Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Tuning fork wristwatch

Bulova Accutron 'Floppy Football'

Partially verified

This Bulova Accutron, colloquially referred to as the 'Floppy Football', is defined by its asymmetrical case geometry. It features an electronic movement powered by a 360-hertz tuning fork, which replaces the traditional balance wheel mechanism found in mechanical wristwatches. Designed by Max Hetzel, the movement utilizes a battery-powered transistor oscillator circuit, historically noted for its ability to maintain timekeeping accuracy within approximately one minute per month. The dial is marked with the Accutron signature and the brand's tuning fork logo.

The Bulova Accutron 'Floppy Football' shown in a front-facing studio view, displaying the two-tone case and matching bracelet.
The Bulova Accutron 'Floppy Football' shown in a front-facing studio view, displaying the two-tone case and matching bracelet. — Analog:Shift. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
analogshift.com
Category
Wristwatch · Tuning fork wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Bulova
Reference
AS11753
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1960s
Source-reported place
U.S.

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 Aesthetic Design

The watch features an asymmetrical case shape, identified by the nickname 'Floppy Football'. The case is constructed from a combination of steel and gold materials. The overall composition is finished with a matching two-tone bracelet, which includes a signed clasp as part of the ensemble.

The watch dial displays a minimalist aesthetic, featuring baton-style hour markers and a centered hand arrangement. The brand name and the tuning fork emblem appear on the dial surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “'floppy footabll', known for its asymmetrical case shape”
  • “executed in two tone steel and gold”
  • “This particular iteration comes with its matching two-tone bracelet with signed clasp.”

Tuning Fork Movement

The watch functions using a tuning fork oscillator, which deviates from conventional mechanical balance wheel systems. The heart of the movement relies on a 360-hertz tuning fork, which is integrated with a battery-powered transistor circuit. This system was designed to provide consistent timekeeping.

The technology was created by Max Hetzel for the Accutron line. It was historically positioned as a high-precision alternative to mechanical movements, achieving accuracy rates that led to its qualification for U.S. Railroad certification.

Evidence for this section
  • “using a 360-hertz tuning fork attached to a battery-powered transistor oscillator circuit as its heart”
  • “Designed by Max Hetzel”
  • “guaranteed to be accurate to about one minute per month, or roughly 2 seconds per day.”

Technological Context

Bulova introduced this electronic watch technology in 1960. The tuning fork movement represents an alternative to the mechanical watch architectures that were standard during the mid-20th century. The system remained in production for approximately 17 years before the industry shift toward quartz technology.

While some early Accutron models were produced as open-worked display pieces, this specific iteration is a retail-ready version of the tuning fork design. The movement is distinguished by a humming sound produced during operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “In 1960, Bulova had a vision of the future”
  • “In production for about 17 years, the tuning fork technology was eventually beaten out by quartz crystal movements”
  • “Hold this baby up to your ear and there’s no doubt you’ll be soothed by the tuning fork’s soundscape.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production year for this reference AS11753?
  • Are there additional case back engravings or serial numbers to confirm the specific production batch?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulova Accutron 'Floppy Football'
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBulova“Bulova”
Movement Type360-hertz tuning fork“360-hertz tuning fork”
DesignerMax Hetzel“Designed by Max Hetzel”
Model NameFloppy Football“'floppy footabll'”
Case MaterialTwo-tone steel and gold“executed in two tone steel and gold”
AccuracyApproximately one minute per month“guaranteed to be accurate to about one minute per month”

Visible details

  • Asymmetrical case shape
  • Two-tone steel and gold construction
  • Signed clasp on the bracelet
  • Tuning fork logo on the dial

Research qualifications

  • Exact year of manufacture is not specified beyond the 1960s era
  • Movement interior condition is not documented in the source

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

Consulted source

Bulova Accutron 'Floppy Football'

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record cd16d28a91

Terms in this record

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

Other tuning fork wristwatch records