Reborn From the Best Parts of History: The Launch of the Accutron Astronaut “T”
Many brands and even individual watches boast a history of adventure, with claims to historical importance. There is one watch company, however, whose history is linked closely to Feldmar Watch Company. Accutron’s timepieces have been a part of our story from the early days when Feldmar served as the official Accutron Service Center. It was during this era that Accutron developed an iconic timepiece whose importance to history transcends earth itself—The Accutron Astronaut.
A History of Technological Innovation
Bulova launched the Accutron Astronaut in 1962 with the revolutionary, innovative tuning fork technology. Originally developed for the U.S. space program, the tuning fork mechanism led to unprecedented accuracy, even under extreme G-forces and high temperatures. This dedication to technological innovation should come as no surprise from a company whose name is a combination of ACCUracy through elecTRONics.
Accutron’s unequalled technology led to their participation in 46 NASA space missions, and during the historic 1969 moonwalk, a precision timer made by Accutron was placed in the Sea of Tranquility to transmit critical lunar data.
The Astronaut itself was strapped to the wrists of the pilots participating in both the A-12 “black aircraft” project and the X-15 rocket plane program. When you’re flying the world’s most advanced aircraft, where precision is of critical importance, only the world’s most advanced watch will do. At speeds above Mach 3, making a turn a few seconds too early or too late could put you hundreds of miles off course so precision flying – and timekeeping – is paramount.
A Historic Reissue
When the Accutron brand was relaunched, watch aficionados soon wondered if the legendary Astronaut would be reissued. The original Astronaut – with its rotating GMT bezel and vintage styling – has become a much-sought-after piece for collectors worldwide. Over the years, these pieces have become vanishingly scarce but for 2023, Accutron has announced a modern update and reissue. Fans of high-end precision watches will be excited by this year’s all-new Accutron Astronaut.
The all new, 300-piece Limited Edition Astronaut takes, as design inspiration, the classic 1968 Astronaut “T”, with features including:
- Swiss made SW330 GMT movement
- A distinctive day/night bezel
- Super luminova indices
- Partial exhibition caseback inscribed with ACCUTRON ASTRONAUT “T” 1968
- 41mm case diameter
- 100m water resistance
Presented on a 3-column highly articulated stainless steel bracelet, the new Accutron Astronaut is ultra-secure thanks to the double fold clasp. The matte black dial offers crystal clear time indication, utilizing twelve vintage styled hour markers, interspersed with another twelve rounded triangle markers to make reading an additional timezone a breeze.
It’s Not a Timepiece, It’s a Conversation Piece
When is a timepiece more than a timepiece? When it’s a piece of history reimagined, and reissued, for the 21st century. The Limited Edition Accutron Astronaut “T” reaches for the stars.
Discover the new Astronaut “T” along with the full line of Accutron watches at Feldmar. Browse our online store or stop into our flagship location.
About The Author: Tom Roth
Born in Washington state, Tom developed an interest in photography during college at University of San Diego. There, he got started in music journalism, interviewing artists and taking photos at concerts. A life-long tinkerer and collector, it wasn’t long before Tom became fascinated with fountain pens and watches.
Those interests collided in November 2020 when Tom started at Feldmar Watch Company where he lives out every watch geek’s dream: photographing and writing about timepieces. When he’s not tinkering with his watch collection, Tom can be found traveling, biting his nails while watching PNW sports teams, and taking flying lessons.
Read more from Tom Roth
