Discover the Legacy of Accutron at Windsor Jewelers
Strongly rooted in a decorated history, yet reborn for a new generation, Accutron is back to change the way the world tells time once again. From its conception, state-of-the-art technology and the pinnacle of design have always been engineered into the DNA of Accutron. The brand that revolutionized the way the world told time, Accutron first introduced the world to the first fully electronic watch in 1960 and its masterful engineering technology became an integral element of America’s space program. Now, the leader in timekeeping continues its legacy of excellence in design and technology introducing new advancements in timekeeping with timepieces powered entirely by electrostatic energy.
Reinventing Timekeeping
An Echelon of Electrostatic Energy
In 1960, the first Accutron came humming into the world, introducing the world to the first entirely electronic watch, a technological milestone that boasted the highest level of timekeeping precision, powered by an electronically activated tuning fork that didn’t tick like its traditional counterparts; it hummed. An achievement in mechanical engineering of its time, the Accutron was unparalleled in its timekeeping precision and accuracy. A hum heard around the world, the Accutron produced the unique sound, as a result of the vibrations of a tuning fork, resonating at an unseen-before 360 times a second.
Building upon its foundation of inspired innovation and ground-breaking technology, Accutron is once again reborn. To honor the illustrious history of Accutron and the beloved designs that made the brand what it is today, the brand has introduced reimagined versions of its iconic Spaceview timepieces, including five models of the world’s first watches powered by electrostatic energy. A feat of timekeeping engineering, Accutron’s Spaceview 2020 uses a proprietary electrostatic energy movement that converts human motion into timekeeping movements, driven by twin turbines that rotate at impressive speeds between two electrodes affixed to the movement. An electrostatic motor that derives power from energy stored in an accumulator drives the second hand, while a step motor activates the hour and minute hands. Integrated circuits synchronize the motors to offer accuracy of timekeeping +/- five seconds a month.
A true conversation piece, the Spaceview is as elevated in its style as it is in its masterful technology. Since its conception, its defining feature was its unique lack of a dial, better known as an open-work dial design, that enabled the wearer a closer view into the intricate mechanics of the watch. In the 1960s, the open-work design was actually originally intended to be used for training purposes only, as a demonstration model that enabled Accutron’s salespeople and retail staff to showcase the new tuning fork technology in action to prospective buyers. However, the uniquely designed timepiece was destined to transcend its place as a display model, and from its compelling aesthetic to its innovative engineering, demand for the Spaceview escalated. It’s open-work layout served not only as a standout design feature, but also as a symbol of the highest level of timekeeping accuracy, and an emblem of the capabilities of modern technology. Aligning with the idealism of the age in which Accutron was born, the forward-thinking and striking design echoes of nostalgia and hums with youthful optimism, while blazing its way into the future.
Its newest collections reinvent the Spaceview, creating hallmark men’s timepieces for a modern era with stunning style and awe-inspiring visual impact. The Limited Edition 18K version of the Spaceview 2020 timepiece features an open-dial design that glows within a lustrous gold bezel with signature, light green, super luminous markers and second hand. Epitomizing luxury for a new age, a finely grained black leather strap with 18-karat three-piece buckled closure completes the majestic package. With only 60 pieces, this hallmark of design and technological achievement retails for $19,600.
The transformed Spaceview introduces two new additions to its celebrated collection of iconic men’s timepieces. The Spaceview 2020 also includes an edition with a smoke grey, polished stainless steel case with scintillating hands and markers, gleaming in signature, super luminous green with a domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal case and water resistance up to 50m. The resplendent new styles also feature a matte green or vivid orange, genuine American alligator strap — ethically sourced in the U.S. under the guidance of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Regulations and all CITES regulations.
With standout visual appeal that escalates style and engineering to new heights of aesthetic brilliance, the aptly named Accutron DNA resounds with its original “genetic information,” yet is reimagined for a new era. A masterpiece of modernist-minimal design, the model nods to sci-fi with its avant-garde skeleton dial and lustrous stainless steel case with a striking rose-gold tone and grey combo finish. A high-tech rubber strap with deployant closure adds a ruggedly refined touch to the luxe, elevated design.
A Celebrated Legacy Continues
Redefining Iconic Style
Evocative of an American cultural evolution, while epitomizing the apex of technology and style, Accutron reintroduces the acclaimed 261 watches known as the “TV watches” in a modern, reimagining of the archetypal design. The 60s and 70s were an era that reverberated with the idealistic spirit of the Space Age, and a radical cultural shift that was also taking place within U.S. households. American families began to congregate around their TVs as a primary source of their news and entertainment. Accutron’s 261 watches embodied the popular space-age look of TV sets with the era, with a dramatic cushion-shaped case and amplified domed circle centerpiece. The brand also drew inspiration from influential art movements, nodding to Pop Art, Conceptual Art and Minimalism in its illustrious designs.
The 261 Legacy collection of today hums with a buoyant nostalgic energy, yet is entirely reinvented for a modern age. Generated by Accutron’s Swiss-made 26-jewel movement, the revived styles boast a striking cushion case design and crown placement situated at 4 o’clock with a calendar feature. The updated “261” from 1971 gleams in gold-tone stainless steel and a three-link bracelet with double-press closure. The masterpiece also features a domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. The Accutron Legacy collection also includes a colorful twist to update its iconic “261” timepiece design with a bright teal dial with a silver-tone stainless steel case and hand-stitched, luxurious black leather strap with double-press deployant closure. A refreshed version of the “21343-9W” from 1974 is reborn with its bold and distinctive tonneau, octagonal-style case design, faceted in lustrous silver-tone stainless steel.
Originally donned by the one-and-only King of Rock and Roll himself, the reissued 521 timepiece is also fit to be worn by the luminaries and trendsetters of today’s world. The 521, also one of the acclaimed “TV watches” was an icon of stunning style with a captivating, uniquely asymmetrical case shape, fashioned in a 14-karat gold-filled case with a mineral glass crystal and a snap-on case back.
The modernized reissue of the standout 521 nods to the original design with its distinctive asymmetrical case, a domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti- reflective coating and a 3-hand silver-white dial with stylized double-stick markers. The luxury timepiece is available in two versions, one fashioned in luminous gold-tone stainless steel with mesh style bracelet and another a gold-tone stainless steel case with a brown lizard-embossed leather strap.
A Symbol for Today’s Heroes
Throughout its celebrated history, the Accutron brand has been a symbol of excellence and unsurpassed accuracy, prized by influential movers and shakers of the world. In the 60s, Accutron introduced the 505 timepiece with its unique, asymmetrical Alpha case shape. Known for its association with the medical field, medical professionals gravitated to the striking style due to its standout design features that signified their own brazen, one-of-a-kind individuality and dignified standing, as well as the timepiece’s unsurpassed precision and accuracy.
In fact, the 505 was known as the original surgeon’s watch due to its dial’s crosshairs which measured time in 15-second increments, a layout that became an integral component in checking blood pressure and pulse throughout the medical industry.
The reissue of Accutron 505 is an exceptional timepiece that resonates with today’s healthcare heroes, “commending the hundreds of thousands of people on the front lines during the recent pandemic,” according to Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch America. The esteemed revival is also an emblem that pays homage to “those who have dedicated their lives to helping others,” as stated by Cohen.
The reissue showcases the momentous 35mm Alpha case design with crown placement at 4 o’clock and is available in two models: a scintillating silver-tone with a black lizard-embossed leather strap or a gold-tone stainless steel case design with a brown croco-embossed leather strap. Both editions feature Accutron’s Swiss-made 26-jewel movement and the collection is limited to 600 pieces for each model.
Reborn For a New Generation
Blazing into the world in 1960 with its cutting-edge technology and standout design, Accutron became an icon of its era and continues to have a celebrated place in modern times. Introducing the world to the first timepieces powered entirely by electrostatic energy that boasted the highest level of timekeeping precision, Accutron’s timepieces were coveted by influential figures and leaders within their respective fields, and continue to resonate with today’s trendsetters and trailblazers. Accutron is reborn once again to redefine a new echelon of masterful engineering and design, influence the stories of a new generation and forever inspire our perspective of time.
For a shopping experience that reflects the refined luxury of Accutron, head to Windsor Jewelers. Family-owned since 1986, Windsor Jewelers offers some of the world’s most illustrious timepieces with impeccable customer service to match. Every coveted Accutron piece you see above can be found at Windsor Jewelers. Whether you desire a gift for someone special or for yourself, the experts at Windsor Jewelers will guide you, offering education and cultivated artistic insights. Featuring two spectacular locations in Charlotte and Winston-Salem, acquiring the piece of your dreams is closer than you think. Visit www.windsor-jewelers.com to learn more.