This very rare pocket watch is powered by one of the very first electronically controlled movements in the world, the Accutron. name derived from the worlds ACCUracy and elecTRONic.

All attempts to construct an electronic timepiece superior to mechanical timepieces in terms of accuracy had initially failed and Bulova entrusted the engineer Max Hetzel with the development of a very precise electronic timepiece.

With the application registered on 19 June 1953 under patent number 312290, the starting signal to produce the first prototype was given in 1954.

Max Hetzel believed that the inclusion of a transistor in the movement would help to increase the precision of the timepiece. Furthermore he replaced the balance with a tuning fork, a small piece of metal consisting of two parallel arms soldered together in a U-shape and extended by a shaft. The tuning fork was placed between two transistors and oscillated at 360 Hz, a significantly higher frequency than that of a classic, mechanical movement.

Officially introduced on 10 October 1960 by Bulova’s president, General Omar N. Bradley, Accutron timepieces were an instant success, the movement remained the most accurate on the market for many years.

The pocket watch offered here for sale is equipped with one of these extraordinary, historical movements. The movement is complete and has not been used as a spare parts store as it is often the case. However, it needs cleaning and servicing by a specialist to ensure that it is working properly again.

Of further interest is its 18K gold fob chain, signed by the renowned Gay Frères, established in 1835 by Jean-Pierre Gay and Gaspard Tissot. The company's workshop in Geneva specialized in the manufacture of chains and bracelets, renowned for their quality and the originality of the creations.

Gay Frères was a key supplier to many prestigious watch companies and bracelets made by the firm can add value to a vintage piece.