New: Bulova Accutron Astronaut

Accutron is proud to bring back the 1968 “T” version of the Astronaut model, featuring a distinctive DAY/NIGHT bezel as the brand’s re-edition in an exciting new series of Accutron Astronaut timepieces. Limited to only 300 pieces, the watch retails for US$3,500.

Press Release information with commentary in italics.

Bulova Accutron Astronaut

Commentary

One of the most notable aspects of the Bulova Astronaut Re-Edition is its design. The watch features a 41mm stainless steel case with a black dial and luminous hands and markers, similar to the original watch. It also features a distinctive Day/Night bezel which helps the wearer track two time zones simultaneously. The watch is powered by a Swiss-made automatic movement, which ironically makes it no longer the ‘most accurate watch in the world’; a phrase used to describe the original 1968 model with the 214HN sub-caliber.

Overall, the Bulova Astronaut Re-Edition is a faithful homage to the original watch, with some modern updates to improve its functionality and durability. The watch is a good choice for those who appreciate its historical significance and unique design, as well as its practical features for tracking multiple time zones.

Press Release

Accutron, known for “Accuracy through Electronics,” was one of the key technologies used in instrumentation and timepieces that the U.S. government and NASA utilized in the Space Race starting in the late 50s through the early 60s. General Omar Bradley, then Chairman of Bulova Watch Company, spearheaded the collaboration of 46 NASA space missions that utilized 2,000 Accutron precision instruments and timing devices.

During May of 1963, the Accutron Astronaut watch was worn for the first time in space on mission Mercury-Atlas 9, which orbited the Earth. The watch was ideal for aerospace usage due to it being electronic and not relying on your typical mainspring. With its high frequency, it could withstand high G-acceleration and extreme temperatures with unprecedented accuracy. Because of these characteristics, the Accutron Astronaut watch became the officially issued watch for all pilots of the USAF X-15 experimental rocket-powered aircraft program, and was later issued to CIA pilots in the Lockheed A-12 program who traveled at three times the speed of sound.

Accutron is proud to bring back the 1968 “T” version of the Astronaut model, featuring a distinctive DAY/NIGHT bezel as the brand’s very first re-edition in an exciting new series of Accutron Astronaut timepieces. The new Accutron Astronaut is Swiss Made, available in a 41mm stainless steel case with matching bracelet, including sapphire crystal, Super-LumiNova, and partial exhibition case back powered by a SW330 GMT movement.

The partnership lasted from the mid 1950’s up until the 70’s, in which NASA utilized Accutron’s innovative tuning fork movement, allowing for watches, instrumental panel clocks and timekeeping mechanisms to take a part in many missions.

“There is no denying the outstanding history of both Accutron and Bulova with the U.S. Space Program, says Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch America. “The significance of the relationship and specifically the tuning fork technology led to the creation of the Accutron brand as the standalone brand it is today.”