Reconstructing the Tuning Fork Movement from a Modern Perspective

Once donned by astronauts, the legendary tuning fork watch, Accutron.
Its innovative movement is being revived once again through modern technology and aesthetics.

This release is a tribute to the innovation that first defined Accutron and a bold step towards the future of precision timepieces.

This is not merely a reissue; please take a moment to experience this piece that has been reconstructed by adding a modern perspective.

Electronic Tuning Fork Watch, Accutron

First introduced in 1960, the Accutron's tuning fork mechanism was the world's first electronic wristwatch, marking a revolutionary evolution from traditional manual and automatic watches. It was the first to adopt a tuning fork mechanism, replacing the role of a balance wheel.

This technology was unprecedented at the time, achieving high precision within 2 seconds a day. The distinctive 360Hz buzzing sound and smoothly moving second hand became symbols of precision. This technology was originally developed at the request of the U.S. military, which needed a more accurate timing device. The buzzing sound is created by an actual tuning fork vibrating at a precise frequency driven by current. This specific vibration directly connects to the watch's accuracy, achieving unparalleled stability. Thanks to its reliability, it was adopted in numerous projects, including NASA engineers, military pilots aspiring to become astronauts, and aerospace programs, being housed in spacecraft instruments and cockpit panels during the height of the space race.

The new product being released comes after ten years of development and features a uniquely developed tuning fork movement. For decades, this type of movement, requiring fine precision and special mechanisms, has proven difficult to realize, but we have re-developed it from scratch while inheriting the original spirit.

The two iconic features of this watch, the "360Hz buzzing sound" and "smoothly moving second hand," faithfully inherit the original model while adopting modern manufacturing methods that did not exist at the time. For example, to achieve sweeping seconds, the index wheel, a key component that converts the tuning fork's vibrations into power, incorporates LIGA technology (a microfabrication technique), achieving a remarkable 400 teeth in a mere 3.6mm component.
Additionally, the index wheel, which could not be viewed without disassembly in the original model, has been placed on the dial side. This allows one to enjoy the high-speed gear movement, capable of one rotation in about 1.1 seconds, made possible by this precise engineering. Furthermore, in a desire to allow viewers to fully appreciate the movement, the Original model lacked a transparent case back, which has now been incorporated in a skeleton design. This allows for an unobstructed view not only of the skeletonized dial side but also of the tuning fork's distinct coils and intricate decorations on the reverse side. The watch's precision is set to a monthly deviation of ±1 minute, consistent with the original model. This groundbreaking announcement connects Accutron's past and future, delivering a rare opportunity to experience a creativity that transforms the concept of watchmaking.

With the reintroduction of this iconic movement, Accutron opens a new chapter in watch manufacturing. It celebrates our pioneering past while pushing the boundaries of possibilities. This release is a tribute to the innovation that first defined Accutron and a bold step towards the future of precision watches.