As of late I have started to get interested in these 'hummers' or Tuning fork watches as they're to be known. Came across this Chronometer last night with a C-shaped case and what I think is an awesome dial, blue with textured deeper blue centre, and looks like it came in silver too. I've never really had any love for these before, but I'm starting to appreciate their craftsmanship more and more. And the dials are magnificent.

I did some research and found this catalogue excerpt from 1974, 10 years before I was born! Amazing to think they created this kind of watch in those days...

It fascinates me to think they used the movement license from Bulova too.



I just had to start this thread now in excitement and anticipated, as the watch is on its way from the US. I will update in due course. Meanwhile, let's see any of yours?

Edit: gatorcpa - may I ask what the correct buckle would have been?

 

I think the movement is Bulova in these watches isn't it?

 

Yup, I believe the f300's were licensed by Bulova. I believe the movement in these was used in many other watch brands too, like Zenith/Movado, Titus, IWC, and a few others

 

I love those tuningfork watches. They represent the 1960's satellite technology.

 

Great Accutron! I believe the Bulovas were extremely popular at that time, hence the Swiss watch companies wanting some of the action! I think the movements were common at the time so the value is determined by the model, for instance, some constellations seem to do well, and other uncommon variations..

Apparantly Omega was one of the only companies that designed their own tuning fork movement - Omega Megasonic, which didn't infringe on Bulovas patent. And only around 10k were made. Extremely intricate engineering went into them with little monetary return. I believe they were very expensive watches at that time.

 

I was briefly into Accutrons and found them to be more expensive to maintain than they were worth. There are varying opinions on them, although most do agree they're an important part of history.

Alex, that blue dial came on mechanical watches too:

 

Very nice Dennis! What's the reference? I don't think that is the same dial as mine though.

Edit: here's a close up:-

 

Dennis is that from the seventies?

 

I like tuning forks with a bezel


This Bulova is one of my favorites. I can't find a picture of my example right now. This picture was borrowed from Hodinkee

 

Nice pair Joe!

 

I really like the buzzing sound of the Bulova accutron. Does the Megasonic make a same noise?

 

157.0001

1968.

 

I love the sound my two make, especially when they rest on a resonant surface.

 

try to get a few NOS spare movements , if you want to stay with these. they come up from time to time as ESA`s and other brands, but that little shaped makers plaque on the movement is interchangeable...... kind regards. achim....... funny, bought one last week in a massive flightmaster like case with a brown dial. still in the mail.....

 

I don´t know the sound of the omega´s, but this Longines is really noisy.
With my hand under the pillow I can fell it all over my head.
I love how the second hand moves like an automatic.

 

Sweeet Dial!

 

Thanks.
It´s an inherited NOS from my grandfather.

 

I never tried sleeping with the Bulova. But I can imagine that the buzzing noise can be easily noticed at night.

Lovely watch.

 

Lovely heirloom. That case could shave you! I really like the smooth sweep, will post a video when it arrives!