The new Accutron Legacy Date and Day Q , a recent release that closely echoes the original from 1971 .
UPDATING CLASSICS
I n recent months my inbox has been a repository of reminders about classic American watch design . And while plenty of digital missives arrive from the encouragingly high number of youthful watch designers active across the United States these days , I ’ ve been especially impressed by the retro-design regimen currently underway at Accutron .
Accutron ’ s Legacy collection transports us back decades with its studied re-introduction of dials and cases that truly met , and in many ways help define , the Swinging Sixties and the Space Age . The collection ’ s aerodynamic curves , electrical references and rampant asymmetry are a treat to both the eyes and the wrist . And by retaining vintage sizes Accutron enhances the nostalgia , setting the imaginative dials within their proper proportions .
Then there ’ s the Accutron Spaceview , which still rotates within its own orbit , just as it did at the start of the 1960s .
The newest Spaceview introduces a very cool and novel electrostatic-enhanced movement to horology . The collection ’ s new design perfectly echoes its 1960 electro-green forebear , but with size and technological updates .
As you likely are aware , Accutron contributed mightily to the enhanced instrumentation required by early test pilots and throughout the NASA space programs . Accutron , for example , supplied timers for early satellites such as Vanguard I , which orbited Earth in 1958 . Accutron timers could be found within Project Gemini craft and even on board Skylab .
A stylish reminder of Accutron style from this era can be found in the new Accutron Legacy Date and Day Q , a recent release that echoes the original 1971 streamlined ‘ flying saucer ’ 34.5mm oval case design and 4 o ’ clock crown .
We ’ ll show you more of the Accutron Legacy in upcoming issues . Until then , enjoy this Spring / Summer review of 2021 debuts .
Regards ,
6 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | FALL 2021