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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Electronic wristwatch

Bulova Accutron 214 'Alpha' Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Bulova Accutron 214 'Alpha' is a mid-century electronic wristwatch introduced in 1960. It utilizes the Accutron Calibre 214 movement, a design credited to Max Hetzel, which employs a 360 Hz tuning fork oscillator instead of a traditional balance wheel, powered by a transistorized electronic circuit. The watch is constructed in 14k gold and features a champagne-colored dial with applied golden indices and a center seconds hand. The design incorporates a distinct lug structure where the top and bottom profiles differ, a feature noted for its unique geometry. The movement is reported to achieve a precision of approximately one minute per month. This specific example features the M0 date code, confirming its production year. The watch emits a hum during operation, resulting from the internal tuning fork vibration. It is currently offered as a factory-certified pre-owned item, having undergone inspection by Bulova experts.

Front-three-quarter view of the Bulova Accutron 214 'Alpha' with 14k gold case and black leather strap.
Front-three-quarter view of the Bulova Accutron 214 'Alpha' with 14k gold case and black leather strap. — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Electronic wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Bulova
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1960
Source-reported place
United States

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Construction

The case of this Accutron 'Alpha' model is crafted from 14k gold and presents a distinct aesthetic profile. A notable feature is the construction of the lugs, where the lower and upper profiles are designed differently, departing from uniform lug shapes. The casing houses a champagne-colored dial characterized by a sunburst or radial finish.

The dial layout incorporates applied golden indices for hour markers, with the numeral 12 positioned at the top. A minute track, which appears fluted or grooved, runs along the outer perimeter of the dial. A central seconds hand extends across the face, contributing to the watch's formal appearance.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه این ساعت از طلای ۱۴ عیار ساخته شده است”
  • “ساختار قاب (Lug) این ساعت کاملاً منحصر‌به‌فرد است؛ به طوری که پروفیل قسمت پایین قاب با پروفیل قسمت بالای آن متفاوت طراحی شده است.”
  • “دارای یک صفحه نمایش شامپاینی زیبا می‌باشد”
  • “ویژگی‌های ظاهری این مدل شامل ایندکس‌های طلایی زیبا و عقربه ثانیه‌شمار مرکزی است”

Movement and Technology

At the heart of the timepiece is the Calibre 214 movement. This mechanism replaces the traditional mechanical balance wheel with a 360 Hz tuning fork, controlled by a battery-powered, transistorized oscillator circuit. This technological shift was intended to improve timekeeping precision in an era preceding widespread quartz movement adoption.

The movement is recognized for high levels of accuracy for its time, qualifying it as the first wristwatch to receive United States railroad certification. Operational status is indicated by a characteristic hum produced by the internal tuning fork vibration, which is described as a steady, audible experience.

Evidence for this section
  • “از یک دیاپازون (چنگک تنظیم) ۳۶۰ هرتزی متصل به مدار نوسان‌ساز ترانزیستوری با باتری بهره می‌برد”
  • “موتور به کار رفته در این محصول کالیبر ۲۱۴ (Accutron Calibre 214) است”
  • “صدای خاصی که از این ساعت شنیده می‌شود ناشی از ارتعاش دیاپازون داخلی آن است”

Authentication and History

The watch is dated to 1960, identified by the M0 date code found on the piece. This period marks the era of the Accutron's introduction to the market. The specific design language is noted to share similarities with the manufacturer's well-known 'Spaceview' models.

The source indicates that this watch is part of a 'Factory Certified Pre-Owned' program, suggesting that it has undergone verification and inspection by specialists at Bulova. These records are attributed to the source and are not subject to independent verification by the current cataloguer.

Evidence for this section
  • “این ساعت در سال ۱۹۶۰ تولید شده و دارای کد تاریخ M0 است”
  • “این نمونه خاص از نظر معماری با مدل‌های محبوب Spaceview هم‌خوانی دارد.”
  • “این ساعت به عنوان بخشی از برنامه «ساعت‌های کارکرده تایید شده توسط کارخانه» عرضه می‌شود”

Open research questions

  • What are the precise dimensions of the 14k gold case?
  • Does the case back carry specific internal service or patent markings beyond the M0 date code?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulova Accutron 214 'Alpha' Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBulova“برند: Bulova”
MovementAccutron Calibre 214“موتور به کار رفته در این محصول کالیبر ۲۱۴ (Accutron Calibre 214) است”
Date codeM0“دارای کد تاریخ M0”
Case material14K gold“جنس بدنه: 14K gold”
Frequency360 Hz“فرکانس: 360 Hz”
DesignerMax Hetzel“توسط مکس هتزل (Max Hetzel) طراحی شده است.”
AccuracyApproximately one minute per month“دقت آن حدود یک دقیقه در ماه یا تقریباً ۲ ثانیه در روز تضمین شده است.”

Visible details

  • Champagne-colored dial with 'ACCUTRON' signature below 12 o'clock
  • Applied golden baton indices with Arabic numeral '12'
  • Distinct asymmetrical lug architecture joining the case to a dark leather strap
  • Fluted or decorative minute track encircling the dial periphery

Research qualifications

  • Independent verification of movement condition or authenticity is not provided in the source
  • Current inventory and pricing data reflect the time of original source compilation

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Bulova Accutron 214 'Alpha'

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 184845553e

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.