ACCUTRON X ANALOG:SHIFT CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED PROGRAM

June 12, 2024

New York, NY (June 12th, 2024) – Accutron and Analog:Shift announce official retail partnership with Factory Certified Pre-Owned program.

First unveiled in 1960 to universal acclaim, Accutron, known as the world’s first fully electronic watch, has been declared one of the most important innovations in the history of watchmaking. With the same passion for innovation and groundbreaking technology, Accutron returned after a decade of dedicated research and development with a new historical advancement in timekeeping – the world’s first watches powered by electrostatic energy.

Combining the timeless appeal of iconic design with the technical excellence of Swiss watchmaking precision, Accutron also revived some of their most memorable 1960s-1970s watch styles with the Legacy Collection, a limited series of cultural and iconic design touchstones reimagined with mechanical movements.

Now, timepieces from Accutron’s historical collections are available for purchase as part of an exclusive Factory Certified Pre-Owned Program launched in collaboration with Analog:Shift.

“Analog:Shift and Accutron are aligned in our deeply rooted respect for watchmaking history and tradition. Both based in New York City, we each have a passion for storytelling, horological innovation, and design that has led to numerous organic collaborations.” Says James Lamdin, Founder of Analog:Shift and Vice President of Vintage and Pre-Owned Watches For The Watches Of Switzlerand Group. “ We are excited to further our long-time association with Accutron in launching an exclusive partnership to authenticate and offer timepieces from their historical catalog with full Factory Certification and bring these pieces to the market at our Manhattan boutique, online shop, and to roll them out into select Watches Of Switzerland, Mayors, and Betteridge locations in the near future.”

Some of the vintage and contemporary Accutron styles available at launch include:

Spaceview Alpha – Originally designed to be a salesman’s tool highlighting the inner mechanism of the Accutron movement, the Spaceview wasn’t intended for retail purchase. But the delight of seeing these inner workings displayed caused demand from retailers and consumers to spike; indeed, seemingly everyone wanted this openworked watch to wear and take home. Accutron responded, producing retail versions with the same unique characteristics of their display models. The Accutron Spaceview was unlike anything that came before, and really, anything since. In production for about 17 years, tuning fork technology was eventually beaten out by quartz crystal movements, making these watches relatively short-lived. But they contain important and revolutionary technology that has had a tremendous impact on today’s world. 

Accutron Astronaut – When the Lockheed A-12 was selected to fly for the CIA’s ‘Black Aircraft’ project, it was the most advanced aircraft in the world — and for its pilots, the CIA selected the most advanced wristwatch — the Accutron Astronaut. With a reputation for durability during its time on the wrists of X-15 pilots, the Accutron Astronaut flexed all of its unique qualities to perform equally as effectively in extreme environments. Its tuning fork mechanism and low inertia components gave it good resistance to high G-loads and temperatures without malfunctioning under pressure. In a written letter by Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Frank Murray, the pilot sings the Astronaut’s praises, “Ordinary wristwatches worn by pilots on the outside of their pressure suits were not holding up to these temperatures. The Bulova Accutron Astronaut model held up to testing, so the CIA decided to furnish the Bulova watch to the CIA pilots flying the A-12.”

“521” Watch worn by the King of Rock and Roll –Unveiled in 1960, the “521” was the first and arguably the most desirable offset asymmetrical Accutron designs. Known as one of the popular “TV watches” from the brand at the time, it is no surprise that the King, whose career was launched on the iconic television series, The Ed Sullivan Show, took a liking. A watch fit for a king, the Accutron “521” was a unique standout and unlike any other watch at the time given its unique case shape. Featuring the same visually distinctive asymmetrical case design and crown placement near 3 o’clock, the new “521” retains its original 32.8 x 32.5mm case dimension for unisex wearability today. Offered with a gold-tone stainless steel case, a 3-hand silver white dial and stylized double-stick hour markers, this model is offered with an array of strap variations including a pearlized grey or green alligator grain strap, an orange or brown calf strap, or gold-tone bracelet.

Date and Day “Q” –Nicknamed “the up/down” watch because of its unique day and date apertures as well as the “flying saucer” due to its oval shape and nod to the brand’s 46 NASA space missions, including many orbiting missions in which Accutron was integral for timing requirements. The Legacy Collection release features a highly polished silver-tone stainless steel 34.5mm case and dark blue dial, finished with cool grey applied Roman numerals, a blue-accented day/date feature and a domed sapphire crystal with AR coating. The Date and Day “Q” is offered on a sleek white calf strap or a white accent-stitched dark blue leather grain strap to complete its celestial themed look.

“R.R.-0” Canadian Railroad Watch –Inspired by one of the first-ever timepieces approved by North American railroad systems, the “R.R.-0” in particular showcases design attributes similar to that of a past-approved Canadian Railroad watch, first launched in 1970. Accutron produced several railroad-approved timepieces throughout the 60s-70s, but the Canadian Railroad watch was one of the most popular designs nicknamed as “zero railroad” or just “zero” because of the 0 numeral at the 12-hour mark to meet Canadian Railroad specs. The new “R.R.-0” takes inspiration from this particular timepiece featuring a 34mm uniquely faceted stainless steel railroad case with crown placement at 4 o’clock. Boasting a bright white dial with bold Arabic numerals, the watch stays true to many of the original design details including railroad hands and a red second hand for accurate monitoring. The watch is available on either a brown or black leather saddle strap, red alligator grain strap or a white accent-stitched dark blue leather grain strap.

“Analog:Shift is the perfect partner to launch the brand’s first-ever Factory Certified Pre-Owned program with as they are the premiere leader in vintage and pre-owned watch sales,” says Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch America . “We are proud of our growing partnership with Analog:Shift and look forward to future collaborations.”

To shop the collection of Accutron Factory Certified Pre-Owned models at Analog:Shift, please visit their website, or schedule a personal shopping appointment by emailing [email protected]. They can be followed on social media platforms @analogshift.

© 2024 All Rights Reserved