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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Direct-read wristwatch

Bulova Accutron Direct Read

Partially verified

The Bulova Accutron Direct Read is a wristwatch from 1973, identified by the date code N3. It features a 42mm gold-plated case paired with an integrated bracelet. Departing from traditional analogue hands, this model displays time through a horizontal aperture, where hours shift instantly while minutes and seconds advance via numbered rotating discs. The watch is powered by the Accutron Calibre 2186 movement, an evolution of the tuning-fork technology. Due to the orientation and layout of the disc display, which assists with readability while a wearer's hand is on a steering wheel, this specific design is known as a driver's watch. The construction is mechanical-electronic, utilizing rotating discs beneath the dial to create the appearance of a digital display, though the internal mechanism functions without electronic digital components. It remains an example of electronic-mechanical horology produced before the dominance of quartz technology.

Front view of the Bulova Accutron Direct Read showing the horizontal disc display window and integrated bracelet.
Front view of the Bulova Accutron Direct Read showing the horizontal disc display window and integrated bracelet. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Direct-read wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Bulova
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1973
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 Display

The watch is housed in a 42mm gold-plated case with an integrated bracelet. Within this aperture, rotating discs provide numerical readouts for the time, a feature intended to enhance legibility during specific activities such as driving.

The visual configuration mimics a digital interface, though the underlying system remains entirely mechanical. The discs are arranged to display the current hour, minute, and second through the dial window, and the design is often referred to as a driver's watch due to this orientation.

Evidence for this section
  • “دارای بدنه ۴۲ میلی‌متری با روکش طلا و دستبند یکپارچه”
  • “به جای عقربه‌های سنتی، زمان از طریق یک دریچه افقی نمایش داده می‌شود”
  • “این سیستم، دقت بالای آکواترون را با یک نمایشگر منحصربه‌فرد ترکیب کرده که به دلیل خوانایی بالا، به «ساعت راننده» معروف شده است”

Movement

At the center of the watch is the Bulova Calibre 2186 movement. This movement is a progression of the company's tuning-fork technology, which utilizes an electronic-mechanical system to track time. It provides the power for the rotating disc display mechanism.

The movement represents a specific period of innovation in horological history, characterized by the transition between mechanical tuning-fork watches and the subsequent proliferation of quartz movements in the industry.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور کالیبر ۲۱۸۶ آکواترون، قلب تپنده این ساعت است”
  • “این سیستم، دقت بالای آکواترون را با یک نمایشگر منحصربه‌فرد ترکیب کرده”

Provenance and Dating

The watch is attributed to 1973, verified by the presence of the 'N3' date code on the timepiece.

The source identifies the model as the Accutron Direct Read and links its production to the United States.

Evidence for this section
  • “این ساعت که در سال ۱۹۷۳ تولید شده (تأیید شده با کد تاریخ N3)”
  • “ساعت مچی Bulova Accutron Direct Read”
  • “این ساعت یکی از آخرین نوآوری‌های بزرگ پیش از سلطه کامل کوارتز بر صنعت ساعت‌سازی است”

Open research questions

  • Are there variations in dial colors or disc fonts for this specific reference?
  • Does the N3 date code correspond to the movement serial number or the case serial number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulova Accutron Direct Read
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBulova“برند: Bulova”
ModelAccutron Direct Read“مدل: Accutron Direct Read”
Production Year1973“این ساعت که در سال ۱۹۷۳ تولید شده (تأیید شده با کد تاریخ N3)”
MovementCalibre 2186“موتور کالیبر ۲۱۸۶ آکواترون”
Case Diameter42 mm“قطر بدنه: ۴۲ میلی‌متر”
Case MaterialGold plated“جنس بدنه: روکش طلا”
Display TypeRotating discs“نوع نمایش: دیسک‌های چرخشی”
Country of OriginUnited States“Country: ایالات متحده”

Visible details

  • Rotating discs display hours, minutes, and seconds
  • Gold-plated case with 42mm diameter
  • Integrated metal bracelet
  • Crown located on the side of the case

Research qualifications

  • The source attributes the watch to the 1970s and specifically to 1973 via an N3 date code, which is not independently verified
  • The current operational state of the electronic movement is described as 'unknown' in the source data

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Bulova Accutron Direct Read

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 93ae25740c

Terms in this record

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