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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Electronic tuning fork wristwatch

Bulova Accutron Canadian Railroad Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Bulova Accutron Canadian Railroad wristwatch, identified by reference R.R. 218-0, utilizes the manufacturer's electronic tuning fork movement, introduced in 1960. The watch features a white dial with large black Arabic numerals and an inner 24-hour track. Distinctive to this Canadian market specification is the use of a "0" in place of the 12 o'clock position. The timepiece includes black hands and a contrasting orange seconds hand. It is housed in a gold-filled case and paired with a gold-tone expansion bracelet that incorporates a small perpetual calendar reference tool. The movement operates at a frequency of 360 Hz.

Front view of the Bulova Accutron Canadian Railroad watch on a brown surface.
Front view of the Bulova Accutron Canadian Railroad watch on a brown surface. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Electronic tuning fork wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Bulova
Reference
R.R. 218-0
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1970s
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

Design and Dial Features

The wristwatch follows a railroad-approved design aesthetic characterized by high legibility. The dial is white and displays prominent black Arabic numerals for the standard hours, complemented by an internal 24-hour military time track. A specific requirement for the Canadian market is the substitution of the numeral 12 with a 0, which serves as a primary identifier for this regional variant.

Black hands provide high contrast against the white dial, and the seconds hand is finished in orange to ensure visibility. A date aperture is positioned at the 3 o'clock mark.

Evidence for this section
  • “ویژگی بارز این مدل، صفحه سفید آن با اعداد عربی بزرگ سیاه و یک مسیر ۲۴ ساعته نظامی است.”
  • “نکته منحصر به فرد این ساعت، جایگزینی عدد ۱۲ با عدد «۰» در بالای صفحه است که یکی از الزامات خاص راه‌آهن کانادا بوده”
  • “این ساعت با یک بند انبساطی طلایی‌رنگ همراه است که دارای یک محفظه تقویم دائمی کوچک است.”

Movement and Technology

The internal mechanism is a Bulova caliber 218-0 tuning fork movement. Introduced in 1960, this electronic technology utilizes a 360 Hz frequency to drive the timekeeping functions. This system is known for producing a distinct buzzing sound and a continuous sweeping motion of the seconds hand, which was marketed for its accuracy prior to the widespread adoption of quartz technology.

The movement is noted for its engineering in the mid-20th century, representing a transition in horological development during the 1960s and 1970s. The movement is referred to as railroad approved, reflecting its application in professional settings where high precision was required.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور کالیبر ۲۱۸-۰ این ساعت با فرکانس ۳۶۰ هرتز کار می‌کند که صدای وزوز مشخص و حرکت بسیار نرم و پیوسته ثانیه‌شمار را به همراه دارد.”
  • “این تکنولوژی در آن زمان یکی از پیشرفته‌ترین دستاوردهای صنعت ساعت‌سازی بود”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports that the case, bracelet, and crystal exhibit signs of use, consistent with a vintage item. The dial and hands are described by the source as being in excellent condition.

The attribution of the watch as a Canadian Railroad model is based on documentation regarding Bulova production standards for the region. The dating to the 1970s is provided as an approximation within the source information.

Evidence for this section
  • “وضعیت گزارش‌شده: آثار استفاده روی قاب، بند و شیشه؛ صفحه و عقربه‌ها عالی به توصیف فروشنده”
  • “تاریخ تقریبی اعلام‌شده در منبع”

Open research questions

  • What specific regulatory body in Canada mandated the '0' replacement for the 12 o'clock hour on railroad timepieces?
  • How does the R.R. 218-0 case construction differ from the non-railroad 218 models?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulova Accutron Canadian Railroad Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandBulova“برند: Bulova”
ReferenceR.R. 218-0“شماره مرجع: R.R. 218-0”
Frequency360 Hz“فرکانس: ۳۶۰ هرتز”
Case MaterialGold Filled“جنس قاب در جدول منبع: Gold Filled؛ نه طلای توپر”
DialWhite dial with '0' at 12 o'clock“ویژگی خاص: عدد ۰ در موقعیت ۱۲”
MovementElectronic tuning fork“نوع موتور: چنگال تنظیم الکترونیکی”

Visible details

  • Dial features a '0' at the 12 o'clock position
  • Expansion bracelet contains a perpetual calendar window
  • Orange seconds hand
  • Date aperture at 3 o'clock position

Research qualifications

  • Exact date of manufacture is not specified
  • Current working status of the electronic movement is unverified

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Bulova Accutron Canadian Railroad رفرنس R.R. 218-0

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c660dc3b01

Terms in this record

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

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