Bulova Accutron 214 'Alpha' Wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1960
This Bulova Accutron 214 'Alpha' is a mid-century electronic wristwatch introduced in 1960. It utilizes the Accutron Calibre 214 movement, a design credited to Max Hetzel, which employs a 360 Hz tuning fork oscillator instead of a traditional balance wheel, powered by a transistorized electronic circuit.
The watch is constructed in 14k gold and features a champagne-colored dial with applied golden indices and a center seconds hand. The design incorporates a distinct lug structure where the top and bottom profiles differ, a feature noted for its unique geometry. The movement is reported to achieve a precision of approximately one minute per month. This specific example features the M0 date code, confirming its production year.
The watch emits a hum during operation, resulting from the internal tuning fork vibration. It is currently offered as a factory-certified pre-owned item, having undergone inspection by Bulova experts.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Electronic wristwatch
- Maker
- Bulova
- Accuracy
- Approximately one minute per month
- Designer
- Max Hetzel
- Movement
- Accutron Calibre 214
- Date code
- M0
- Frequency
- 360 Hz
- Case material
- 14K gold
- Place recorded
- United States
- Maker / attribution
- Bulova
Design
- Visible features
- • Champagne-colored dial with 'ACCUTRON' signature below 12 o'clock • Applied golden baton indices with Arabic numeral '12' • Distinct asymmetrical lug architecture joining the case to a dark leather strap • Fluted or decorative minute track encircling the dial periphery
- Movement and Technology
- At the heart of the timepiece is the Calibre 214 movement. This mechanism replaces the traditional mechanical balance wheel with a 360 Hz tuning fork, controlled by a battery-powered, transistorized oscillator circuit. This technological shift was intended to improve timekeeping precision in an era preceding widespread quartz movement adoption. The movement is recognized for high levels of accuracy for its time, qualifying it as the first wristwatch to receive United States railroad certification. Operational status is indicated by a characteristic hum produced by the internal tuning fork vibration, which is described as a steady, audible experience.
- Authentication and History
- The watch is dated to 1960, identified by the M0 date code found on the piece. This period marks the era of the Accutron's introduction to the market. The specific design language is noted to share similarities with the manufacturer's well-known 'Spaceview' models. The source indicates that this watch is part of a 'Factory Certified Pre-Owned' program, suggesting that it has undergone verification and inspection by specialists at Bulova. These records are attributed to the source and are not subject to independent verification by the current cataloguer.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The case of this Accutron 'Alpha' model is crafted from 14k gold and presents a distinct aesthetic profile. A notable feature is the construction of the lugs, where the lower and upper profiles are designed differently, departing from uniform lug shapes. The casing houses a champagne-colored dial characterized by a sunburst or radial finish. The dial layout incorporates applied golden indices for hour markers, with the numeral 12 positioned at the top. A minute track, which appears fluted or grooved, runs along the outer perimeter of the dial. A central seconds hand extends across the face, contributing to the watch's formal appearance.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Independent verification of movement condition or authenticity is not provided in the source
- Research required: Current inventory and pricing data reflect the time of original source compilation