Bulova Accutron 'Floppy Football'
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1960s
This Bulova Accutron, colloquially referred to as the 'Floppy Football', is defined by its asymmetrical case geometry. It features an electronic movement powered by a 360-hertz tuning fork, which replaces the traditional balance wheel mechanism found in mechanical wristwatches.
Designed by Max Hetzel, the movement utilizes a battery-powered transistor oscillator circuit, historically noted for its ability to maintain timekeeping accuracy within approximately one minute per month. The dial is marked with the Accutron signature and the brand's tuning fork logo.
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
- Tuning fork wristwatch
- Maker
- Bulova
- Accuracy
- Approximately one minute per month
- Designer
- Max Hetzel
- Model Name
- Floppy Football
- Case Material
- Two-tone steel and gold
- Movement Type
- 360-hertz tuning fork
- Place recorded
- U.S.
- Maker / attribution
- Bulova
Design
- Visible features
- • Asymmetrical case shape • Two-tone steel and gold construction • Signed clasp on the bracelet • Tuning fork logo on the dial
- Tuning Fork Movement
- The watch functions using a tuning fork oscillator, which deviates from conventional mechanical balance wheel systems. The heart of the movement relies on a 360-hertz tuning fork, which is integrated with a battery-powered transistor circuit. This system was designed to provide consistent timekeeping. The technology was created by Max Hetzel for the Accutron line. It was historically positioned as a high-precision alternative to mechanical movements, achieving accuracy rates that led to its qualification for U.S. Railroad certification.
- Technological Context
- Bulova introduced this electronic watch technology in 1960. The tuning fork movement represents an alternative to the mechanical watch architectures that were standard during the mid-20th century. The system remained in production for approximately 17 years before the industry shift toward quartz technology. While some early Accutron models were produced as open-worked display pieces, this specific iteration is a retail-ready version of the tuning fork design. The movement is distinguished by a humming sound produced during operation.
- Case and Aesthetic Design
- The watch features an asymmetrical case shape, identified by the nickname 'Floppy Football'. The case is constructed from a combination of steel and gold materials. The overall composition is finished with a matching two-tone bracelet, which includes a signed clasp as part of the ensemble. The watch dial displays a minimalist aesthetic, featuring baton-style hour markers and a centered hand arrangement. The brand name and the tuning fork emblem appear on the dial surface.
Identification
- Reference
- AS11753
- 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 year of manufacture is not specified beyond the 1960s era
- Research required: Movement interior condition is not documented in the source