In October 1960, noted watchmaker Bulova launched its renowned timepiece, the Accutron. Now, 60 years later, the company is debuting a new Accutron designed for the 21st century. The just-released book, Accutron: From the Space Age to the Digital Age by Carl Gustav Magnusson details the brand’s storied history. The 151-page book, published by Assouline, features 100 stunning illustrations. Throughout its six chapters, the book looks at the cutting-edge technology behind the Accutron, and offers a closer glimpse at the modern technology behind the latest version.
The Accutron revolutionized watchmaking in the middle of the 20th century, relying on a tuning fork instead of a balance wheel. An electronic oscillator powered the tuning fork, making the Accutron one of the first electronic watches and a precursor of the quartz watch. The new book features color and black-and-white photos of the technology and advertisements touting the watch’s accuracy. Celebrity spokesperson Elvis Presley is highlighted, as well. Released this month in a brilliant 7.5-inch by 11-inch x 0.75-inch, 2.1 lb rubberized hardcover, this tome should grace the coffee tables of all timepiece aficionados.