology to [[Ebauches SA]] (in [[1968]]) and [[Citizen]]. Ebauches' [[ESA]] developed the [[ESA 9160|"Mosaba" Cal. 9160/9162]] based on the Accutron design that same year. This was part of their "[[Swissonic]]" line, which also included [[electric watch]]es and early [[quartz]] movements. Notably, ESA used the Mosaba movement in a [[chronograph]], [[ESA 9210|Cal. 9210]], which was the first electronic chronograph in [[1972]].

The tuning fork Accutron was a technology leader until the development of the [[quartz watch]] in the early 1970's. For a time, Bulova built a hybrid movement, the [[Accuquartz]]. But eventually, issues with reliability, cost, and power usage caused the tuning fork Accutron to rapidly lose favor. By 1980, Bulova had stopped production of this movement and was actively replacing tuning fork movements with quartz.

In the 1990s, "Accutron" became a brand name for high-end quartz watches from Bulova. Today, [[tuning fork]] Bulova Accutrons are in high demand by collectors, though they are difficult to find in working condition.

===== Accutron Chronology =====
  * [[1960]] - The original Bulova Accutron movement is launched
  * [[1965]] - The Accutron Women's model is test-marketed before a full release the following year
  * [[1967]] - Thinner second-generation, [[Accutron 218]], and first Accutron with calendar complication, [[Accutron 218D]]
  * [[1969]] - A day/date Accutron is added, along with diver models
  * [[1970]] - The [[Accuquartz]] hybrid movement is launched
  * [[1970]] - A smaller "mini Accutron" for ladies models is created, operating at 480 Hz and measuring 8.75 ligne diameter
  * [[1970]] - The [[dual timezone]] Astronaut Mark II is launched
  * [[1972]] - [[Universal Zone Timer]] with second timezone display
  * [[1973]] - Oval mini Accutron launched at [[Basel Fair]], 4.4 mm thick
  * [[1973]] - 10.5 ligne version of the 1970 "mini Accutron" with 2 hands, center seconds with date, and center seconds with day and date

===== See Also =====
  * [[Swissonic]] and [[Mosaba]]
  * [[Bulova Accuquartz]]


{{tag>Watch_models 24_hour_watches Bulova_models Tuning_fork_movements}}