Bulova Accutron 'Zebra'

Overall Condition: Very good condition overall. Case shows wear consistent with age and gentle use. Dial and handset are in good condition with even patination. 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 watch that did away with the traditional balance wheel, favoring instead a 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, and guaranteed to be accurate to roughly one minute per month, or about 2 seconds per day. While Bulova had grand plans for their watch of the future, they never anticipated the success that the uniquely appointed Spaceview 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 versions with the same unique characteristics of their display models. With its visible circuitry and tuning fork, the Accutron Spaceview was unlike anything before — and really, anything since. Though it remained in production for roughly 17 years, the tuning fork technology was eventually beaten out by quartz crystal movements, making this unbelievable piece of history a short-lived but totally revolutionary wristwatch. This specific watch uses the same tuning fork technology. It features the upgraded cal. 218 movement which has a time-setting crown at the 4 o'clock position instead of on the caseback. This incredible cushion case piece displays the day and the date, and most notably, is finished with an awesome 'zebra' dial. Between the lugs sits an awesome bracelet with a unique design that plays well with the numerals on the dial and the zebra pattern. If you appreciate this era of design, you'll be hard pressed to beat a watch this cool. 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.