Bulova Accutron 'Coffin' Day-Date
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1972
This Bulova Accutron 'Coffin' Day-Date wristwatch is an electronic timepiece featuring a tuning fork movement, produced in 1972. The watch is powered by the Accutron Caliber 218 movement, which operates at a frequency of 360 hertz and utilizes a stem-and-crown configuration.
The exterior is characterized by a stainless steel 'coffin' case, designed with faceted, architectural lines. It houses a brown dial featuring applied Breguet-style numerals, a central handset, and a day-date aperture. The watch is presented on a stainless steel link bracelet. The caseback bears the 'N2' date code, identifying it as a 1972 production year. This model belongs to the 218 series of Accutron watches, which shifted away from the earlier 214 design language, incorporating a more conventional crown placement for adjustment and setting.
The timepiece is currently part of the Accutron Factory Certified Pre-Owned program.
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
- Day-Date wristwatch
- Maker
- Bulova
- Movement
- Accutron Caliber 218
- Date Code
- N2
- Frequency
- 360-hertz
- Case Material
- Stainless steel
- Place recorded
- United States
- Production Year
- 1972
- Maker / attribution
- Bulova
Design
- Visible features
- • Faceted stainless steel case • Brown dial with applied numerals • Day-date calendar aperture at 3 o'clock • Crown positioned at 4 o'clock
- Case and Dial Design
- The watch features a stainless steel 'coffin' case characterized by faceted, elongated geometry. The crown is located on the side of the case, positioned at the 4 o'clock mark. The dial is finished in a brown tone that varies in intensity depending on lighting conditions. It is appointed with applied Breguet-style numerals and a handset, complemented by a day-date aperture window located at the 3 o'clock position, which provides calendar functionality.
- Movement and Function
- The watch is powered by the Bulova Accutron Caliber 218, a battery-operated movement that utilizes a 360-hertz tuning fork to regulate timekeeping rather than a traditional balance wheel. This mechanism is known for producing an audible hum and maintaining high accuracy relative to the mechanical standards of its era. The Caliber 218 series represents an evolution from the preceding 214 movement, moving toward a more conventional stem-and-crown configuration. This allows for standard adjustment and winding processes, distinguishing it from earlier iterations of the Accutron system.
- Authentication and Dating
- The watch is dated by the 'N2' code inscribed on the caseback. Per the source, the letter 'N' identifies the decade as the 1970s, while the numeral '2' confirms the production year as 1972. This specific timepiece is sold under the Accutron Factory Certified Pre-Owned program. According to the auction description, all watches in this program undergo inspections by watchmakers to verify authenticity and function.
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: The internal movement condition is not visually verified
- Research required: The original extent of factory refurbishment is not detailed