It’s 1974 and you’re looking for a dress watch

This probably isn’t the first thing on your list. But it does sneak in to your shortlist – it’s a super simple time only watch with no running seconds. It’s a clean look. But what pushes you over the edge to choose this over countless other dress watches? Accutron. But it’s not the normal Accutron it’s been updated, down sized and running at a higher frequency. Up to 440 hz from 360 hz.

Just like in mechanical watches a higher frequency provides a greater accuracy – however with the already very accurate Accutron this increase will be minimal. That’s probably not the first thing on your mind when looking at this. It’s the chocolate brown sunburst dial. It’s the gently brushed gold plated case. It’s the bold white hour markers.

The case is an intriguing almost UFO shape. It’s a circle shape with rolling sides that slip completely out of view. The lugs seem to float underneath hardly even connected to the case. They curve gently downwards with a sharp flat finish.

The famous Bulova tuning fork logo is stamped proudly onto the crown. Gently recessed into the case in a little pocket. Pulling the crown to the setting position is easy and winding is firm – but you’re not winding this movement up. You’re setting the time. And with Accutron you probably won’t be setting it again any time soon. You wonder – does this little crown feel a bit neglected.

Another logo at 6 o’clock reminding you once again that this is a clever piece of kit. But you don’t need to be reminded. You can hear it. The 440 hz hum producing a constant A note. But unlike other Accutron watches you can’t marvel at the smooth sweep second. But you don’t need to see it – you know.

So what’s happening inside?

This is the new Bulova Accutron 2210. The tuning fork wraps around the battery compartment and components have been reduced in size and position to make this one compact movement. It’s only 4 mm thick, 19.4 mm tall and 17.4 mm wide.

Bulova achieved some of this size reduction by using a tiny gearbox with worm gears on the first 2 step downs in the gear train. The reduction provided was 840 to 1.

But is this what you have been looking for? It’s on (in my opinion) one of the best bracelet available. A JB Champion 10 carat gold filled mesh weave bracelet. It works with anything – but it really suits this watch case shape and colour.

It’s a slide fitting bracelet with a simple clasp. It’s flexible and comfortable and doesn’t catch the hairs on your wrist. It’s also got a lovely gloss finish that catches the light on all the tiny facets within the weave.

So – has this little golden marvel stolen your head and your heart? You take another look back at the raised Bulova Accutron logo.

“Is this for me?”

You tell me. Let me know in the comments.