KMII
[Montblanc Moderator]
29857
Six months with the Accutron - first impressions
Six months ago I started a little budget experiment by buying an Accutron II to see how I like the optics and whether to go for an original or one of the tuning fork (Cal. 214) re-editions (the latter being a much more significant investment). While I have to admit it has not been on my wrist constantly, I have worn it enough for a quick summary of my impressions.
Citizen has been on a buying spree for a while and Bulova has been one of the targets. This has allowed an installment of Citizen's Precisionist movements in the Bulova watches - meaning higher grade quartz movements with a sweeping second, at least giving the impression of a mechanical watch (actually very much in line with the original tuning fork movements or a modern Spring Drive). All Precisionist movements have a much higher than usual quartz oscillation frequency of 262 kHz (instead of the regular 32 kHz), leading (as the name says) to a higher precision.
The larger ones are supposed to achieve close to Grand Seiko 9F level accuracy of 10-15 seconds a year, the smaller ones placed into Accutron II cases are somewhat less good in principle (rated at a fairly regular 10 secs a month).
Mine displayed a much better accuracy than the stated value, though. Being 5 seconds ahead in 6 months is a great value for a quartz, even if it does not quite reach the precision of my SBGX097. It is at least leagues better than my Breitling Aerospace.
Lots of small details have been sweated much more than is usual for a watch at this price level (basically costing a good lunch for two). The seconds hand counterweight is a nice tuning fork, the hour markers are nice round and large luminous dots (with a luminous tuning fork at 12), a sunburst finish on the metal part of the dial is a plus, different finishes on the case are unexpected and a very solid feeling of both the case and the deployant clasp, which both go way above the price level is a positive surprise.
Here a Blomman style shot. Technically it works quite well in summer. I would change the strap for more prolonged use, although it is not unpleasant. But a canvas strap would certainly work better than a leather one in the warmer months.
Funnily enough the watch gets a lot more attention than more expensive pieces. I have not worn it that often but been asked about it every single time - mostly by people seriously into watches. I would say the experiment has been a success so far, with the watch being pleasant to wear and - to the horror of fundamentailst mechanical movement proponents - comfortable in the sense of being very precise nad not needing adjustment. No date, either
Technically it does not only work with the circuit board cufflinks but also with semi formal outfits (as seen above) 
One thing I also enjoy is the luminosity. The first half an hour it is as bright as pretty much any decent diving watch, then it slowly dims but manages sufficient legibility of both hands and the hour markers for a whole night, which is much more than usually gotten from watches in this price range.
The curved caseback also makes it sit securely on the wrist and provides a very comfortable fit.
Here a Blomman style shot. Technically it works quite well in summer. I would change the strap for more prolonged use, although it is not unpleasant. But a canvas strap would certainly work better than a leather one in the warmer months.
Funnily enough the watch gets a lot more attention than more expensive pieces. I have not worn it that often but been asked about it every single time - mostly by people seriously into watches. I would say the experiment has been a success so far, with the watch being pleasant to wear and - to the horror of fundamentailst mechanical movement proponents - comfortable in the sense of being very precise nad not needing adjustment. No date, either
Still not sure if a tuning fork version is next but I am happy with the Accutron for occassional wear.
More posts:
Six months with the Accutron - first impressions
Six months ago I started a little budget experiment by buying an Accutron II to see how I like the optics and whether to go for an original or one of the tuning fork (Cal. 214) re-editions (the latter being a much more significant investment). While I hav...
As said...
A little fun, a bit of an experiment Sufficiently similar in case design and dial layout to give a first impression of a Spaceview, without having to fork out a significant amount to see if one likes it And I have to say in terms of smiles per € it works ...
Funnily enough...
It is only officially sold in a handful of European countries. But then there is always your friendly bookseller to help out
6606
60 more and hell freezes over? The cuff links are fiarly old and relatively seldomly used these days but they are fun - a lighter side of office life
If it's accuracy we're after, then what could be more accurate than a watch that will...
... synchronize with an atomic clock or with satellites from the Global Positioning System? It's kind of awesome knowing that your watch is always correct, no matter where you are in the world! Having said that, the Accutron II oozes retro 60's cool and I...
Correct on the accuracy
But it takes a lot less effort to get a watch accurate that adjusts the time once a day than to keep one accurate without adjustment - the latter I find somewhat cooler. At the same time I wear mechanical watches most of the time, which in terms of accura...
No little tuning fork...
...with little weights on the tines to adjust the rate=Not for me. I have a few real Accutrons. I love the concept and the execution. However, the pitch of the tuning fork means I have to sleep many rooms away.
Also an aspect to consider
I have to admit to never having experienced a real tuning fork movement live - the noise would at least be an interesting characteristic. As long as it can be muted in some way, when so desired. That the Accutron II will not match the original I understan...
The hum of
the tuning fork is not intrusive.....unless my ears are going deaf! lol! My vintage/earlier model says hi ...
LOL
So you are saying that I should wait with the real thing? Your original looks really cool - do you have more pictures of it?
Not really....
this is just a fun piece but horologically one of the early pre-quartz pieces which interested me. Will try to take more shots of this and post best
Very nice.
I've always shied away from Spaceviews as they seem a bit of a minefield. I'll have to search through my PPro gallery, I've a 70s 214? with box and papers. As for the hum...it's probably just me, 350Hz is very distracting
Sorry to
hear (sic) that...what a pity! Nonetheless,,the hum i get is rather muted. best
Interesting review of your Accutrone.
The watch looks totally f=different depending on the lighting in the various shots. Looks like a fun watch. Bill PS nice matching cuff links.
Definitely a fun piece
And you are right, it does look different depending on the lighting angle
Well, Spaceview :)
The original design was never intended for the public but as a training exhibit for watch repairmen learning to fix tuning fork movements - the rest, as they say was history The original was certainly one of the significant pre Quartz electronic movements...
