Glossary · Mechanism
Tuning-fork movement
An electromechanical movement regulated by a vibrating metal tuning fork rather than a balance or quartz crystal.
Explanation
The tuning-fork movement, commercialised as the Bulova Accutron in 1960, is regulated by a 360 Hz tuning fork whose vibrating tine drives an index wheel through a tiny jewelled pawl. Far more accurate than contemporary mechanical watches, it hums audibly and sweeps its seconds hand smoothly. It was superseded by cheaper quartz in the 1970s.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Tuning-fork movement”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
