The Resonant Revolution: 3.6 Beats in 10 MilliSeconds (0.01s), yes. So, 360 beats per second. No, thats not your beloved mechanical pendulum going crazy. But tuningfork-watches by Bulova: Accutron cal214 from 1960 and the new Accutron cal314 arriving in 2025-Q3.
Tuning fork watches are horology’s unsung heroes, a revolutionary leap that redefined timekeeping in the 1960s. Unlike traditional mechanical watches, these marvels -- pioneered by Bulova’s Accutron -- replaced the balance wheel with a vibrating tuning fork, humming at 360Hz under electromagnetic pulses. This innovation delivered accuracy far surpassing conventional movements, bridging mechanical tradition and the quartz-era. The smooth, silent sweep of a tuning fork watch, like the iconic Bulova Accutron Spaceview, is a retro-futuristic symphony, its exposed movement a testament to mid-century ingenuity.
In 2025, the tuningfork-legacy roars back with the Accutron cal314: a modern homage to this groundbreaking technology. Blending vintage charm with contemporary precision, this caliber reintroduces the mesmerizing hum in sleek, collectible designs, captivating current enthusiasts and a new and especially curious interested audience.