For sale we have an outstanding example of a 1963 Bulova Accutron model 412. The 412 has stylish horn lugs and rear hand setting, with the desirable cal. 214 tuning fork movement inside. It has a 10k yellow gold-filled case, with a Stainless back and retaining ring. It has a standout champagne sunburst dial, with applied baton hour markers and Accutron logo. There are clean, square lume plots to the base of the markers, whilst the hands are also luminous. It has simple dash markers for the minutes/seconds, with sweep central second hand. 
The watch comes on a new old stock Bulova Accutron genuine lizard strap, with the original gold filled Bulova buckle. It also comes with its original Accutron box and Accutron medallion. Find another in this condition. 
 
A timeless classic, the model 412 was re-issued in a run limited to 600 in 2021 by Accutron, part of Citizen Watch Company, who have the rights to the name. It is a reference known for its clean styling, being influenced by the Ivy League style of dress in the late 50s, into the early 1960s. This is effortlessly achieved due to the symmetry afforded by the lack of a traditional crown to the side of the watch. The rear setting mechanism is a thing of joy, both technically, aesthetically and functionally.
 
 
 
The tuning fork movement vibrates 360 times per second, which creates an audible hum from the watch, as well as a seemless constant movement of the sweep second hand. It is driven by an electromagnetic coil system and powered by a dry-cell battery. The original accuracy variation was quoted at under 60 seconds a month.  
 
The cal. 214 was the first Accutron movement produced, and the first commercial tuning fork movement. It was introduced in 1960, with the first commercial sales in 1961. Over 400,000 were produced through to 1968. 
 
The tuning fork was developed by Swiss engineer Max Hetzel, who went to work got Bulova in 1950. In 1953 he created a working model, with eight wath-sized prototypes being tested by 1955. The design of the original movement was finalised in the latter 1950s, with Bulova placing tuning fork timers on spacecraft, satellites and on astronauts wrists. 
 
The best piece of innovation in the watch industry to date, it launched in Basel Fair in 1961, with Bulova selling over 100,000 units in two years. 
 
The movement has the date code for 1967, which means it was replaced at some point which is quite common when issues had faults, they would swap movements. It is still the correct calibre with the same features. This model was produced all the way until 1970.
 
A time warp example of an iconic reference, with the first major advancement in 300 years of watchmaking humming away inside. This is what watch collecting is all about. 
 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is original and is in very good condition with no visible wear. The applied hour markers are original and have slight corrosion marks, as does the Accutron logo. 
 
Hands: 
The hands are original, in a gold one. They are in excellent condition and shine bright with no marking. The lume in-fill is original. 
 
Glass: 
The acrylic crystal is original and is in very good condition with only light marking.
 
Crown: 
The crown is positioned to the rear. Pull the loop up and turn. It functions as it should and is in very good condition. 
 
Case:
The 10k yellow gold-filled case is in very good original condition with a polished finish. There is no wear to the gold fill and the tone is even. The watch has its original polished finish with only light surface scratching. 
 
Caseback:
The case back is formed of Stainless steel and is in very good condition. It has only light surface scratching and the battery hatch is free of horrible marking. It has the original lightly brushed finish. The signing is clear and it has little wear.  
 
Strap: 
The watch comes on a New old stock Bulova Accutron strap. It has the original Bulova gold plated buckle. 
 
Movement: 
The movement is a Bulova Accutron cal 214 tuning fork movement. It is powered by a battery and the tuning fork operates at 360 Hz. A new battery has been fitted.
 
The service history is unknown, but the movement is very clean and is has clearly been well kept. It’s keeping time to within a couple of seconds a day. 
 
Case dimensions: 
Case width: 34mm
Case length: 34mm 
Case length lug to lug: 39mm
Case Depth: 13mm
Lug width: 17mm