Accutron’s New Legacy Collection Revives Watches From The 1960’s, 1970’s

By Gordon Henderson

The connection between watch manufacturers and the watch community has grown tremendously over the years, with so many avid watch lovers highly tuned to the back stories of many brands. Accutron, which previously was under the Bulova name and recently became its own separate brand, is one of those beloved companies because of its rich roots in watchmaking. Now, the brand unveils the new Legacy Collection — tapping into the watch community even more succinctly.

The Legacy Collection is a revival and modern re-imagination of some of the brand’s most iconic pieces from the 1960’s and ’70’s. In order to decide which pieces from the era should be selected, Accutron invited watch collectors to the brand’s headquarters at the Empire State Building in the fall of 2019. Those in attendance were walked through not only the history of the brand but also helped to identify pieces with both historical significance.

The event was well received with collectors effusive with praise about the brand’s approach to the revival of certain pieces, and the way it involved collectors so that they felt they could add value to Accutron’s decision making.

“The uniqueness of Accutron’s approach to the market is that the brand is actually leading from the bottom up, involving the collector community in an organic and authentic way,” says collector, Richard Callamaras. “The brand trusts the people, who for years have searched for, purchased and worn Accutron watches, to help guide them in creating the perfect timepieces for the future.”

The list for the Accutron Legacy collection boasts twelve watches, with each being limited to 600 pieces, all powered by Accutron’s Swiss-made 26 jewel movement. The lineup starts with the 203 and 565 which have the distinctive asymmetrical case with crown located at the 4 o’clock. The 203 model comes in an old school 34 mm case with silver and gold accents with the oh so era perfect 3 hand champagne dial. The piece is presented on a brown croco embossed leather strap and double press deployant clasp. This watch retails for $1450.

For the 565 you will find cross-hatching detail with the same asymmetrical case but this time in stainless steel and matching dial in silver white with 3 hand layout. This color variant comes on a black embossed black leather strap with deployment. Price for the steel is $1390.

From the ’60’s, Accutron is reviving the 521. The same visual queues are maintained for the release. The same asymmetrical case design and crown placement at the 3 o’clock are noticeable. The case sizing has retained its origins, dimensions at 32.8 x 32.5 mm. The sizing allows for the piece to be worn by men or women. The gold tone stainless steel piece comes on either a mesh bracelet or brown lizard strap. Cost is $1550 for the bracelet and $1450 for leather strap.

Inspired by the vintage 505, the 33mm alpha case design with crown placement at 4 o’clock, the piece comes in two metal color options. A silver tone stainless steel and gold tone stainless steel. They both offer 3 hand layout with the stainless steel case boasting a silver toned white dial and silver tone applied hours makers and the gold toned applied hour makers. They will retail for $1390 and $1450 respectively.

Drawing its inspiration from the 1969, the 412 offers a round case, 4 o’clock crown placement, 34 mm case size and gold tone. Retail is $1450.

The next subset of pieces come from their collections released in the 70s. The Accutron R.R.-0 was the first ever railroad approved wrist watch. The piece has a railroad case design, crown located at the 4 o’clock and 34 mm case. In keeping with the locomotive theme, bold Arabic numbers on a while 24 hour dial. A red second hand and calendar function complete the piece. The piece for the piece is $1299.

The 261 debuted in 1971 come in two metal color variants, a stainless steel and gold tone stainless steel. Both measure 38.5 mm with a teal dial for the stainless steel and grey dial for the gold. The steel comes in a black leather strap and the gold with a three link bracelet. Prices will be $1390 and $1550 respectively.

Another model from 1971, the Accutron Day and Date Q has a 34.5 mm oval case, stainless steel case and dark blue dial. Cool grey Roman numerals and a blue accented day/ date feature complete the piece. It comes on a white accent stiched dark blue leather strap. Price is $1390.

The final installment in the line up is the 21343–9W that debuted in 1974. The piece comes in a cushion case and measures 38 mm. The stainless steel piece comes on a three link bracelet and features a rounded corner. The piece will retail for $1490. All pieces are water resistant to 30M and each is limited to 600 pieces.