Bulova Accutron Canadian Railroad Wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1970s
This Bulova Accutron Canadian Railroad wristwatch, identified by reference R.R. 218-0, utilizes the manufacturer's electronic tuning fork movement, introduced in 1960.
The watch features a white dial with large black Arabic numerals and an inner 24-hour track. Distinctive to this Canadian market specification is the use of a "0" in place of the 12 o'clock position. The timepiece includes black hands and a contrasting orange seconds hand. It is housed in a gold-filled case and paired with a gold-tone expansion bracelet that incorporates a small perpetual calendar reference tool. The movement operates at a frequency of 360 Hz.
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
- Dial
- White dial with '0' at 12 o'clock
- Type
- Electronic tuning fork wristwatch
- Brand
- Bulova
- Movement
- Electronic tuning fork
- Frequency
- 360 Hz
- Reference
- R.R. 218-0
- Case Material
- Gold Filled
- Place recorded
- United States
- Maker / attribution
- Bulova
Design
- Visible features
- • Dial features a '0' at the 12 o'clock position • Expansion bracelet contains a perpetual calendar window • Orange seconds hand • Date aperture at 3 o'clock position
- Movement and Technology
- The internal mechanism is a Bulova caliber 218-0 tuning fork movement. Introduced in 1960, this electronic technology utilizes a 360 Hz frequency to drive the timekeeping functions. This system is known for producing a distinct buzzing sound and a continuous sweeping motion of the seconds hand, which was marketed for its accuracy prior to the widespread adoption of quartz technology. The movement is noted for its engineering in the mid-20th century, representing a transition in horological development during the 1960s and 1970s. The movement is referred to as railroad approved, reflecting its application in professional settings where high precision was required.
- Design and Dial Features
- The wristwatch follows a railroad-approved design aesthetic characterized by high legibility. The dial is white and displays prominent black Arabic numerals for the standard hours, complemented by an internal 24-hour military time track. A specific requirement for the Canadian market is the substitution of the numeral 12 with a 0, which serves as a primary identifier for this regional variant. Black hands provide high contrast against the white dial, and the seconds hand is finished in orange to ensure visibility. A date aperture is positioned at the 3 o'clock mark.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description reports that the case, bracelet, and crystal exhibit signs of use, consistent with a vintage item. The dial and hands are described by the source as being in excellent condition. The attribution of the watch as a Canadian Railroad model is based on documentation regarding Bulova production standards for the region. The dating to the 1970s is provided as an approximation within the source information.
Identification
- Reference
- R.R. 218-0
- 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: Exact date of manufacture is not specified
- Research required: Current working status of the electronic movement is unverified